VooDoo

[17th Angel]

Originally Posted by Bandit

I am not sure if this is where this goes.

Originally Posted by Bandit

I was wondering about voodoo dolls. Does anyone know about them or has anyone ever made one?
I dont want to make one, but why do people make them and where did it orginate.

Voodoo is a religion that originated in Africa and was brought to Haiti by slaves, where it is still widely practiced by most inhabitants. Most aspects of this religion are positive and it affects all aspects of the people's lives, such as morality, economics, safety, relationships and health.

There is a revered God, an assortment of spirits, and many rituals. Worshippers communicate with their God through the "loa" or spirits. This relationshiop is based on trust and mutual give and take. The people conduct ceremonies to honor them and loas, in return, are helpful in their lives.

The black magic aspects of this religion play a very minor role and is not typical of voodoo. In the early to mid 1900's, there were exaggerated claims about voodoo and movies portrayed followers as ignorant people who were obsessed with evil. Werewolves, zombies, the casting of spells and the use of voodoo dolls were sensationalized as the common practices of these people. In actuality the use of black magic is rare but this stereotype remains with us even today.

The use of voodoo dolls is unheard of in Haiti and most places where the religion is practiced. The only recorded serious use of the dolls, among voodoo worshippers, was in the new Orleans area in the early 1900's. Hexes were cast to bring either good or bad luck to another person. The doll was used to symbolize that person. The sticking of pins into the doll was to reinforce and direct the spells that were cast.

[Bandit]

Originally Posted by 17th Angel

Voodoo is a religion that originated in Africa and was brought to Haiti by slaves, where it is still widely practiced by most inhabitants. Most aspects of this religion are positive and it affects all aspects of the people's lives, such as morality, economics, safety, relationships and health.

There is a revered God, an assortment of spirits, and many rituals. Worshippers communicate with their God through the "loa" or spirits. This relationshiop is based on trust and mutual give and take. The people conduct ceremonies to honor them and loas, in return, are helpful in their lives.

The black magic aspects of this religion play a very minor role and is not typical of voodoo. In the early to mid 1900's, there were exaggerated claims about voodoo and movies portrayed followers as ignorant people who were obsessed with evil. Werewolves, zombies, the casting of spells and the use of voodoo dolls were sensationalized as the common practices of these people. In actuality the use of black magic is rare but this stereotype remains with us even today.

The use of voodoo dolls is unheard of in Haiti and most places where the religion is practiced. The only recorded serious use of the dolls, among voodoo worshippers, was in the new Orleans area in the early 1900's. Hexes were cast to bring either good or bad luck to another person. The doll was used to symbolize that person. The sticking of pins into the doll was to reinforce and direct the spells that were cast.

interesting. i forgot about this topic. i brought it up because awhile back someone left a homemade doll standing up next to the front wheel of my brothers truck & i think i left the story at the beginning of the thread, which turned out to be what he believed was a health issue.
thanks for the post & history, 17th.

[bgruagach]

It really is sort of funny how movies and fiction have built up the idea of a doll being used for magick as being a Voudou thing, when in fact it seems it has very little use within African-based magick.

On the other hand, there is a huge amount evidence of image and doll magick within European practice. For instance, if you do a search for "doll" at the public-domain religious and mythology text site http://www.sacred-texts.com/index.htm most of the many references come from European sources including Frazer's classic "Golden Bough."

[Quahom1]

Originally Posted by Bandit

interesting. i forgot about this topic. i brought it up because awhile back someone left a homemade doll standing up next to the front wheel of my brothers truck & i think i left the story at the beginning of the thread, which turned out to be what he believed was a health issue.
thanks for the post & history, 17th.

I remember your story. And Bruce is right. The "doll" does nothing except re-enforce the fact that someone wishes ill will or good will upon us.

As an aside, I love the come back that the Mighty Quin gives to the "Mambo" in the movie.

"I curse you...."

"Mambo, I am already cursed".

Can't argue with that...

v/r

Q