Difference Between Voodoo & Hoodoo
The Africans that came to the New World as slaves brought a wide variety of religious beliefs and magical practices with them. Over time, their beliefs blended with European and Native American elements becoming new religions and practices such as Voodoo and hoodoo. Non-practitioners often confuse these distinct belief systems.
Other People Are Reading
-
Haitian Vodou
-
Haitian Vodou is the predominant religion of approximately 8 million Haitian people in Haiti, parts of Cuba, the Dominican Republic and the United States. It was developed in the 17th Century by African slaves from a blend of beliefs from West Africa's Kongo and Fon kingdoms, Taino Indians and Roman Catholicism. In August 1791, Haiti's Vodou practitioners pledged to fight for Haiti's independence from France at the Bois Caiman festival. The successful Haitian Revolution created the first black republic in history in 1804.
Major Beliefs
-
Vodou practitioners worship a creator God, called Bondye from the French for "Good God." However, Bondye leaves the operation of the universe to spirits called loa. Serving the loa and spirits of their ancestors helps believers achieve harmony with their world. Different spirit families preside over different aspects of life. For example, the Ezili family governs feminine matters while the Azaka family governs agriculture. They are also categorized as Rada or Petwo. Rada are cool-tempered spirits from Africa while the Petwo are fiery-tempered spirits from Haiti.
-
Louisiana Voodoo
-
Louisiana or New Orleans Voodoo is also a blend of African and Roman Catholic beliefs. Practitioners believe in a creator God, spirits and ancestor worship. It is believed that God resided on Earth until a prank by the trickster Legba drove him away. God retreated to Heaven but left Legba behind in the form of a rainbow serving as the bridge between Heaven and Earth. However, rainbows aren't practical for rituals, so believers adopted the snake as a symbol for Legba. He is also known as "Li Grand Zombi," "Ouncongo," Papa Labas and St. Peter.
Louisiana Voodoo History
-
According to the New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum, Louisiana Voodoo developed in three phases. Between the 1719 and 1830, its beliefs, language and practices were entirely African. From about 1830 to 1930, American-born Creoles developed the classic form of Voodoo with its emphasis on "gris-gris" or folk magic and ritual leaders and magic practitioners called Voodoo queens. Beginning about 1930, Hollywood sensationalism, tourists and curio seekers pushed the religious aspects underground in favor of magic, such as love potions and curses.
Hoodoo
-
According to hoodoo practitioner Catherine Yronwode, although hoodoo contains elements from several religions, it is not a religion. It is a form of African-American folk magic also called conjure. It developed in the 19th and early 20th Century from combination of African folk magic, American Indian botanical knowledge and Christian, Jewish and pagan folklore from Europe.
Hoodoo Practices
-
Hoodoo practitioners, called root doctors, are often well-respected members of the community and church. They use their knowledge of the magical properties of herbs, animals parts, minerals, personal possessions and even bodily fluids to help their clients. They drive away enemies, bring people good luck, stop evil, win money and find love.
-
References
- Photo Credit Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images News/Getty Images
