Voodoo or Vodum, meaning “spirit”, is an African name given to rites practiced in poverty stricken rural areas of Haiti. It was developed by African slaves brought to the island by the French during the late 17th century and has now spread to Cuba, Jmaica and Brazil.
Possessing no doctrine, voodoo is wonderfully elastic and, as any primitive religion demands, is full of myths and magic. Since most Voodooists are also Roman Catholocs, they have introduced many of the church’s beliefs into their religion. For instance, they have enthusiastically adopted many saints.
Ritual dances occupy an important part of their lives and usually take place in the presence of a priest or priestess. These dances are rhythmic and are accompanied by the drums. Back and forth the dancers shuffle, shoulders shaking and eyes rolling as they chant incomprehensible words. They can become quite unaware of the outside world and, in this state, have often been known to froth at the mouth. When a baby is “baptized”, it is thrown through flames to become fortified against danger.
Many Voodoo priests exploit the beliefs and superstitions of their people for their own gain and power. This is bound to happen in any primitive religion, but the situation is beginning to improve as education spreads.