Haitian Vodou
Haitian Vodou, also known as Voodoo, is a rich and complex religion practiced primarily in Haiti, originating in the 18th century among enslaved Africans on the island of Hispaniola. This spiritual system emerged as a way for enslaved individuals to unite and maintain their cultural identity despite the oppressive environment of colonial rule, incorporating aspects of African traditions and elements of Catholicism. Vodou emphasizes community, spirituality, and the interconnectedness of the visible and invisible worlds, where practitioners believe that ancestral spirits, known as Lwa, guide and protect the living.
Historically, Vodou faced severe persecution, particularly under colonial and later U.S. occupations, leading to its practice being conducted in secrecy for many years. Despite societal stigma and misconceptions, such as associations with black magic and violence, Vodou focuses on healing, empowerment, and the human experience. The religion is facilitated by spiritual leaders called Houngans (priests) and Mambos (priestesses), who provide guidance to their communities.
In recent decades, there has been a gradual recognition of Vodou as an official religion in Haiti, with legal protections established for its practice. This acknowledgment marks a significant shift in societal attitudes, although misunderstandings remain prevalent in popular culture.
Haitian Vodou
Haitian Vodou is a religion that is practiced in Haiti. Also known as Voodoo, it dates back to the eighteenth century when African slaves in Hispaniola began an underground religion. Originally forbidden, Haitian Vodou was eventually recognized as an official religion of Haiti.
Haitian Vodou focuses on the community and spirituality, among other principals. Followers of Haitian Vodou believe in two worlds that are connected. They also believe they are guided by spirits. Several misconceptions about Haitian Vodou have led to a skewed view of the religion.
History of Vodou
In 1492, Christopher Columbus landed in Hispaniola, an island in the Caribbean Sea. The island would later become the countries of Haiti (the western side) and the Dominican Republic (the eastern side). After Columbus's arrival, many of the island's 750,000 inhabitants died.
In 1501, Spaniards began bringing African slaves to the island to work on sugar plantations that had been established there. Sugar production led to a strong economy on the island. Production of tobacco and indigo also contributed to the economy.
In 1697, the western side of the island became a French colony. It was known as Saint Domingue and would eventually become Haiti. The colony had about fifty thousand African slaves, and this number increased in the 1700s. By 1750, about half a million slaves were living and working in the colony. They toiled on plantations producing sugar, coffee, cotton, tobacco, and indigo.
Although Catholicism was the French colony's official religion, the slaves began an underground religion called Vodou (also known as Voodoo). The religion incorporated African religious traditions and Catholic components. The slaves used the religion to unite against the French. In turn, the French believed that Vodou was equivalent to revolt. The French, therefore, prohibited Vodou and any other non-Catholic practices. Slaves from different masters were even prohibited from gathering together. If a slave were caught, he or she was whipped and branded. An offense by a branded slave could result in death.
Vodou played an important role in a slave revolt that took place in 1791. Support for the revolt was coordinated at secret Vodou meetings. A man named Boukman led the slaves at the beginning of the revolt. According to the lore, Boukman made an agreement with the spirits of the island for their support in the revolt. Eventually, the slaves were liberated, and in 1804, the Republic of Haiti was declared. The practice of Vodou remained forbidden and had to be done through secret Vodou societies.
In 1915, the United States invaded Haiti and occupied the country for the next nineteen years. Many people opposed the occupation, especially those involved with Vodou societies. However, the Catholic Church supported the US occupation, which made opposition to Vodou even stronger.
Élie Lescot became president of Haiti in 1941. His corrupt administration supported the Allied forces during World War II, and Lescot was backed by the United States. The Catholic Church began a crusade against Vodou, imprisoning Vodou priests and priestesses and destroying temples and artifacts. The country was mired in poverty and very unstable, and coups in 1946 and 1950 made the situations of Haitians even worse.
A tentative acceptance of Vodou emerged during the 1950s. This was led by François Duvalier, who became president of Haiti in 1957. Known as Papa Doc, Duvalier believed that Vodou was an important part of the country's African heritage. But Duvalier's government eventually became a dictatorship, resulting in the murder and displacement of thousands of Haitians. Secret Vodou societies were used to suppress the people. In 1971, Duvalier's son Jean-Claude, known as Baby Doc, became president, and the dictatorship continued.
Finally in 1972, the legal restrictions were raised and Haitians were free to practice Vodou. Religious freedom in Haiti was further strengthened after Jean-Bertrand Aristide became president in 1990. Evangelical Christian organizations in Haiti were not tolerant of Vodou. Nevertheless, Vodou became an official religion of Haiti in 2003.
Fundamentals of Haitian Vodou
Haitian Vodou is a religion that does not have a scripture or a world authority. Instead, it is centered on the community and differs from group to group. Some of the main qualities Haitian Vodou emphasizes are spirituality, responsibility, and empowerment. The religion also focuses on the human experience as a whole.
Practitioners believe that two worlds are connected—a visible world and an invisible world. When an individual dies, he or she enters the invisible world. However, the person's spirit—as well as the spirits of all ancestors—remains with those still living in the visible world, looking after and inspiring the living. Some of these spirits are called the Lwa. Followers of Haitian Vodou seek to connect with the Lwa.
Haitian Vodou has priests and priestesses known as Houngans and Mambos, respectively. They commit to a spiritual life and also offer guidance to followers of Haitian Vodou.
Misconceptions about Haitian Vodou
Several misconceptions about Haitian Vodou exist. One of these is that it involves black magic and summoning evil forces. But Haitian Vodou does not include sorcerers, witchdoctors, or any other people associated with these practices. Another misconception is that Haitian Vodou is violent. However, it is not practiced to cause harm to others. Yet another misconception is that the religion always involves animal sacrifice. While some Haitian Vodou followers do engage in animal sacrifice, the practice is not widely employed.
Such misconceptions developed from movies and books. For example, people have long been exposed to movies that depict Haitian Vodou as bloody and evil. This, in turn, created a distorted view of the religion. A sensational 1864 murder trial was widely reported. Eight Vodou practitioners were arrested and beaten repeatedly; eventually, one of them confessed to the charges of murdering a child in a Vodou ritual. All eight were executed.
Bibliography
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Haas, Saumya Arya. "What Is Voodoo? Understanding a Misunderstood Religion." Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, Inc. 25 Feb. 2011. Web. 8 June 2015. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/saumya-arya-haas/what-is-vodou‗b‗827947.html
"Haitian Vodou." Consulate of Haiti. Consulate General of Haiti in Chicago. Web. 25 June 2015. http://www.haitianconsulate.org/vodou.html
"The History of Haiti and Vodou." Universes in Universe. Universes in Universe. Web. 8 June 2015. http://universes-in-universe.org/eng/specials/2010/vodou/history
Rosenberg, David. "Shedding Light on Voodoo Rituals in Haiti." Slate. The Slate Group. 6 Nov. 2013. Web. 8 June 2015. http://www.slate.com/blogs/behold/2013/11/06/anthony‗karen‗a‗photographer‗s‗look‗inside‗a‗haitian‗voodoo‗ritual‗photos.html