With the extensive news coverage of Haiti following the devastating earthquake, much has been made of the “voodoo” religion in Haiti. Many Haitian residents prescribe to a religion known as Vodou, sometimes pronounced as “voodoo.” Vodou is an ancient religion, one of the oldest in existence, and has its roots in African countries.
When African slaves were brought to Haiti in the 16th century, they were expected to convert to the Roman Catholic religion. However, they brought with them their beliefs and religious practices, and they tried to honor them as much as possible. In doing so, they often combined Roman Catholic saints with the deities they believed in, and thus, Vodou and Catholicism became forever intertwined.
Vodou followers believe there is a greater god, known as Bondye, who does not meddle in human affairs. Rather, the lesser deities, known collectively as Loa, are worshipped. There are many Loa, who are divided into 21 nations, or groups. Some of the most notable Loa include Papa Legba, the guardian of the crossroads, and Erzulie Freda, the spirit of love. Simbi is the spirit of rain, and goes hand-in-hand with Kouzin Zaka, the spirit of agriculture. Each Loa has a corresponding Roman Catholic saint.
Love and support are considered the most important things a person can give to another, and helping out those in the community is also considered a very important part of Vodou. Relationships with elders are very important.
Over the years, Vodou has become synonymous with voodoo dolls, black magic, Satanism, and the like. However, much of the darker aspect of Vodou have been glorified and enlarged by modern culture, including movies, songs, and the like. In Vodou, crude dolls are often nailed to trees near a cemetery, in the hopes of communicating with those who have passed on to another world. The nailing of the doll has been perverted by modern culture into the idea of the “voodoo doll.” Though voodoo dolls do exist and are used in some forms of voodoo, especially in the United States, the practice is not considered a legitimate part of the Vodou religion.
To answer the initial question — is voodoo a real religion? — the answer is yes. However, voodoo as it is known in modern culture is more of an American phenomenon, while Vodou, the ancient religion, is what many Haitian residents practice.