'Voodoo' – the very mention of the word makes people think of black cats, little dolls with needles, and some James Bond-looking character from a movie with possessed eyes and speaking in tongues. But there is a whole lot more to Voodoo, and also many good things to come from this primitive African belief system. But like so many thing in life, Voodooists, of which there are at least 10 million worldwide, are misunderstood, and we are here to set the record straight! Okay, so they do some weird stuff that most Westerners would find bizarre, but just look at the hidden meanings and facts you never knew about Voodoo….
Dual Worlds
When it comes to Voodoo, there are some things which make a lot more sense than others. But within the central belief system of Voodooists, is the concept of dual worlds, the visible and the invisible. Apparently death is the only thing that separates us from the invisible world.
Banned In Haiti
As long back as 1685, when the French occupied the island of Haiti, slave owner were forces to make their slaves Christians as soon as they arrived. However, the slaves didn't convert sincerely, and still retained their old Voodoo practices in private.
Where Voodoo Is From
Most people associate Voodoo with the African continent, almost naturally. And indeed, Africa is the birthplace of Voodoo, being invented in West Africa, Haiti, and Louisiana. However it is also practised for many years in countries like Cuba, Brazil, and Puerto Rico.
Talking To Spirits
Voodooers became famous through some James Bond movies for rolling their eyes back and talking in tongues, apparently with spirits from 'the other side.' Those lesser spirits are known as the "Iwa," some of which have been merged with Catholic Saints!
Voodoo In Haiti
While it was met with serious opposition in Haiti for many centuries, in 1987, those who practised Voodoo were given rights and protected under law by the new constitution.
No Leaders
One of the more interesting things about Voodoo, is the fact that unlike many other faiths and religions, there is no leader, and no scriptures from which Voodoo is worshipped.
The Zangbetos
The Zangbetos are the last people you want knocking on your door (or grass shack) late at night. They are night guards, who patrol the streets at night in costumes and were the primary force of law in Benin for many years.
Voodoo's Deeper Meaning
Despite what you may think, it's not all about weird spells and black magic. Voodoo is a community religion if anything, which preaches wellness and being kind to others. Voodoo got many an oppressed African slave through their turmoil, along with the help of Voodoo practitioners.
Voodoo dolls
No! They aren't real even though you thoughts for all these years that they were. They actually come from a special type of African folk magic, which is called 'Hoodoo' NOT Voodoo!
Wisdom Of The 'lwa'
Voodooists really believe that they communicate with the spirits of dead people, and for all we know they really do. They also claim that they look to these spirits, 'the Iwa' for spiritual guidance and advice.
Voodoo Clergy
Unlike many other religions or ways of life, where women get a raw deal, in Voodoo, men and women are considered equal, and both can become clergy equally. Although Voodoo doesn't have leaders as such, their priests are known as Hougan and Mambo.
Voodoo Ceremonies
Like any religion, Voodooists have ceremonies, which are religious in essence, and usually involve anything from prayer to animal sacrifice, and even to spontaneous dancing.
Voodoo Healing
One of the main tenets of Voodoo is the aspect of healing people from their ailments, be they mental, physical or spiritual. A mixture of advice from the Iwa, and a unique blend of herbs are used to heal people from a range of illnesses.
How Many Voodoos?
Have you any idea how many Voodos exist in the world today? According to conservative estimates, that figure would be around 10 million worldwide, with 4 million in Benin and a further 5 million in Haiti.
Voodoo: Definition…
This is one dictionary definition of the word Voodoo and is an interesting one at that. You can read the definition in the image above.
The Voodoo Queen
The legendary Creole Voodoo queen Marie Laveau rose to fame in New-Orleans and was featured in many A-list movies. According to legend if you draw an "X" on her tomb, turn around three times, knock on the tomb, and scream out your wish, your wish will be granted.
Being Possessed…
Voodooists are very into their spirits, the dead kind, not the alcoholic type! They even believe that they can get possessed by an Iwa, usually during a religious ceremony.
Voodoo And Animal Sacrifice
In Voodoo, animal sacrifice is a common thing and happens often. Animals are killed, then eaten, in order to empower the Iwa, as apparently killing a little lamb or calf releases life and can rejuvenate the spirits.
Voodoo and Morality
Even though Voodoo gets a lot of bad press, with people assuming it is nothing more than a primitive dark form of satan worship, it is quite the opposite. It has a strict moral code, with the basic premise being "Don't do unto others that which you would not want on yourself."
Final Voodoo Fact
Despite the bad press and pictures of mad looking guys like this one, Voodoo actually has many positive things about it. It is a unique blend of indigenous African religions, animism and spiritism…with a good does of witchcraft thrown into the mix.