Voodoo is one of the few religions that people are inextricably associated with terrifying spells and rituals. Voodoo draws its origins in West Africa, and the slave trade spread this religion to other continents. Voodoo owes much of its image to Hollywood, as films often include scary scenes with voodoo dolls and dark rituals. But in reality, most voodooists adhere to a certain moral code and refrain from harming others. And this is just the tip of the iceberg.
1. The roots of voodoo and two worlds
Shamanism and witchcraft
Voodoo is a spiritual expression that combines indigenous African religions with animism and spiritism. Shamanism and witchcraft are also sometimes used. Voodooists are convinced that there are two interconnected worlds: visible and invisible. After death, people pass into the invisible world.
2. The most famous versions of voodoo
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Ritual outfit
Voodoo is widespread in West Africa, Haiti and Louisiana. Also, this religion is sometimes practiced in places where many slaves from West Africa were previously imported: Cuba, Brazil, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.
3. Voodoo is a monotheistic religion
Supreme deity
Most voodooists believe in a supreme being, although this supreme deity is more distant and less accessible than lesser spirits. Voodoo is essentially a monotheistic religion in which Bondyo is considered the almighty god.
4. Loa
All loa are associated with the natural power of nature
All voodoo practitioners are known for their interactions with lesser spirits or deities, often referred to as "loa". These spirits are often differentiated in different versions of voodoo, and some of them have even been combined with Catholic saints. Voodoo practitioners develop a relationship with the loa to seek their advice and learn from their experiences, and to communicate with the loa on a spiritual level. Voodooists communicate with lesser spirits through prayers, animal sacrifices, and dramatic dance ceremonies. All loa are associated with the natural power of nature.
5. Voodoo is protected by law
Voodoo status in Haiti and official teaching
Voodoo has been protected by law under the Haitian constitution since 1987, but this has not always been the case. Previously, the Catholic Church did not approve of this religion - in the late 1940s and early 1950s, voodoo shrines were often burned and its priests were beaten. Curiously, voodoo does not have an official leader or one scripture.
6. The magic of hoodoo
Voodoo dolls don't really belong to this religion
The highly publicized voodoo dolls actually trace their origins to a variety of African folk magic called the hoodoo. Dolls, which were often made to curse someone, were made from cobs of corn, potatoes, plants, clay, or clothing. Although popularized in Hollywood, these dolls are not used by most voodoo practitioners.
7. Hungans and Mambo
Priests can be men and women
Voodoo priests can be either male or female. They are known as hungans and mambo, respectively. It is believed that each of them is capable of their own enlightenment. That being said, all, all voodoo followers have a strong sense of community.
8. Ban in San Domingo
Religious cocktail
In 1685, France banned all African religions in its colony of San Domingo. Slave owners were required to make their slaves Christians within 8 days after they were brought from Africa, as a result of which many slaves were baptized. However, the slaves did not abandon their native religions, but rather merged them with Catholicism.
9. Hungan leader of the Haitians
Voodoo priest started the Haitian revolution
Voodoo Hungan Bukman Dutti became famous for leading the Haitian revolution in August 1791. Before the uprising, he performed a religious ceremony to ask the loa to gain freedom.
10. Voodoo ceremonies
Black sorcerers or healers
Although Hollywood claims otherwise, healing people from disease is central to voodoo ceremonies. For this, herbs and loa perfumes are used.
11. Spiritual essence
Origin of the word voodoo
The word "voodoo" comes from the West African language von and means "spiritual essence". The background is an ethnic and linguistic group, whose representatives are mainly concentrated in southern Benin.
12. Maria Laveau
Legendary voodoo queen
Legendary Creole voodoo queen Maria Laveau was well known in New Orleans. She has often been featured in numerous films and books. Legend has it that if you paint an "X" on her grave, wrap yourself three times, knock on the tombstone and shout her wish, the voodoo queen will help make it happen. (Unfortunately, the grave was recently closed to the public due to vandalism.)
13. Papa Legba
Saint Peter or Pope Legba
In Haitian voodoo, Saint Peter is one of the central figures and is known as Pope Legba. He is a gatekeeper to the spirit world, similar to his role as gatekeeper to heaven in the Catholic religion.
14. Loa rule the universe
Animal sacrifices
The practice of animal sacrifice during Voodoo ceremonies is meant to provide life energy to the loa spirits. The lives of the victims help rejuvenate the loa that rule the universe.
15. The true essence of voodoo
Religion at the community level
Overall, voodoo is not a combination of black magic and spells, but rather a community-level religion that focuses on healing. It is this religion that helped African slaves survive the harsh working conditions and continues to inspire millions of modern followers.