Bidaism Faith ID

Introduction to Bidaism

Bidaism is an indigenous West African religion associated with Bida, the legendary serpent of the Soninke people, whose myth is tied to the ancient kingdom of Wagadu, remembered as the empire of Ghana.

Key Beliefs of Bidaism

The tradition centres on powerful spirits bound to the land and the fortunes of the realm — above all the serpent Bida, whose favour was said to bring rain and gold — alongside the veneration of ancestors.

Practices in Bidaism

Religious life involved offerings and rites to honour the guardian spirits and ancestors and to secure the prosperity of the community, led by ritual specialists.

Scriptures in Bidaism

An oral tradition, Bidaism has no written scripture; its myths — above all the legend of Bida and Wagadu — are preserved by griots and elders.

Influence and Followers of Bidaism

The legend of Bida endured in the oral memory of the Soninke and the wider Sahel, a foundational myth of West African civilisation.

Conclusion

Centred on the serpent Bida and the spirits of the land, Bidaism recalls the ancient religious heritage of the West African Sahel.