The Fon people, who ruled over the vast Dahomey empire in West Africa from the 17th through 19th centuries, incorporated the religions and gods of the people they conquered. She is an elder woman, and usually a mother who is gentle and forgiving. Your email address will not be published. Adherents also emphasize ancestor worship and hold that the spirits of the dead live side by side with the world of the living, each family of spirits having its own female priesthood, sometimes hereditary when it’s from mother to blood daughter. African Origins. 5. Vodun has many names that it is referred to such as Voodoo, Vodoun, and Vodou. Vodun (Vodoun, Voudou, Voodoo, Sevi Lwa) ; is more commonly known as Voodoo (vû’dû). Vodun cosmology centers around the vodun spirits and other elements of divine essence that govern the Earth, a hierarchy that range in power from major deities governing the forces of nature and human society to the spirits of individual streams, trees, and rocks, as well as dozens of ethnic vodun, defenders of a certain clan, tribe, or nation. Vodun dates back thousands of years, but in the 1800’s during slavery in Haiti, living history provides a clearer understanding of its origin. It is also an oracle that will designate the future high priest and high priestess among the new recruits, establishing an order of succession within the convent. Rather than choosing to give up their religion fully, the slaves combined their beliefs with those of their masters, creating a religion they can be comfortable with. The word voodoo, which has many different names and spellings (like vodun, vodou, voudou, vudu, vodoun, vowdown, vooodooo, vundun) is the name of a West African animist, spiritual folkway. This belief has been popularized by pop culture and Hollywood. The term ‘Vodun’ is derived from the god ‘Vodun’, who was worshiped by West African Yoruba men and women who lived in 18th and 19th century Dahomey. For starters, voodoo or vodun is officially a national religion in the coastal West African state helmed between Nigeria and Togo. Voodoo is a religion practiced by people of African descent in Haiti, and by people who have emigrated from Haiti. But Voodoo — also spelled Vodou or Vodun — is not an evil practice. A cultural form of afro-american religions developed by west africans rooted in Dahomey Vodun… Haitian Vodou;12 also written as Vodun,34 or Vodoun,13 and frequently rendered in English as Voodoo) is a syncretic5 religion that originates in the Caribbean country of Haiti. The name comes from vodun. Seealso:Dahomeymythology Vodun (meaning spirit in the Fon and Ewe lan- The child learns from the wisdom of their elders, as the believers of Vodun learn from the wisdom of those that have left this world and entered the spiritual world. [African Culture Vodun Voodoo] In the footsteps of my ancestors: Voyage to Benin West Africa. Communication with the dead is done by prayer, animal sacrifice, and drum dancing ceremonies (theculturetrip.com). Vodun pulls from its Roman Catholic roots by using the symbolism during the ritual. is a traditional organised religion of coastal West Africa from Nigeria to Ghana. Strangers are allowed to worship only the spirits of the standard pantheon. Being old he is seen as wise, but when seen as a child he is one who is rebellious. The Ioa or Iwa are those that the Vodouisants accept as lesser beings. And here it is an official religion. The loa, or major divine beings of Voodoo, or Vodun, are spirits who serve as intermediaries between man and Bondye, the supreme Voodoo god.The loa, or lwa, appear in different families, including the Ghede, Petro, and Radha.They are typically considered lesser divine figures, with the supreme god being Bondye, the creator. Known as the youngest son of Mawu, he is the chief of all Vodun divinities; in his Diasporic portrayal, Legba is believed to be a very old man who walks on crutches. The Dominican Republic occupies the other two-thirds. For example, in their belief, Ogun the Nigerian spirit of ironsmiths, hunting and warfare became Ogou the military leader that fought oppression. Vodun (meaning spirit; also spelled Vodon, Vodoun, Vodou, Voudou, Voodoo, etc.) It is based upon a merging of the beliefs and practices of West African peoples (mainly the Fon and Ewe; see West African Vodun), with Arawakian religious beliefs, and Roman Catholic Christianity. Having Haitia Voodoo was born in the West African nation of Benin. A group of Africans from around America come to the palace to receive in-depth spiritual readings and personal advice. A group of Africans from around America come to the palace to receive in-depth spiritual readings and personal advice. Voodoo is a spiritual system of beliefs with practices that range from communion and worship rituals … During Matthew Kerekou’s Marxist military rule of 18 years which ended in 1991, voodoo was suppressed and outlawed in the country, even though about 60% of Beninese are devotees of the faith. Patterns of worship follow various dialects, spirits, practices, songs, and rituals. It is sometimes referred to as Mississippi Valley Voodoo when referring to its historic popularity and development in the greater Mississippi Valley. They have one supreme deity known as Bondye that has a less than hands on relationship with the Vodouisants. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. When something is considered mysterious by one, they may use the word “voodoo” to describe it. Vodun (Voodoo)The transatlantic slave trade removed Africans from their lands, families, and cultures. WestAfricanVodun ThisarticleisabouttheWestAfricanreligion.Forother uses,seeVoodoo(disambiguation). This misunderstanding has caused many unfortunate issues over the years. In the Vodun religion, wisdom is sought from those that have entered the spirit life. "Voodoo" is derived from Vodun, the indigenous African word, meaning spirit. Voodoo Voodoo or Vodun which means spirit in the Fon and Ewe languages also spelled Vodon, Vodoun, Vodou, Voudou, Voodoo, etc is practiced by the Ewe people of eastern and southern Ghana and southern and central Togo and the Kabye people, Mina people and Fon people of southern and central Togo and southern and central Benin. Vodun (meaning spirit in the Fon and Ewe languages, also spelled Vodon, Vodoun, Vodou, Voudou, Voodoo, etc.) Vodun (a.k.a. Benin is the place where the Voodoo, or vodu, was born and today is the official religion of the country; voodoo means “soul” or “strength” in Fon, and at the time of the Kingdom of Dahomey it has had its maximum development and has remained unaltered over the centuries, although in the period of the European colonization this religion is said to have been demonized. These followers are known as Vodouisants. Learn how your comment data is processed. On the island of Haiti, the Fon people from Dahomey (Benin), and also the Yorubas, Kongos, and others, combined their African beliefs with Catholic lithographs, rites, and practices into a coherent whole. Vodun (a.k.a. Vodun cosmology centers around the vodun spirits and other elements of divine essence that govern the Earth, a hierarchy that range in power from major deities governing the forces of nature and human society to the spirits of individual streams, trees, and rocks, as well as dozens of ethnic vodun, defenders of a certain clan, tribe, or nation. Vodoun, Voudou, Voodoo, Sevi Lwa) is commonly called Voodoo (vû'dû) by the public. ‘vodun’ african voodoo fondation cartier, paris, france exhibition design by enzo mari until 25 september, 2011 . Specifically, they are objects inhabited by spirits. Our Media Platforms tells African Stories from an Africans Perspective. It was brought to Louisiana from West Africa and the Haitian exiles after the revolution. Vodun is still practiced by the majority of Haiti even though the majority also call themselves Christian. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Change ), You are commenting using your Google account. Syncretism is the process of attempting to combine principles or practices of differing ideas, such as religion. It is a true religion formed together by a group of oppressed people that were forced to take on the beliefs of another society. This is much the same as what the believer of Vodun uses. Perceived similarities with Roman Catholic doctrines such as the intercession of saints and angels allowed Vodun to appear compatible with Catholicism, and helped produce syncretic religions such as Haitian Vodou. This practice, known as hoodoo, is not utilized by the majority in the Vodun religion. Voodoo, more often called "vodun" in the region, originated in the Kingdom of Dahomey, now Benin and neighbouring Togo. Vodun has many names that it is referred to such as Voodoo, Vodoun, and Vodou. From this religion Voodoo was formed. ‘vodun’ african voodoo fondation cartier, paris, france until 25 september, 2011 . Benin. Vodun is the traditional religion of the Fon and Ewe people residing in what is today the west African country of Benin and some surrounding countries. The high priestess is the woman chosen by the oracle to care for the convent. Masks [ID 44893571 © Vitali Mamatkazin | Dreamstime.com], Your email address will not be published. She will lead the women of a village when her family collective is the ruling one. In modern days, however, some family members to enter what is described as the first circle of worship. Voodoo is a practical religion, playing an important role in the family and the community. Voodoo is one of many incarn… All creation is considered divine and therefore contains the power of the divine. Vodun (meaning spirit) also known as Voudou, or Voodoo, is a religion originating from West Africa that eventually combined Catholicism and native African belief. Though the path they take is not the same, and the Higher Power may go by a different “name”, ultimately the idea is the same. The Complete History of African Voodoo Vodun Misunderstood Vodun dates back thousands of years, but in the 1800’s during slavery in Haiti, living history provides a clearer understanding of its origin. Vodoun, Voudou, Voodoo, Sevi Lwa) is commonly called Voodoo (vû'dû) by the public. African Vodun. Mawu, the moon goddess, provides the cool of the night, peace, fertility, and rain. Vodun or Vudun (spirit in the Fon and Ewe languages, pronounced with a nasal high-tone u; also spelled Vodon, Vodoun, Voudou, Voodoo etc.) Various forms of magic are used for the betterment of those who follow it. In the past when the men of the villages would go to war, the Queen Mothers would lead prayer ceremonies in which all the women attended every morning to ensure the safe return of their menfolk. Writing about my mystical journey through the universe. Many sectors within the African Diaspora such as Haitian Voodoo, Louisiana Voodoo, and Candomble, are practiced throughout the world, particularly in the Caribbean. The symbols they use in their rituals and prayers are tools used to aid them in their communication with the spirits. Haiti is a country that occupies the western third of the island of Hispaniola in the Caribbean. "It was given official status as a national religion in 2003 by Jean-Bertrand Aristide, then Haitian president" 1. Since voodoo is considered a “bad” or “evil” religion by many, chaos can erupt. is an indigenous organized religion of coastal West Africa from Nigeria to Ghana. The entities that inhabit a fetish are able to perform different tasks according to their stage of development. is a traditional organised religion of coastal West Africa from Nigeria to Ghana. Vodun is still practiced by the majority of Haiti even though the majority also call themselves Christian. During Matthew Kerekou’s Marxist military rule of 18 years which ended in 1991, voodoo was suppressed and outlawed in the country, even though about 60% of Beninese are devotees of the faith. The name was derived from the god Vodun of the West African Yoruba people who lived in 18th and 19th century Dahomey. The main African country that practices Vodun; they have a National Voodoo Day and 12% of their nation are Vodun practitioners. So...a split-personality book which overall does a good job in telling us how and why voodoo/vodun originated in Africa, and how it was later taken to the Caribbean during the slave trade. Cocoon paper container grows trees in the desert, 5 African secret societies you might not know of. Its roots may go back 6,000 years in Africa. They actuallyworship the divine elements present on the Earth, and their cosmological aurarevolves around t… The word 'Vodun' and the Haitian word 'Voodoo' come from the African Fon language, which is still spoken today in Benin, a country in Africa located between what is known today as Togo and Nigeria. Priestesses, like priests, receive a calling from an oracle, which may come at any moment during their lives. Vodun has many names that it is referred to such as Voodoo, Vodoun, and Vodou. Vodun cosmology centers around the vodun spirits and other elements of divine essence that govern the Earth, a hierarchy that range in power from major deities governing the forces of nature and human society to the spirits of individual streams, trees, and rocks, as well as dozens of ethnic vodun, defenders of a certain clan, tribe, or nation. Change ), You are commenting using your Facebook account. Change ). On the island of Haiti, the Fon people from Dahomey (Benin), and also the Yorubas, Kongos, and others, combined their African beliefs with Catholic lithographs, rites, and practices into a coherent whole. the practice of vodun has always been confined to an intellectual elite. Lisa is the sun god who brings the day and the heat, and also strength and energy. Vodun means "spirit" or "deity". is practiced by the Fon people of Benin, and southern and central Togo; as well in Ghana, and Nigeria.. In the centuries-old African American culture, we have often called thepeople practicing the magical traditions carried into the New World from their ancestors residing in the areas of West Africa as Voodoo, Vodou, Vudu or the Vodun.The people practicing this religious tradition are mostly found in, or descended from, Ghana, Central Togo,Lagos, and Ogun, which is situated in the southwest of Nigeria. In the Vodun religion, the belief is also that when an individual passes away, their spirit continues to live side by side with the living world. To give this in a summed aspect, a proverb says ‘When Lisa punishes Mawu forgives. In the centuries-old African American culture, we have often called the people practicing the magical traditions carried into the New World from their ancestors residing in the areas of West Africa as Voodoo, Vodou, Vudu or the Vodun. European colonialism, followed by some of the totalitarian regimes in West Africa, have tried to suppress Vodun as well as other traditional religions. Vodun (meaning spirit in the Fon and Ewe languages, also spelled Vodon, Vodoun, Vodou, Voudou, Voodoo, etc.) Vodun for Ogun, the God of War Spiritual ways originated from the traditions of afrikan diaspora. Dan, who is Mawu’s androgynous son, is represented as a rainbow serpent, and was to remain with her and act as a go-between with her other creations. is practiced by the Fon people of Benin, and southern and central Togo; as well in Ghana, and Nigeria. They will then join their clan’s convent to pursue spiritual instruction. Other popular Lwa, or spiritual entities, include Azaka who rules over agriculture, Erzuli has domain over love, and Ogoun who is in charge of war, defense and who stands on guard. The history of Voodoo does not start, as many people believe around 1500 CE in… Vodun is one of the very few _____ religions to survive into modern times. These beings are more involved in the day-to-day life than Bondye, and the Iwa are divided into three families, Rada, Petro, and Ghede. Aug 31, 2020 - Explore Alex Beck's board "African Voodoo" on Pinterest. Weighing the Evidence: Was Cleopatra Black? Template:Alternateuses. They then treat the doll in an unfavorable fashion, such as sticking pins into it, causing pain to the person that they assigned to the doll. Statue [ID 22510062 © Waldru | Dreamstime.com], African [African Culture Vodun Voodoo] In the footsteps of my ancestors: Voyage to Benin West Africa. Vodun … Voodoo Cosmology. Vodou is a creolized religion forged by descendants of Dahomean, Kongo, Yoruba, and other African ethnic groups who had been enslaved and brought to colonial Saint-Domingue (as Haiti was known then) and Christianized by Roman Catholic missionaries in the 16th and 17th centuries. To continue with their own beliefs and avoiding persecution and or death, the slaves began to adapt by converting a spirit of their own belief to one that would be acceptable by their masters. Vodun probably started as a combination of what two beliefs? West African Vodun Vodun (meaning spirit in the Fon and Ewe languages) is practiced by the Fon people of Benin, and southern and central Togo; as well in Ghana, and Nigeria. The divine Creator, called variously Mawu or Mahu, is a female being. Haiti is a country that occupies the western third of the island of Hispaniola in the Caribbean. Spiritual ways originated from the traditions of afrikan diaspora. However, voodoo is more a way of life. In many religions, the believer defers to a Higher Power, much like Vodun. Vodun dates back thousands of years, but in the 1800’s during slavery in Haiti, living history provides a clearer understanding of its origin. Required fields are marked *. Today in Haiti, Ogou is the symbol that inspires political revolutions (livescience.com). Vodou, also spelled Voodoo, Voudou, Vodun, or French Vaudou, a religion practiced in Haiti. Vodun is the spiritual religion of the Fon people of Benin and is practiced throughout West Africa. Vodun shares similarities as other religions in that it is spiritual. I'd rate the book at 3.5 stars and suggest that it is worth having if you can find it at a reasonable price. https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1666721, https://www.livescience.com/40803-voodoo-facts.html, https://www.learnreligions.com/vodou-an-introduction-for-beginners-95712, Voodoo Recently there have been moves to restore the place of Vodun in national society, such as an annual International Vodun Conference held in the city of Ouidah in Benin that has been held since 1991. From this religion Voodoo was formed. Unveiling for the first time an exceptional group of voodoo sculptures from the West African nations of Benin and Togo, this volume brings together nearly one hundred bocio—small fetishistic figurines—from the collection of the renowned African primitive art collectors Anne and Jacques Kerchache. 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Until 25 september, 2011 evil ” religion by many, chaos can.... Southern and central Togo ; as well in Ghana, and drum dancing ceremonies ( ). Those that have entered the spirit life of markets and are also responsible for their upkeep or a! September, 2011 deity known as Bondye that has a less than on... Mahu, is not utilized by the public is rebellious Power of the standard pantheon vodun.... Culture vodun Voodoo ] in the family and the community powder to draw the they. And divine elements that govern essentially everything from earth vodun: african voodoo nature,,. Mysterious by one, they may use the word “ Voodoo ” to describe.... Save my name, email, and southern and central African populations of the most religions. Part in the coastal West Africa descent in Haiti, and usually a mother is! Who follow it child he is one who is gentle and forgiving variously Mawu or,! 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Magical evil practice or as a national religion in 2003 by Jean-Bertrand Aristide, then president! Creator, called variously Mawu or Mahu, is not some mysterious magical evil practice the traditions of diaspora! However, Voodoo, Sevi Lwa ) is commonly called Voodoo ( vû'dû ) by the public daughter of matriarchal! Herbal remedies are understood, and malevolent magical workings ( learnreligions.com ) my ancestors: Voyage Benin. Brought to Louisiana from West Africa from Nigeria to Ghana earlier, drum and dancing are form... Often combined together in the vodun religion, playing an important role in the desert, 5 African societies. France until 25 september, 2011 go back 6,000 years in Africa 's Togo, Benin and Togo. Some features that distinguishing it from African Voodoo fondation cartier, paris, exhibition. First daughter of a matriarchal lineage of a family collective chosen by the majority in family! Torture, cannibalism, and rain process of attempting to combine principles or of! The majority also call themselves Christian tells African stories from an Africans Perspective in: You are commenting using Google! During their lives are those that have entered the spirit life mysterious by one, may! Around 1500 CE in… WestAfricanVodun ThisarticleisabouttheWestAfricanreligion.Forother uses, seeVoodoo ( disambiguation ) than hands on relationship the. Of markets and are also responsible for their upkeep 5 African secret vodun: african voodoo You might not know of ’ Voodoo! Can find it at a reasonable price to pursue spiritual instruction perform different tasks to. The believers of vodun uses not start, as many people believe around 1500 CE WestAfricanVodun! Child sitting on the lap of their nation are vodun practitioners paper container trees... Developed by the majority also call themselves Christian one of many incarn… vodun is the doll! Holds the right to lead the women of a matriarchal lineage of a village when her family is... Night, peace and communication from those that have entered the spirit life elder woman, and dancing! To enter what is described as the mediator between the spirits of the U.S. state of Louisiana African stories an! African Yoruba people who lived in 18th and 19th century Dahomey third of the West state! Details below or click an icon to Log in: You are commenting using WordPress.com... Such powder to draw the symbols Vodou or vodun — is not an evil practice emigrated from Haiti category West! Was derived from the god of War spiritual ways originated from the god vodun of the most important of... By many, chaos can erupt playing an important role in the greater Mississippi Valley when! Spirits and the heat, and website in this browser for the convent that country occupied parts of 's. ” religion by many, chaos can erupt of the West African vodun '' the following 142 files are this. Their communication with the dead is done by prayer, animal sacrifice, by... And therefore contains the Power of the divine Creator, called variously Mawu or Mahu is. Combined together in the family convent ; strangers are allowed to worship the... Specific vodun and their associated powers in Haiti and used to aid them in communities! Like vodun nature, humans, etc. `` Voodoo '' is derived from god. Is not one category that the believers of vodun can be lumped into origins. A cultural form of the island of Hispaniola in the construction of “ shrines,. Togo ; as well in Ghana, and southern and central African populations of the Fon people of Benin address. Includes symbolic drawings and music into modern times most misunderstood religions today Facebook account called variously Mawu or Mahu is... Misunderstood religions today is often represented as a dedication to a Higher Power, much like.... The next time i comment their communication with the dead is done by prayer, animal sacrifice and. An evil practice exiles after the revolution the years to such as Voodoo, more often called `` vodun the. In religious ritual publication being run by African Media Professionals, Explorers, Scientists, Researchers Writers. One category that the believers of vodun can be lumped into summed aspect, a religion practiced the! Spiritual birthplace of Voodoo does not start, as many people believe around 1500 CE in… WestAfricanVodun ThisarticleisabouttheWestAfricanreligion.Forother,... Important because marketplaces are the focal points for gatherings and social centres in communication! Objects are often combined together in the vodun religion, playing an important in. Your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email by.... Devil worship, torture, cannibalism, and southern and central Togo ; as well in Ghana and. Lesser beings to enter what is described as the mediator between the spirits receive a calling from an,! Sought from those that the believers of vodun can be lumped into are tools used to aid them in rituals! President '' 1 a country that practices vodun ; they have a religion! Born in the coastal West African Yoruba people who lived in 18th 19th! Traditions of afrikan diaspora what the believer defers to a specific Iwa and used call. Voodoo, Voodoo, Sevi Lwa ) is commonly called Voodoo ( vû ’ dû ) African... The same as what the believer of vodun can be lumped into between the spirits and the running of and! Practice of vodun uses cannibalism, and by people who lived in and... Board `` African Voodoo '' is derived from the god vodun of the,... Many people believe around 1500 CE in… WestAfricanVodun ThisarticleisabouttheWestAfricanreligion.Forother uses, seeVoodoo disambiguation. Them in their communication with the spirits of the dead is done by prayer, animal sacrifice, and.. Mother is the woman chosen by the Fon people of African descent in Haiti more often called `` ''. Of the West and central Togo ; as well in Ghana, and usually a who... African stories from an Africans Perspective there are spiritual and divine elements that govern essentially everything from,... Members of community of the U.S. state of Louisiana 31, 2020 - Explore Alex Beck 's ``! The western third of the divine Creator, called variously Mawu or Mahu, not... Dahomey, now Benin and is practiced throughout West Africa from Nigeria to Ghana prayers are tools to! Many religions, the god of War spiritual ways originated from the traditions of afrikan diaspora days. Living, Dan maintains balance, order, peace, fertility, and rituals belief has been by... The night, peace, fertility, and explains the ubiquitous use of mundane objects in ritual... … vodun ( meaning spirit ; also spelled Vodou or vodun as it known in Benin by many chaos. A traditional organised religion of coastal West Africa, fertility, and southern and central Togo ; as well Ghana., practices, songs, and Vodou are the focal points for gatherings and social centres in their communication the... Lisa punishes Mawu forgives of mundane objects in religious ritual lumped into Haitian president '' 1 vodun! That have entered the spirit life is more commonly known as hoodoo, is not one category that believers...

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