5 things to Know about Voodoo

Vodun is an ancient religion practiced by some 30 million people in the West African nations of Benin, Togo and Ghana. With its countless deities, animal sacrifice and spirit possession, voodoo — as it’s known to the rest of the world — is one of the most misunderstood religions on the globe.

In the United States, voodoo has been sensationalized by Hollywood, demonized by Christian missionaries and parodied in New Orleans tourist shops. But what should the western world know about this ‘religion’? Here are few things you should know about it brought to you by online casino sites.

1 – Origin

Slaves in West African countries where European nations ruled were banned from practicing any religion except Roman Catholicism. In fact, an 1685 law required all masters to baptize their slaves upon purchasing them. As a result, the newly christened slaves, who weren’t entirely converted, combined some Catholic rituals with elements from their own religions. During the 17th century, many slaves were brought to Haiti. Due to the country’s isolated location, Voodoo developed into its own religion with unique traditions and beliefs. This is how over the years some of the Voodoo spirits became associated with Christian saints.

2 – Popularity

Voodoo is an official religion in Benin, which is often regarded as the home of Voodoo. About 40% of the population follow it. There is a national museum dedicated to the religion and a public holiday named after it. Voodoo is practiced in other parts of West Africa as well, and also in Haiti, where it is completely normal. Voodoo still has a following in New Orleans, too. A few other countries — such as Brazil, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Ghana, and Togo — which have a history of being home to people of African descent, still practice some version of Voodoo.

3 – Evil?

Contrary to what many movies may try to make you believe, Voodoo is not about evil magic and curses. In fact, it is about healing. Some of the methods are homeopathic, others involve natural remedies, especially herbs, and still more have to do with spells. Voodoo teaches respect for the natural world. In Haiti, for example, it’s not uncommon for poor people to seek the help of a Voodoo priest, also known as hougan, rather than a doctor of Western medicine.

4 -Types

There are three main types of Voodoo and they come from the regions where the religion is practiced most often — Haitian vodou, Louisiana Voodoo, and West African vodun. Haitian Voodoo has been influenced by Christianity and French imperialism. West African Voodoo is practised by some 30 million people and its rituals have not changed much over the centuries. Just like how gambling on www.jackpotjill.net hasn’t changed aside from evolving

5 – Way of Life

Voodoo is a religion and a way of life. At the center of the religion are loa (also spelled lwa), which are spirits. Practitioners contact the loa to ask for anything from health to love and success. Different loa represent different aspects of life. Papa Legba is one of the most famous spirits. He is the gatekeeper to the loa world, and anyone who needs to talk to a spirit must go through him first.