Spirituality in Haitian Vodou By Frank Nieblas What is Vodou? According to Karen McCarthy Brown, vodou is the name assigned to the various religious practices that originated in Haiti. Only until recently, Haitians have started using the word vodou to describe their religion. This religion is still the dominant religion in Haiti today, and it is even largely practiced in some other places such as New Orleans and Santiago, Cuba. Like many other non-Chrisitan religions, western society has seriously misrepresented Vodou. Americans have adopted the word vodou as a derogatory term for black magic. History of Haitian Vodou According to Britannica, “Vodou is a creolized religion formed by colonial Europeans and native Haitians’ interactions with the beliefs of African slaves who had been brought to colonial Haiti which was known then as Saint-Domingue”. These African slaves that were brought in the 16th century were forced to convert to Catholi
By relating syncretism to history and other modern topics it makes it easier to understand the idea of syncretism. Thank you for your post!
ReplyDeletei think it highlights the importance for anthropology and making knowledge of unique cultures more accessible in order to preserve history (hopefully). I know in Belize, there is vast Mayan ruins which remain unexcavated simply because there isn't funds or priority to explore them... who knows what could be under there!?
ReplyDeleteIt is really interesting to see how over time the exporting of Western values and cultures increased. It's true what they say: winners write history. When you're a dominant force, you're ideals and culture mix and alter what used to be. I'm sure there has been resistance to Western encroachment, but it seems hard to stave off. Interesting read for sure!
ReplyDeleteSpot on presentation, And records do show, it is true that Western and European nations showed power by control and wealth. great read and love the image choice!
ReplyDeleteYour post was great, as it allowed me to better understand syncretism! Also, great picture choices!
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