1. Haitian Voodoo
Cole Griffin

2. Brief History
Syncretic religion created by African slaves brought to Haiti in the 16th century
Fusion of traditional African beliefs (West African Voodoo), Arawakan, and Roman Catholicism
Slaves were forced to convert to Catholicism, but continued to secretly practice voodoo
Forced participation in the Catholic church led to the syncretization of voodoo with Catholic principles

3. Primary Deities
Bondye (bon dieu, good god) is considered the supreme god, creator of all, not able to be contacted
Equivalent of Jewish/Christian God since influenced by Roman Catholicism
Loa are the spirits -- communication to Bondye can be achieved through the loa
Individual Loa form families as well as 21 nations
Families represent certain values – i.e. Erzuile family represents feministic traits
Equivalent of Catholic saints

4. Important Loa Sèvis Lwa
Papa Legba
Guardian of Crossroads; provides direct contact with Guinee (spirit realm)
Christian crosses symbolize crossroads in voodoo
Voodoo equivalent of St Peters
Erzuile Freda
Love, beauty, luxury
Voodoo equivalent of the Virgin Mary
The Marasa
Sacred twins (sometimes portrayed as triplets), direct descendants of Bondye
Voodoo equivalent of Cosmos and Damian, twin saints

5. Practices No standard of rituals or primary text
Practices and beliefs may vary in different areas
Believe that through rituals, direct communication with the loa is possible
Possession
Animal sacrifice
Voodoo is considered a “personal religion” in the sense that followers have personal experiences and relationships with the spirits, which effect their lifestyles

6. Practices Continued
Various instruments, like drums, used to call the spirits
Altars with various offerings, from foods to decorations
Dolls used to contact a specific spirit, not to torture a person
All rituals and choices are attempts to please and maintain good relationships with the loa
Priests
Houngans: male priests
Mambos: female priests

7. Santería The way of the Saints
Regla de ocha
La Regla Lucumi
Lukimi

8. Brief History
Syncretic religion comprised of Yoruba (west African culture and religion), Roman Catholicism, and native American religious influences – similar to Haitian Voodoo, the fusion was a result of slavery, however the creation of Santería took place in Cuba
Cuba is still the center of Santería today, but it has slowly spread throughout the Caribbean region and even to America

9. Deities
Primary deity is Olorun (originating from Yoruba), also called Olodumare, the God Almighty
Mortal spirits called Orishas are examples of Olorun
Much like Haitian Voodoo, followers believe that the Orishas will help them if they maintain good relationships through rituals and other religious practices
This also enables Santería as a personal religion

10. Orishas Ochun – goddess of river, water, love Babalu-Aye – sickness
Shango – justice, strength, fire
Santería equivalent of Saint Barbara
Ochun – goddess of river, water, love
Santería equivalent of Lady of Charity (Cuban patroness)
Babalu-Aye – sickness
Saint Lazarus

11. Practices Bembé Criticized for animal sacrifices
Communal drumming, singing, and dancing to invoke the Orisha
Criticized for animal sacrifices
Used for typical rituals to feed and build a relationship with an Orisha
Special occasions: birth, death, marriage, etc.
Chickens, other birds, goats, turtles, sheep, etc.

12. Structure Oral religion with no primary text or organization Priests
Males: Babalorishas (Fathers of Orisha)
Females: Iyalorishas (Mothers of Orisha)
Typically initiated later in life – followers typically believe a specific Orisha has invited them to join the religion (personal relationships with deities)