VODOU
Haitian concept
Also known as Vodoun, Voodoo, Voodou
This is the religion popularly referred to as Voodoo
It’s more accurately spelt Vodou, Voodou or Vodun. Just as long as it sounds right. In Brazil it is known as Candomble, and Obeah in Jamaica.
It came originally via the African slave trade — folk plucked from their native lands took their Gods and beliefs with them. Their traditional beliefs were mixed and stirred with the prevailing Roman Catholic ritual.
Vodou became a powerful influence, especially in Haiti. It also spread to other islands — and other deities have drifted in from the nearest parts of South America. This mix-and-match process is known as Syncretism. Sorry about that.
’Vo’ means Introspection, ‘Dou’ means the Unknown. It has little to do with Hollywood zombies and pin-ridden dolls lurching all over the place. Vodou does have its unsavory aspects, but the populist Hollywood version is a highly sensationalized fiction based on stereotype and brute ignorance. Also, there’s plenty of opportunity for drumming and rumming the night away.
Vodou Facts and Figures
Name: Vodou
Pronunciation: Coming soon
Alternative names: Vodoun, Voodoo, Voodou
Gender: Sorry, we don't know
Type: concept
Area or people: Haiti
Celebration or Feast Day: Unknown at present
Role: Unknown at present
Good/Evil Rating: OKAY, not bad
Popularity index: 6821
Cite this article
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Article last revised on May 20, 2019 by the Godchecker data dwarves.
Editors: Peter J. Allen, Chas Saunders
References: Coming soon.