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Caribbean Diaspora

Haitian Vodou

Also known as: Voodoo, Vodou

Haitian — Haiti

Supreme Creator

Bondye

Core Beliefs
  • • Supreme unknowable creator (Bondye) distant from human affairs
  • • Lwa spirits as intermediaries grouped into nations (Rada, Petwo)
  • • Ancestor veneration (Zanj) residing in Ginen (Africa)
  • • Serving the spirits (Sèvi Lwa) through ritual
  • • Spirit possession — Lwa inhabits devotee (chwal)
  • • Vèvè ritual drawings, drumming, and animal sacrifice
  • • Syncretism with Roman Catholic saints
Key Figures

Papa Legba — Gatekeeper Lwa, opens crossroads

Erzulie Freda — Lwa of love and luxury

Baron Samedi — Lwa of death and cemeteries

Damballa Wedo — Serpent Lwa, creator spirit

Divination System

Spirit possession and ritual consultation

Priesthood

Oungan (priest), Manbo (priestess)

Sacred Texts & Traditions
  • • Priye Ginen (Vodou prayers)
  • • Vèvè designs (ritual iconography)

Diaspora Connections

West African Vodun (root tradition)Louisiana Voodoo

Related Traditions

VodunLouisiana VoodooKongo Religion
Scholarly References
UNESCO — Haitian Vodou ↗Smithsonian — Vodou Exhibit ↗