In addition to counseling those in need and selling gris-gris to everyone in all walks of life, she was also a hairdresser. One of these children, Marie Laveau II, followed in her mother’s footsteps as a voodoo priestess and is thought to be the source of rumors that the elder Laveau lived decades longer than any mortal person should. Her first marriage ended when her husband disappeared under mysterious circumstances her second, common-law marriage, however, lasted years and gave her 15 children. She was said to be born the illegitimate daughter of a Creole plantation owner and his half black, half Native American mistress. Even what’s known for sure seems debatable. Marie Laveau is one of the names most commonly associated with voodoo, and consequently she has become something of a surreal, larger-than-life figure.
The voodoo doll in itself is not an evil or dark thing, but, like many religious and secular symbols, it can be made dark by the person who wields it.
The voodoo doll can be used for a huge variety of purposes, and most are benevolent. Garlic, flower petals, perfumes, or even money can be added-not as a direct message to the person, but as an appeal to the spirits to open themselves to the doll and the wishes of those involved. Other things are usually added to the doll, and these vary based on the intended purpose. Instead, a doll is only associated with the person in question-usually by attaching a picture of the person, or something that was in intimate contact with them, such as a lock of hair (attaching this personification is actually the purpose of the voodoo straight pin usually seen in a voodoo doll, which is commonly believed to be an instrument of pain). A voodoo doll doesn’t actually symbolize a person in the respect that what happens to it, happens to the person. Voodoo dolls are more complicated than they’re usually portrayed. He even attended a voodoo ceremony in 1993, helping to cement the amiable coexistence of these two seemingly opposite religions. In fact, Pope John Paul II has spoken at length about the esteem with which he holds practitioners of voodoo, acknowledging the “fundamental goodness” inherent in their practices, teachings, and beliefs. While at one time practitioners who had also been baptized could expect repercussions from the church for partaking in voodoo ceremonies, now priests from both sides are working hand-in-hand to help bring peace and prosperity to Africa, the birthplace of voodoo.
In fact, the parallels between voodoo and Christianity are so strong that there is no animosity between the two parties, and in many areas they peacefully coexist. In West African voodoo, there is a very Christian belief that there is one supreme god ruling all. In voodoo, important spirits that believers connect with are called the loa (or lwa) in some locations, these loa and their families can be called by the names of the Catholic saints they represent. The spirits are central to the practice of voodoo, and many of the central figures have Christian counterparts.Īida Wedo is a virginal figure of Mary, while Legba, the guardian gatekeeper, is a mirror image of St. However, there are strong parallels in the case of Louisiana and Haitian voodoo, many Christian traditions, beliefs, and figures have been incorporated into this flexible religion. Haitian voodoo, practiced in Haiti, has been largely shaped by its French influence as well as Christianity.Īt first glance, it seems that a religion that revolves around spiritual possession, potions, and the worship of ancestors would have little to do with Christianity. Though brought over from West African voodoo, this form as been heavily influenced by the practices of Spanish and French settlers, as well as the Creole population. Louisiana voodoo is a unique brand of voodoo practiced, as its name suggests, mainly in Louisiana and the southeastern United States. Rituals and beliefs are extensive, and largely untouched by the outside influences that have shaped other types of voodoo. West African voodoo is still practiced by around 30 million people, particularly in nations like Ghana and Benin. There are three main types of voodoo, each drawing their sphere of influence from a different place. That’s about as far from the truth as you can get, and the real stories behind voodoo are proof that you can’t believe everything you see on television. Most depictions of voodoo show a dark, mysterious religion that revolves around animal sacrifices, casting harmful spells, and using dolls to hurt others. Thanks to popular portrayal by Hollywood, voodoo is perhaps one of the world’s most misunderstood religions.
0 kommentar(er)
