Vodou or Voodoo?

St. Michael the Archangel

My first post on this blog will be touching on the subject of one of the most confusing aspects of this Afro-Caribbean religion. The spelling of the word Vodou (Voodoo, Vodoun) is a big divider between the various traditions of the world.

First, if you've ever seen a horror movie with zombies, black men playing with dolls, or Satanism than you've most likely also heard that very thing called 'Voodoo'. Notice how I spelled that. The spelling 'Voodoo' typically denotes a false, stereotypical idea of the practice of Vodou which is entirely different from the general assumption of the religion.

However there is a tradition of Vodou in New Orleans that uses the former spelling. This tradition is a big melting pot of various practices, many of which are not even African in nature. With all due respect, the practitioners of that religion often incorporate white concepts such as Wicca, Solomonic magick, and other things among that. Now this is not to say that New Orleans Voodoo is false, but is instead just showing the differences.

Now, Vodou which is how it is generally referred to in Haiti and the Dominican Republic is a religion that blends *traditional* African beliefs with Catholicism. The reason for the Catholic blend is due to white invasion but still holds its place in the religions even today.

Vodou has its focus on the existence of an Almighty presence called Bondye, and views our world as consisting of three realms. The upper world, the marketplace, and the abyss. Followers of the religion place much emphasis on getting in contact with God through spirits which are called lwa in Haiti, and misterios in the Dominican Republic. Relationships are built through offerings to these spirits and are viewed as having an effect on the day-to-day life of an individual.

We also place a lot of emphasis on our ancestors. As a matter of fact, that is generally the first thing a person should start seeking out- a connection to their own ancestors. Lwa generally come second. But what's the difference between the Vodou in Haiti and the Vodou in the Dominican Republic?

In Santo Domingo, the spirits are seperated into 21 divisiones. There are however three major divisiones which according to tradition are Rada, Petro, and Ghede. Within these three are seven lines of spirits which of course make up the twenty one divisiones. For instance, in the Rada (the more benevolent, wise, and pure spirits) there is a division entirely for the Metresas or 'female' spirits. The spirits of this line have a lot in common with the patron of that line named Metresili Freda.  Therefore the amount of spirits within these divisiones is so vast that many would never know all of them within a lifetime.

It is also important to say that in Haiti much emphasis is placed on initiation and a relationship with your initiator in real life, while in the Dominican Republic small initiation ceremonies are made and then the initiate is taught by the spirits. There is usually one spirit in particular that will guide he/she as they progress in Vodou. This is much different in Haiti.

There are also many of the same spirits in the two religions and many different spirits as well. The way of serving the spirits is almost completely different as well. We also speak Spanish instead of Kreyol, which is without a doubt one of the biggest differences. I realize this was a short post but it should be informative to those who haven't been able to get this information.