What do you think when you hear the word “voodoo”? Zombies? Superstition? Spirit possession?
Even those of us who respect this spiritual tradition will tend to think of these things when the word “Vodoo” is uttered. This is proof of how effective colonial powers have been at creating fear and disdain in our minds for what is actually a sophisticated, healing and expansive belief system.
The Vodou exhibit at the Museum of Civilization in Ottawa (video below, I hope) was a pleasant and powerful surprise to me. My first lesson was to understand that this spiritual practice was able to unite enslaved Africans on the island of Haiti across ethnicities, languages and differing belief systems. This was no small task considering the brutal practices of the day that severely and often fatally punished Africans for merely gathering together in small groups.
Once unified, Vodou practitioners became a powerful resistance force to the French colonizers. No wonder they forbade the practice of Vodou and taught Africans to fear and detest those who practiced it.
The first items on display at the museum explain how Vodou practitioners often honour the original Indigenous people of Haiti in their art and rituals. While aware that the first peoples of the island were killed off or deported, Haitian practitioners still acknowledge their existence and develop relationships with these ancestors as well as their own.
The exhibit contains carefully constructed items or replicas, that are made for purposes of honouring ancestors, healing, giving thanks and so much more. Films depict ceremonies, celebrations and other activities involved in this spiritual practice. Videos of various experts speak about the fundamental beliefs of Vodou, which include a respect for nature, gender equity, acceptance of all sexual orientations and gender identities as well as many other positive values. The belief that our material world is only one of many planes of existence mirrors what quantum science is discovering these days. Our African ancestors had this knowledge for thousands of years.
Vodou involves ways of communicating across these planes for the purposes of receiving advice and counseling from ancestors. Sometimes this is done through the process of being embodied by spirit beings. The practice is very involved and requires a lot of skills, knowledge and experience.
Yes there are people who use Vodou to harm others or to manipulate in petty ways. There are small-minded people in every community. Unfortunately mainstream popular culture tends to emphasize the negative practices of Vodou over the positive ones. The truth is, most practitioners are interested in helping people heal, overcome challenges and stay well.
In sum, I walked away from the exhibit with great respect for people who managed to maintain their cultural practices and connections to their ancestors under seriously brutal conditions.
Did you see the Vodou exhibit? Have you any connection to Vodou? I’d love to hear your thoughts about it.
Note: My first time posting so if the video doesn't show ip you can view it here http://aliennight.com/vodou-hollywood-versus-reality/
Cheers,
Zainab Amadahy
Subscribe to Zainab's site for FREE downloads & special offers.
Author of:
-Resistance: Where Sci Fi Meets Social Justice
-Ways of Wielding the Force: 13 Exercises in Collective Care and -Effectiveness
-Wielding The Force: The Science of Social Justice
-Moons of Palmares
Warning: These books may cause an outbreak of healthy, sustainable communities
Alien Night: What would you do if an alien knocked on your door?
Replies