The official religion of Haiti is Roman Catholicism; however, Haiti’s national religion is voodoo. Many voodooists believe that their religion can coexist with Catholicism. Some voodooists do not perceive themselves as members of a separate religion (they consider themselves Roman Catholics). Voodoo revolves around family spirits which are inherited through maternal or paternal lines. Loua, the family spirits, protect the children from bad luck or unfortunate events that may occur. Each family has their own loua; therefore, voodooists are not interested in the loua of other families. To show appreciation towards the spirit, families must “feed” the loua. This is done through rituals where food, drinks, and other items are offered. There are often two different services to “honor” the loua. One service is held once a year and the other is only conducted about once a generation.
A Voodoo Ritual: Food, Drinks, and Gifts Given to the Loua
The loua can be divided into two different groups. One group of spirits is called the rada. The rada spirits are of African origin and are considered the “sweet” loua. On the other hand, the petro spirits are of Haitian origin and are considered the “bitter” loua. When the loua spirits are displeased with an individual they show this by making the individual sick. Voodoo is used to diagnose and treat the individual.
Loua may appear to family members through dreams or trances. Haitians believe that loua can take over the bodies of individuals, even their children. In a trance, an individual will experience the traits of a loua; however, when returning to consciousness, there is usually no memory left of the trance. The personality of the spirit takes over the human personality during the trance. Through the trance, loua may bring warnings or even reasoning for the cause of an illness or misfortune.
The most important spiritual entities in a family loua are the ancestors; the role of the dead in Haiti is apparent. When an ancestor dies, elaborate funerals and intricate tombs are constructed in their honor. The dead ancestors can act like the family loua. They may appear in dreams to give advice or warnings to those still living. Many voodooists believe that souls can be paid to attack enemies with illness or disease.
Misconceptions about voodooism has given Haiti a reputation that every Haitian believes in sorcery and zombies. However, folk belief includes zombies or the practice of witchcraft. Zombies may be spirits or even souls that have been drawn out from an individual’s body. Sorcery may be a part of Haiti that is practiced by “secret societies.” Haitians may rely on boko which are specialists in sorcery and magic. Haitians may also rely on voodoo specialists that mediate between humans and spirits. These specialists may include male houngan or female manbo. Many voodoo specialists use trance, divination, or perform rituals to appease spirits or ancestors. They can also diagnose illnesses and treat them through the use of herbs.
Haitians Singing and Dancing During a Voodoo Ritual
Voodooism is not a fixed theology; it does not have a particular hierarchy. Therefore, each voodoo specialist must develop his/her reputation (“Haiti- RELIGION”).
Source:
“Haiti – RELIGION.” Haiti – RELIGION. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Nov. 2015.
Exploring Haitian Culture 