By Mysterious Monthly Offering of Peeled Bananas Baffles UK Town: Could It Be an African Ritual?
Residents of Beeston, a town in Nottinghamshire, England, have been left puzzled by a mysterious and recurring event—a plate of peeled bananas left at a street junction every month for over a year.
The ritual, which takes place on the second day of each month, has sparked curiosity, and some locals are wondering if it could be linked to African traditions and offerings.
The unusual occurrence was first brought to light by Clare Short, a local resident, who shared the story with BBC.
According to Short, the plate of bananas, found at the intersection of Abbey Road and Wensor Avenue—across from a local church—first appeared more than a year ago.
Despite efforts to stop the phenomenon, the bananas continue to arrive without explanation, prompting speculation from the community.
In an attempt to address the issue, Short put up a sign at the junction that reads: “*Please, respectfully, no more bananas! The uncollected plates and rotting bananas leave such a mess. Wishing a happy new year to you all.”
Despite her request, the bananas were still found at the same spot on January 2, 2024
While some local residents have suggested that the bananas could be an offering for local wildlife or a quirky tradition, others have begun to wonder if this could be linked to African spiritual or cultural practices.
In many African communities, food offerings—especially bananas—are often used as gifts for ancestors, spirits, or deities. These offerings are believed to bring blessings or protection, and it is not uncommon for fruits like bananas to be placed at specific locations with spiritual significance.
Short, who has now become accustomed to the monthly appearance of the bananas, admitted that she no longer reacts strongly to the occurrence. “I don’t really want to make it into a feud… I think it’s a special thing for someone, and I wish them well,” she said.
However, she added, “But if they could come back and clean up the mess a few days later, that would be lovely.”
While the mystery remains unsolved, the possibility of an African-inspired ritual has captured the imagination of some residents, raising questions about the cultural exchange and influence of African practices in unexpected places.
