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Louisiana Voodoo

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What is Voodoo? Haitian Vodou, Louisiana Voodoo, West African Vodun. Bloody Mary's New Orleans - History of New Orleans Voodoo. History of New Orleans’ Voodoo Voodoo—A word that conjures spirits of fear and curiosity; Black Magic, selling your soul to the devil, evil curses, voodoo dolls and orgies! Too long have we been told what is good and what is evil and many now prefer to search for truth. A truth that if not realized quickly may end in apocalyptic proportions predicted in Revelations and the mark of the beast will be upon us. A truth about Voodoo is amiss when preached only though the Hollywood pulpit, movies like: " I walked with a Zombie", "Serpent and the Rainbow", "Angel Heart" OR even James Bond's "Live and Let Die" sell sinister underworld outlooks reinforcing fears of the unknown.

Now these are entertaining fiction and have a few historical facts sprinkled on top for credibility but are more misleading than not. The truth is that Voodoo is a religion, a philosophy, and a way of life for many people in the world especially in Louisiana. FAQDo you believe in Voodoo? Hey, By any other name… Bonjour, New Orleans Voodoo. NEW ORLEANS VOODOO CROSSROADS A BRIEF HISTORY OF VOODOO The practice of Voodoo is probably as old as the African continent itself.

Sometimes written Voudou, Vodou or Voudun, the word itself means God Creator or Great Spirit. It has been greatly distorted and misused; human sacrifices, vampires, dripping blood and devil worship all make the stuff of spooky novels and Hollywood movies. Yet none of these originated with or ever belonged to Voodoo! Voodoo is a life affirming practice that encourages its participants to better understand the natural processes of life and their own spiritual natures. If one looks at the dictionary, Voodoo is likely to be defined as an ancient religion from Africa that involves the cult of Ancestors, of various animistic spirits, and the use of trances to communicate with such spirits. Voodoo. Map of West Africa In West Africa, in what is today the Republic of Benin, among a people called the Fon, their word for spirits is Vodoun. The 1720’s marked the highpoint of the Trans-Atlanta African slave trade during which time Benin was near the center of what was called the Slave Coast.

In 1719 the first slave arrived in Louisiana from Africa. Most of the people on board were Fon. Today, no place in the United States is as closely associated with Voodoo, if at all, as New Orleans. Geography, time and cultural integration have all changed from what is was originally, but still it remains the belief in spirits that interact in all affairs of day to day life.

There are as many definitions and versions of Voodoo as there are people to tell them. Voodoo is basically a three tiered spiritual system based on God, spirits and ancestors. One story from West African folklore helps explain the relations between God, the spirits and mortals. Voodoo Ceremony by C.M. Louisiana Voodoo. "New Orleans Voodoo" redirects here. For US Arena Football League team, see New Orleans VooDoo. Louisiana Voodoo, also known as New Orleans Voodoo, describes a set of spiritual folkways which originated from the traditions of the African diaspora. It is a cultural form of the Afro-American religions developed by French, Spanish, and Creole population of the U.S. state of Louisiana. Voodoo is one of many incarnations of African-based spiritual folkways rooted in West African Dahomeyan Vodun. History[edit] African influences[edit] Gris-gris by Charles Gandolfo Voodoo was brought to French Louisiana during the colonial period by workers and slaves from West Africa, and then again, by slaves and free people of color who were among the refugees from the Haitian revolution.

The enslaved community quickly outnumbered white colonists. Another component of Louisiana Voodoo brought from West Africa was the veneration of ancestors and the subsequent emphasis on respect for elders. Voodoo queens[edit] Marie Laveau's House of Voodoo. Rhythm and dance are some of many ways used to enter and communicate with spiritual bodies. Voodoo in New Orleans Louisiana Voodoo, also known as New Orleans Voodoo, describes a set of underground religious practices which originated from the traditions of the African diaspora.

It is a cultural form of the Afro-American religions which developed within the French, Spanish, and Creole speaking African American population of the U.S. state of Louisiana. It is one of many incarnations of African-based religions rooted in West African Dahomeyan Vodun. Beliefs The core beliefs of Louisiana Voodoo include the recognition of one God who does not interfere in people's daily lives and spirits that preside over daily life. The main focus of Louisiana Voodoo today is to serve others and influence the outcome of life events through the connection with nature, spirits, and ancestors.