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A recent study found that the practice of rainmaking is more common in societies heavily reliant on agriculture. But rainfall patterns also play a part, writes Johan Fourie.
We, as humans, want to intervene in the natural world. This desire has led us to develop various rituals and practices aimed at controlling elements of nature, like rain.
We often use religion to control the environment. Various religions propose that faith or specific actions can compel a higher power to grant rain. However, when the rain does not materialise, it can lead to scepticism about the religious authorities – the induna, priest, prophet – and their supposed divine influence. This scepticism is a crucial aspect of understanding rainmaking beliefs.
