The religion itself begins in Haiti where "Vodou was created out of several closely-related traditions transported across the Atlantic by enslaved Africans who transformed their beliefs and rituals according to the conditions they had to face in the Americas" (Quick 33). As more slaves were being brought to Haiti due to the slave trade, the slaves there began to create a strong social fabric from many different African cultures and religions. Not only were African religions incorporated, but Catholicism was also woven into the fabric of Vodoun. Slave rebellions resulting from secret Vodoun practice erupted into war against Napole

Upon further examination into the religion of Vodoun, representatives of other faiths can draw upon ideologies stemming from the root of Vodoun. Although the practices and rituals of the Vodoun faith maybe unorthodox compared to those of the western world, one cannot discount the logic behind many of the beliefs of this religion. For years the Vodoun faith has been shrouded in mystery and considered to be evil, but a quote by Elizabeth McAllister, author of the book, “Angels in the Mirror: Vodou Music of Haiti“, sums up my reason for this essay. She says, “Vodou is a legitimate religion, not a black magic cult as most people in North America have long believed. And, it’s a very sensory religion, a complex mix of Catholicism and various African beliefs, incorporating music, dance, costumes, and figurative arts” (Bambarger 12). Learning the beliefs and rituals of the Vodoun faith can help to achieve a better understanding and allow for misconceptions and speculation to be lain to rest

The purpose of Vodoun rituals is to make contact with a spirit or to gain their favor. They do this by offering animal sacrifices and gifts to get help, food, higher standards of living, and/or improved health. It is believed that humans and Loa depend on each other in a sort of even exchange. While humans provide food and other earthly materials, Loa offer protection from evil spirits, good health, and good fortune. Other reasons for rituals are for celebration of good luck, an attempt to escape bad luck or a run of misfortune, healing, birth, marriage and death. The priests can be either male, called houngan, or female, called mamb

Some topics in this essay:
Religious Tolerance, North America, Americas Quick, African European, , God Obatala, Vodoun Slave, Haiti Vodou, Aida Wedo, Music Haiti“, religious tolerance, religion vodoun, vodoun faith, rituals vodoun faith, beliefs rituals, rituals vodoun, beliefs practices, practices rituals, possessed dancer, vodoun religion, western world,