The contributors to this volume, all haitians, examine the potentially radical and transformative possibilities of the religious and philosophical ideologies of vodou and locate. The contributors to this volume, all haitians, examine the potentially radical and transformative possibilities of the religious and philosophical ideologies of vodou and locate its foundations more clearly. They are fantastic scholars and have written some really great books togethernamely, haitian vodou. Vodou is popularly described as not simply a religion, but rather an experience that ties body and soul together. Patrick bellegardesmith and claudine michel are to be applauded for editing this slim volume, the firstever collection of essays on vodou written entirely by. Responsibility edited by patrick bellegardesmith and claudine michel. Spirit, myth, and reality paperback december 7, 2006. Patrick bellegardesmith and claudine michel are to be applauded for editing this slim volume, the firstever collection of essays on vodou written entirely by haitian scholars. Broadly interpreting, to bring in other afrodiasporic religions. Spirit, myth, and reality bellegardesmith, patrick, michel, claudine on. A caribbean american response to representations of haiti. Spirit, myth, reality, edited by patrick bellegardesmith and claudine michel. Explore the timeless world of vodou, deep within the caves. Vodou originated in the caribbean and developed in the french.
Haitian vodou also written as vaudou, vodun, vodoun, and voodoo is a syncretic religion practiced chiefly in haiti and the haitian diaspora. This supreme being, benevolent creator of all things, does not intercede in everyday human affairs, and it is to the lwa that vodou worship is directed. Haitian vodou in french vodu, also written as vaudou. Bellegardesmith has authored, edited and coedited five books on these subjects, and a large number of articles, notably.
Selected bibliography of books on haiti in english only the university of kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the universitys programs and activities. Patrick bellegardesmith and claudine michel are to be applauded for editing this slim volume, the firstever collection of essays on vodou. Need another excuse to treat yourself to new book this week. This class provides an introduction to this central haitian religion and culture. World heritage encyclopedia, the aggregation of the largest online encyclopedias available, and the most definitive collection ever assembled. A devils dozen of the best new religion journalism books of the decade. Yet outside of haiti, next to no one understands this joyous and profound way of life. Far removed from bmovie cliches, vodou is spiritual system and a way of life but even in. Explore the timeless world of vodou, deep within the caves of haiti photographer troi anderson captures the religion that has been misunderstood for centuries by jonathan m. Edited by patrick bellegardesmith and claudine michel. Spirit, myth and reality by patrick bellegardesmith, claudine michel isbn.
This tying of soul is evident in many haitian vodou practices that are still exercised today. Independence or death let these sacred words unite us and be the signal of battle and of our reunion. Translation into portuguese by amanda orlando of haitian vodou. In the spirits and the law she has left no stone unturned. Damballah created all of the oceans, culture valleys and mountains. Haitian vodou and migrating voices volume 44 issue 1 sabine kim. Vodou is a haitian creole word that formerly referred to only to a small subset of haitian rituals. This is his part in dispelling myths about the practice. Damballah was the father of the loa spirits damballah was the creator of everything. The loa, or spirits with whom vodouisants work and practice, are not gods but servants of the supreme creator. Spirit, myth, and reality contains mostly original material and some compelling insight into the nature of this extraordinary new world. Anything by claudine michel or patrick bellegardesmith. The class will examine the vodou system, theology and philosophy, mythology, songs, dances, rhythms, rituals. Haitian vodou is a syncretic mixture of roman catholic rituals developed during the french colonial period, based on traditional african beliefs, with roots in dahomey, kongo and yoruba traditions, and folkloric influence from the indigenous taino peoples of haiti.
Neoafrican religions in a new world editor 2005 haitian vodou. Spirit, myth, and reality by patrick bellegardesmith. The cultural place that vodou occupies today is complicated, and at first glance, almost invisible. This is one of the best, most thorough and concise articles every written on this vast, mysterious and often misunderstood tradition of haitian vodou. Haitian vodou breaks away from european and american heuristic models for understanding a religiophilosophical system such as vodou in order to form new approaches with an african ethos.
Vodou emerges as an organized and systematic religion fully endowed with the richness, complexity, and depth expressed by other religions. There are clergy in haitian vodou whose responsibility it is to preserve the rituals and songs and maintain the relationship between the spirits and the community as a. Vodou is elusive and endangered, but it remains the soul of haitian. The primary goal and activity of vodou is to sevi lwa serve the spiritsto offer prayers and perform various devotional rites directed at god and particular spirits in return for health, protection, and favour. However, nonhoungan or nonmambo as vodouisants are not initiated, and are referred to as being bossale. Haitian vodou and migrating voices theatre research. The contributors to this volume, all haitians, examine the potentially radical and transformative. In this volume, haitian scholars and practitioners examine the intersections of vodou and haitian society. The contributors to this volume, all haitians, examine the potentially radical and transformative possibilities of the religious and philosophical ideologies of vodou and. It is with great pleasure we are able to provide this informative and fascinating essay for you, courtesy of mr. The concept of tying that exists in haitian religious culture is derived from the congolese tradition of kanga, the practice of tying ones soul to something tangible. Spirit, myth, and reality and vodou in haitian life and culture. This article explores the beliefs of haitian vodou, a newworld variant of west african vodun practices, within the context of ecotheology. Haitian vodou project gutenberg selfpublishing ebooks.
Vodou is entangled with haitian politics both indirectly and more openly. Vodous basis in ancestor worship, nature spirits, and natural processes such as birth, death, weather, and fertility would logically lead devotees to a serious interest in ecotheological ethics, in other words, the relationship of. Claudine michel is the author of vodou in haitian life and culture 3. Haitian voodoo creation myth by jaylin clevenger on prezi. The breached citadel 1990 second edition 2004 fragments of bone. Haitian vodou breaks away from european and american heuristic models for understanding a religiophilosophical system such as vodou in order to form new approaches with an. Haitian voodoo creation myth creation myth haitians believed in a sky serpent named damballah. Haitian vodou is a fascinating spiritual tradition rich with ceremonies and magic, songs and prayers, dances and fellowship. Desmangles, a book recommended to me by a vodou priestess. Bellegardesmith has authored, edited and coedited five books on these subjects, and a large number of articles, notably in the shadows. The earthquake, the missionaries, and the future of vodou jstor. Spirit possession plays an important role in afrohaitian religion, as it does in many other world religions. Take a walk through the streets of the haitian capital, portauprince, and you might spot occasional clues.
Other characteristics of vodou include veneration of the dead and protection against evil witchcraft. She sees vodou as a modern invention of the haitian genius, and the book is a platform for analyzing all the big issuesfrom imperialism, to slavery, neocolonialism, and us exceptionalism expressed as racial paternalismthat have made haiti what it has become. Bellegardesmith also wrote an excellent book called fragments of bone. This work explores and highlights how the african religion of vodou and its ethic i. Therefore vow before me to live free and independent, and to prefer death to anything that will try to place you back in chains.
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