How Do You Appreciate Vodou As A Religion?
Haitian Vodou is a monotheistic religion with elements of West and Central African tribal beliefs and Catholicism. Follow these guidelines to learn about this syncretistic religion. Vodou is not a pagan sect. Haitian Vodou recognizes one omnipotent, omnipresent god, often referred to as “Bon Dieu” (the Good God). Learn the difference between a lwa and a god. The lwa is more like the Catholic saint than the Greek god. In fact, Vodou lwa are also called “saints” or “spirits.” Lwa are believed to be the spirits of individuals who showed great courage or character in life and earned supernatural powers in death. Know the female figures. Ezili Dantor and Ezili Freda are the counterparts of the Virgin Mary. Ezili Dantor is known as the more fierce of the two incarnations, often portrayed as dark with two scratch marks on her cheek and holding a dark baby, similar to the Catholic Jesus. Freda is also portrayed like the Virgin Mary but with pale skin and generally wearing gold jewelry. Find yo
