Vodou

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the themes and rituals of the Vodou religion. It describes the 401 facets of the divine, referred to as lwa and their connection to the religion of Vodou. It also describes the state of the possessed individual and his role in the ceremony. The paper then discusses the reason why the lwa is essential to the ritual life of people practicing Vodou.

From the Paper:

"The overall theme that such rituals convey is the elemental nature of the Vodou religion. Specifically, within Vodou it is believed - much like in Hinduism - that there is one, ultimate spiritual being, known as God. However, this overarching spiritual force cannot be comprehended or experienced directly be human beings. This is the reason why the lwa is essential to the ritual life of people practicing Vodou. The lwa is the connection between the perfectly divine realm of God and the lesser realm occupied by humanity. Obviously, the in-between realm of the lwa acts upon the human realm continually; yet the rituals themselves are designed to strengthen this connection. Accordingly, possession by the lwa is of ultimate importance to be able to cross the line - however briefly - between the human and the divine. This interpretation of possession contrasts strongly with Christian interpretations, which almost universally view it as a negative feature of spirituality. In Vodou, it is one of the highest expressions of spirituality; to be touched by these divine messengers in a way capable of restoring spiritual, mental and physical harmony to the one possessed. Naturally, the things conveyed through the possession are of utmost importance because, for those moments, those witnessing the possession are simultaneously witnessing the world of the lwa."

Sample of Sources Used:

• American Museum of Natural History. "Sacred Arts of Haitian Vodou." American Museum of Natural History, 2007. Available: http://www.amnh.org/exhibitions/vodou/ritual.html.
• Bellegarde-Smith, Patrick and Claudine Michel. Haitian Vodou. Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 2006.
• McAlister, Elizabeth A. "Vodou." Encyclopedia Britannica's Guide to Black History, 2007. Available: http://www.britannica.com/blackhistory/article-9075734.

More papers on Vodou:

• Essay # 106988 : "The Vodou"
• Research Paper # 93226 : "Vodou"
• Book Review # 138895 : "Mama Lola: A Vodou Priestess in Brooklyn"

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