Voodoo originated in West Africa and is based on African religions from Nigeria, Benin, and Togo where the Yobura people lived. The word Voodoo comes from the west African word, "Vodun," meaning "spirit."
Voodoo practitioners believe in one God. Worshipers communicate with God through the Loa, (spirits.) The Loa are to Voodoo what the Saints are to Catholics. The Loa are responsible for everyday matters in life.
The Spread of the Voodoo Religion
The 1700 and 1800's brought many slaves from Africa to the Caribbean to work on plantations. The slaves brought along their voodoo practices and ceremonies. Ceremonies consisted of praying, drumming, dancing, singing, and the sacrifice of animals. Plantation owners believed them to be savages and tried to Christianize them. Being that there were many similarities between the two religions, Catholicism was worked into the Voodoo religion.
The early 1700's saw the arrival of slavery, along with the slaves' practice of Voodoo, to New Orleans. Although the Catholic Church tried to convert the slaves, the slaves found a way to mask their rituals. Over time, Voodoo in Louisiana changed and evolved to what is now known as "New Orleans Voodoo."
First Voodoo Queen of New Orleans
The earliest known Voodoo queen in New Orleans is DeDe Sainte'. She arrived from Santo Domingo and allegedly bought her freedom. Sainte' held rituals in her courtyard on Dumaine St. She would become an inspiration to Marie Laveau, New Orleans' most famous Voodoo queen.
Marie Laveau
Marie Laveau was originally a hairdresser who eventually became a nurse treating victims of cholera and yellow fever. Known for her herbal remedies and healing abilities, Laveau went on to become one of the most famous Voodoo queens in the world.
Myths Surrounding Voodoo
There are numerous misconceptions when it comes to the practice of voodoo. These include human sacrifices, cannibalism, the ability to turn people into animals, worshiping Satan, and raising people from the dead and turning them into zombies. The portrayal of the Voodoo religion by Hollywood is one of the biggest reasons for these misconceptions.
In reality, Voodoo is a highly spiritual religion whereas practitioners work towards achieving a higher state of consciousness. Rituals are performed to make contact with the spirits for better health, quality living, and abundant food, to name a few.
Voodoo also encompasses the use of a variety of charms and spells to achieve such things as love, healing, wealth, and good luck. These would be forms of white magic.
Today, Voodoo is practiced by millions around the world and continues to grow in popularity.
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