The Superstitious Chameleon
Immortality: One of the most widespread superstitions is that when a chameleon dies, its bones turn into many young chameleons, essentially making them immortal. This belief stems from the idea that chameleons rise from the dead in the form of many more, perpetuating their existence. (Zimbabwe)
Bringers of Death: In some African folklore, chameleons are associated with the origin of death. A higher power sent a chameleon to deliver the message of eternal life to humans. However, the chameleon moved slowly and was overtaken by a lizard, who delivered the message of death instead. This led to the belief that both chameleons and lizards are bad omens. (Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania) The origin of the story can be also tracked to RSA, the Zulu tribe: "One IsiZulu folk tale explains how death came about on earth, and the relationship between nature, man and his Creator. In this story a chameleon was sent to earth to deliver the news that there shall be no death because uMvelingqangi (God) loved his people. However, the chameleon was distracted along the way and delayed while eating its favourite plant, ubukhwebezana (tickberry or wild-sage). Seeing that the chameleon was not returning, God became angry and sent a lizard (not a chameleon, although chameleons are also lizards) to tell his people that there would be death on earth. The lizard reached earth before the chameleon and delivered the news. Many Zulu people today are therefore wary of chameleons and other lizards, believing that contact with them will bring misfortune in their lives." (BUYISILE MAKHUBO, NOVEMBER 30, 2017)
Bad Omens: Chameleons are often considered bad omens in various African tribes. Their ability to change color, move their eyes independently, and their slow, jerky movements can cause unease and are sometimes seen as signs of witchcraft or evil. (Kenya, Uganda)
Weather Predictions: In some African cultures, chameleons are believed to have the ability to predict weather changes. Their color-changing ability is thought to be linked to upcoming weather conditions. (South Africa)
Baby Touching Myth: There is a superstition that if a baby touches a chameleon, it will result in both slowness in body growth as well as a retarded brain. This belief likely stems from the chameleon's slow movements, which may have led people to associate the animal with developmental delays. (Nigeria)
Birth Process Myth: Another belief is that chameleons give birth to live young ones by climbing a tall tree and releasing themselves from a height, causing the mother to rupture and the young ones to be born. This dramatic and fatalistic view of the birth process is not supported by scientific evidence. (Ghana)
Chameleons may have a bad rap in some cultures, but let's be honest—they're just out there living their best lives, changing colors and chilling. So next time you see a chameleon, maybe give it a nod of respect for all the legends it's managed to inspire. After all, it's not every day you meet an animal that's supposedly immortal and can predict the weather.
For more information, you can read the full article on the Londolozi Blog.