African Voodoo

Paper Summary:

This paper examines how Voodoo is a complex religion that combines traditional African religions with new elements that can be found in Catholicism. It looks at how contrary to popular beliefs, Voodoo is not the imaginary, evil religion based on violence and bloodshed as portrayed in Hollywood movies about "zombies" and "voodoo dolls". Rather, it is a religion based on mysticism and the belief in a connection between the physical and spiritual worlds of the living and the dead.
Outline
Introduction
Beliefs
Rituals
Voodoo Today

From the Paper:

"Voodoo originated in southern Benin and nearby countries on the Gulf of Guinea in a region that used to be a trade route in which many cultures crossed. This once great kingdom known as Dahomey, was ruled by eleven "Divine Kings" for over two centuries and Voodoo reigned supreme as the primary religion, deeply rooted in myth and mysticism. An ancient legend claims that the first "Divine King" was born to a mother who was charmed and impregnated by a leopard with supernatural powers (Hounon, 1983). Its followers consider it a way of life, and not just a religion, as it encompasses all aspects of one's life. It is based on the worship of ancestors and divine spirits who intervene in human affairs. These supernatural forces can be contacted through traditional Voodoo rituals, which serve to keep humans in harmony with the natural world around them. "

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• Essay # 5029 : "Voodoo Resources"
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