Vodou
| Vodou | |
|---|---|
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| First reference: | Graphic Novel:It Takes a Village, Part 1 |
Vodou, Voodoo, or Vudu is an African-originated religion brought to the Americas by African slaves. It is common throughout Central and South America and widely adhered to in Haiti. Vodou is still in practice today.
About
Graphic Novel:It Takes a Village, Part 1
The Haitian remembers how his father Guillame, a Vodou priest, used the favor of the Loa (and his power) to protect his village from the Duvaliers and their Tonton Macoutes. When the terrorists present a danger to the community, Guillame calmly says, "I walk with Legba and Ogun. I lay with Samara and Delun."
Graphic Novel:It Takes a Village, Part 2
The villagers view Guillame's torture as punishment for "betraying the Loa." They believe that if he truly walked with the Loa, he would never have become a victim of the Tonton Macoutes. To regain favor with his people, Guillame decides to make a sacrifice to Ogun and Legba. He tells his people that without them, "the Loa starve." Later, while being beaten, the Haitian prays to "the old gods," but does not believe that they listen.
Notes
- The Houngan is the male High Priest and is responsible for preserving religious traditions and for maintainting relationships between the spirits and the community.
- The Loa are the spirits whom the Haitians must serve. During rituals, the Houngan can summon the Loa to take part in the service, receive offerings, and grant requests.
- Legba is "the voice of God." As the intermediary between the Loa and man, Legba facilitates communication, speech and understanding. He guides deceased souls through the crossroads.
- Ogun reigns over fire, iron, hunting, politics and war. He is described as being mighty, powerful, triumphal, though he can also be full of rage and destruction. He is able to give strength to men through prophecy and magic.
- Baron Samedi, the Loa of the dead, traditionally stands at the crossroads, and dead souls must pass him first.
- Several popular depictions about Vodou, including the creation of zombies or the use of the "voodoo doll", are either routed in other religions entirely or widely misconstrued from their original purpose within the religion.
Trivia
- Though 80% of Haitians are considered Roman Catholic (the official religion of Haiti), about half practice Vodou, usually concurrently with other religions. In fact, most Vodoun sects require members to become Roman Catholic first. Most Haitians do not view Vodou as a standalone religion.