[RSCT] Teaching About Haiti: Voodoo VS Voudou

[KEVIN LAMASTRA]

   
 During recent school discussions on Haiti, children and adults can often be heard making reference to one of the things they believe they know
about Haiti via popular culture: "voodoo".  At a minimum, it is helpful to let others know that the word spelled "Voodoo" signifies the sensationalized
fictional representation of Hollywood, and not the popular religion of Haiti.  Voudou (or several other variants) is the word used to talk about the
actual practices of many people in Haiti.
 
 
Religious Tolerance.org offers a brief introduction to the topic:

Vodun (a.k.a. Vodoun, Voudou, Voodoo, Sevi Lwa) is commonly called Voodoo by the public. The name is traceable to an African
word for "spirit". Vodun's can be directly traced to the West African Yoruba people who lived in 18th and 19th century Dahomey. Its roots may go back 6,000
years in Africa. That country occupied parts of today's Togo, Benin and Nigeria. Slaves brought their religion with them when they were forcibly shipped to
Haiti and other islands in the West Indies.

Full article at Religious Tolerance.org :
http://www.religioustolerance.org/voodoo.htm
Kevin LaMastra
Project Coordinator
Teachers Social Justice Tour- Dominican Republic: www.friendsbeyondborders.net
 
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