...commonly associated with the practice of Voodoo. It is commonly believed that Voodoo is solely black magic; concerned with satanic rituals and terrifying dolls made to mirror victims and then used for torture. This is due to the misrepresentation of the practice shown in movies, discussed on social media, or even communicated to others verbally. Voodoo is actually a religion made up of Catholic, African, and Native American practices rather than a dastardly form of magic. Of course there will always be individuals with ill intents no matter what the circumstance is, but with the evil there is also the virtuous. Voodoo...
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...Voodoo expanded as the prevailing theology of the Haitian people by uniting numerous traditions imported by oppressed Africans to the New World. Black and Carib population’s braved brutalizing, domineering conditions for five centuries. The departure and their vulnerability to European conventions, including Roman Catholic traditions, characterized and differentiated Voodoo convictions and ceremonies. Art inspired by Voodoo gives new understanding on the magnificence and secrecy of Afro-Caribbean religion and society. Externally comprehended by westerners since the eighteenth century, voodoo has been reviled as disturbing, archaic, depraved and misguided through endless correspondence. Vodun, despite its initial elaboration in Haiti, is one of the notable accomplishments of individuals of African heritage in the western half of the world: an energetic, refined amalgamation of the customary religions of Dahomey, Yorubaland, and Kongo with an implication of Roman Catholicism. Furthermore, Vodun has propelled an astounding custom of spiritual...
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...connections between political economy and human suffering is admirably addressed in this powerful book. Haitians stricken with AIDS in the late 1980s in the tiny community of Do Kay. Farmer explains how local knowledge and personal reactions to illness are connected to larger national and global forces, and how the stage was set hundreds of years ago for the misery that is the reality for most people in today’s Haiti. What I must point out is how Haiti is decorated with palm tress and colorful hibiscus flowers. Mountains stand majestically looking down upon sandy beaches and green valleys. From afar it appears as any other island one might encounter sailing the turquoise waters of the Caribbean. Yet, as we draw closer we notice a difference. 5 December 1492, Christopher Columbus landed on a large island in the region of the Western Atlantic Ocean that later became to be known as the Caribbean. Columbus promptly claimed the island for the Spanish Crown, naming it Navidad (Christmas), after his flagship, the Santa Maria. I continue to find several names that Columbus named Haiti upon discovery (Hispaniola and La Isla Hispaniola) which was it? Inhabited with Tainos (or Arawak) people, who called their island Ayiti, Bohio, or Kiskeya. The Taino Indian (or Arawak) inhabitants referred to their homeland by many names, but they most commonly used Ayti, or Hayti (mountainous) (http://www.travelinghaiti.com/history_of_haiti/spanish_colonization.asp). At first the Taino Indians were hospitable...
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...connections between political economy and human suffering is admirably addressed in this powerful book. Haitians stricken with AIDS in the late 1980s in the tiny community of Do Kay. Farmer explains how local knowledge and personal reactions to illness are connected to larger national and global forces, and how the stage was set hundreds of years ago for the misery that is the reality for most people in today’s Haiti. What I must point out is how Haiti is decorated with palm tress and colorful hibiscus flowers. Mountains stand majestically looking down upon sandy beaches and green valleys. From afar it appears as any other island one might encounter sailing the turquoise waters of the Caribbean. Yet, as we draw closer we notice a difference. 5 December 1492, Christopher Columbus landed on a large island in the region of the Western Atlantic Ocean that later became to be known as the Caribbean. Columbus promptly claimed the island for the Spanish Crown, naming it Navidad (Christmas), after his flagship, the Santa Maria. I continue to find several names that Columbus named Haiti upon discovery (Hispaniola and La Isla Hispaniola) which was it? Inhabited with Tainos (or Arawak) people, who called their island Ayiti, Bohio, or Kiskeya. The Taino Indian (or Arawak) inhabitants referred to their homeland by many names, but they most commonly used Ayti, or Hayti (mountainous) (http://www.travelinghaiti.com/history_of_haiti/spanish_colonization.asp). At first the Taino Indians were hospitable...
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...Gutierrez Voodoo which means “spirit” in Fon, was born in the West African country of Benin and is practiced by more than 4 million believers. The origins are not well known but it is thought to have evolved from ancestor worship and animism. ‘While practitioners believe in only one true God they communicate with him through thousands of different spirits and shrines.” It is practiced in many different countries and although they all have for the most part the same beliefs some of their practices are different. Spirit possession occurs in the “Birth of Voodoo” when the daughter of a Voodoo priest is chosen to be a spirit medium. She is claimed by the Earth spirit, Sakpata, and is thought to be dead; she lies for three days without food or water. The villagers prepare for her to be reborn; they spread of path of cornmeal to rid it of evil. “To signal the pass from the world of the dead to the world of the spirit, the body must come feet first into the village.” The villagers touch her with open palms which invoke the spirit inviting it to return and touch her with a chicken with purifies the body. When she awakens from the world of the dead she now has the spirit in her. She will now be able to communicate with the Spirits which will still take much practice. She will be able to heal those that are ill and help with other problems like money. In “Haitian Voodoo” spirit possession occurs to heal people and to guide believers. Haiti is a Catholic dominant country but Voodoo is practiced...
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...traditional religions embraced all aspects of life. Juju (also known to western as Voodoo or vodun) is one of these many religions that are widely practice in West Africa and the Americas. Unlike the strict parameters that are drawn in western religions between the secular and non secular world, Juju is a traditional religion that is all surrounding in all aspect of ones life. This essay will focus on Juju religion in West Africa and how it end up in the Americas. In modern day, most people in the western world have been taught to tribute Juju existence and development exclusively to the Fon tribe who inhabit the country of Benin in West Africa. However, there are more than thirty five different ethnic groups in West Africa who are responsible for the development of Juju religion. Another popular misconception regarding Juju’s religion is that it was developed in Haiti by African slaves who were transported to the new world. This theory is wrong, due to Haiti only been an independent republic since 1804, and some anthropologists have estimated Juju to be as much as 10,000 years old. Juju religion was already well established, completely developed and widely practice religion prior to its arrival in Haiti. Juju is also the official religion in Benin, the only African country that still proudly recognizes it as traditional religion. Western faith are been imposed to other African countries in order to legitimize themselves as a civilized nation. The Juju religion was brought...
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...Myths and Rituals Haitian Voodoo is a complex religion from African descent. This olden religion is weighed by much negative stereotyping, which often link this practice to evil doings and malevolent behaviors. Voodoo embraces the belief of spirits and a direct line of communication through possession and rituals. This religion believes in spiritual intervention on their behalf. Voodoo embodies various religions and its influences to untimely bring together voodoo It combines bits of culture from other African religions, thus making it complex, religions such as Christianity, specifically Christian Catholicism. It can be considered holistic based on the intertwining connection of supernatural and physical heeling. Voodoo believes in many spiritual forces, it consists of one major creator Bondye who does not intervene in any aspect of a person physical of spiritual life. Main worship then passes on to Loas; they differ from saints and angels in which they are not prayed too they are served. Loas are believed to be responsible for different aspects of human such as fertility, youth and beauty. Voodoo has many rituals in order to promote spiritual intrusion, communication and worship. Rituals may include singing and dancing, it involves but is not limited to animal sacrifices, zombification, etc. In this religion there are priests who are as supposedly chosen by dead ancestors. In Haitian Voodoo the practice of zombification is known to be far from folktale to practitioners...
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...Haiti under Francois Duvalier In its 200 year history, Haiti has suffered thirty-two coups. Since its independence from France in 1804, national authority has continually been disputed by factions of the army, the elite class, and the growing commercial class which is made up of immigrant businessmen. The instability of government and society has impacted all aspects of Haitian life: environmental, agricultural, economic, health, and society. Haiti, once called “the Pearl of the Antilles” for its beautiful forests and pristine landscape, enters once again another dictatorship lead by Francois Duvalier also known as “Papa Doc.” The Duvalier regime is said to be one of the worst administration in Haiti, killing more than 2,000 Haitians and driven...
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...,Le’Vitria Burnett ENG 1301 Crystal Guillory October 09, 2012 Behind the Mountains Mountains Beyond Mountains by Tracey Kidder describes Dr. Farmer, an accomplished anthropologist, as hardworking, dedicated and ambitious. He tries to conquer an illness plaguing a village located in Haiti. After the success of curing the catchment area of Cange and the villages surrounding it, he spreads his treatment in other underprivileged places around the world. There is no book with the exception of perhaps Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace ... One School at a Time by Greg Mortenson, the story of an American author who decides to build schools in Pakistan, that has as an influential an effect on the American contribution to cater to impoverished societies internationally. While Mortenson wrote about his intense need to reach out to the community of Korphe, Kidder gives an accurate account of Dr. Farmer’s relentless efforts to cure an entire village as well as those around it by following him through his struggles and annotating for the world to see. This book interprets and gives a great illustration on the determination and its processes of purpose and action, as well as incorporates information on things outside of Western ideology. Generally, determination is described as “to settle or decide (a dispute, question, etc.) by an authoritative or conclusive decision” (http://dictionary.reference.com). It is also consistent with the fortitude to be compelled...
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...Voodoo is believed to be used for evil revenge, which is not correct. Some believe it is derived from Voudon. Voudon is an afro-Caribbean religion that started in Haiti. Voodoo and Voudon aren't based around voodoo dolls or zombies. The meaning of "Loa" in voodoo is a god that practitioner look up to; they are individually responsible for a certain part of our lives. The teachings of Voodoo is based around a higher being, like the Bondye, a creator god. The Bondye is said to be the good god, although there is no evil god in Voodoo. Bindye is far beyond human intelligence, it shows its existence through the loa, and ceremonies are based around the loa rather than the Bondye. The manifestation of loa occurs when they posses their worshipers bodies...
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...Voodoo beliefs and culture Have you ever wondered about the beliefs and practices of Voodoo, pertaining to the death and the afterlife? Voodoo is a popular religion practiced throughout the Carribean, and mostly countries like Haiti. The followers of Voodo believe in the spirit world that is influenced by the pathenon of gods. The followers of Voodoo believe in the after life and that death is the passage to cosmic community of ancestral spirits. The Voodoo religion can be directly traced to the West African,Yourba people. These people lived in the 18th and 19th century, Dahomey. The roots of Voodoo can go back to 6,000 years in Africa. The religion of voodoo spread to many parts of the world, during the African slave trade. Voodoo later become composed of being an African religion, that also had Christian followers. The Voodoo religion has spread from Africa to the Carribean islands and North America. The city of New Orleans has many people that practice modern day voodoo rituals. There are about 50,000,000 Voodoo believers world wide. The followers of Voodoo worship many gods, known as the Loas. The followers of Voodoo strongly believe that Loas and humans depend on each other. The Loas depend on humans for food and praise. Humans depend on the Loas for daily help and protection. These Loas all play a crucial part in human lives, according to Vodouisants. There are various supernatural characters that Vodouisants believe in. One of these...
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...South Florida The purpose of this paper is to project the experience on the presented material to a group of co-workers in regards to bringing awareness to the Haitian community and healthcare issues they face. In reference to the brochure presented, it explained cultural variables between American and Haitian beliefs and religion as well as communication barriers and reasons behind it. The brochure also demonstrated why culture is put on such high value for the Haitian community and what disparities might they face with incompetent healthcare workers towards some of the issues faced and why it would be considered vulnerable. Data collected towards the outcome of the presentation as well as understanding of why this would be a barrier to healthcare was well received within the workplace. Concept of Vulnerability in Haitians “As a triple minority, Haitians face challenges as racial and ethnic minorities, as immigrants, and as individuals who experience poverty at disproportionate levels” (Belizaire & Fuertes, 2011, p. 95). Haiti is considered one of the poorest countries in the world according to Florida Times Union, (2010). Due to the earthquake in 2010, Haiti has lost majority of its economy and potential of growth, hence increasing the immigration of Haitians to South Florida. As healthcare providers it is important to understand the populations being served in a community demographic and appropriate care for them. The concept of vulnerability in Haitians arises from the research...
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...act in certain ways for good or evil purposes by using ritual formulas. These formulas are considered to be called magic. This is very different from television and stage "magic" that depends on slight-of-hand tricks and contrived illusions rather than supernatural power. At times, this magic was called “black magic” and was used together with other forms known as sorcery, witchcraft and fortune telling. Centuries ago, these forms of magic were considered to be less ‘religious’ by some and looked down upon as evil although the theories spread and were practiced by many. Even though magic was initially used as a substitute to religion in order to improve the standard of living, it vastly became an evil ritual used towards the pain and suffering of others which led to its demise. Frazier's understanding of the relationship between magic and religion was structured...
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...Haiti is located in the West Indies and is made up by the western third of the island of Hispaniola, which it shares with the Dominican Republic. This country is about the size of the state Maryland in the U.S. Haiti is two-thirds mountainous, with the rest of the country made up of countless valleys, widespread plateaus, and small plains. Agriculture is the prime economic activity in Haiti. Subsistence crops include cassava, rice, sugarcane, sorghum, yams, corn, and plantains. Most Haitians own and farm small pieces of land throughout the country. The great population density has caused rural poverty and is also a major factor in the country's extensive deforestation, which has contributed to the scarcity of agricultural land. Haiti's biggest exports are light manufactures and coffee; other exports include oils, cocoa, mangoes, sugar, sisal, and bauxite. Haitians' exports are mainly agricultural goods and services: 66% of the population work in agriculture, 9% in industry and 25% in services, yet 28% of the profit comes from agriculture, 20% from industry and 52% from services (CIA, 2010). The United States is the country's primary trading partner. Industry in Haiti consists largely of light assembly of imported parts and the...
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...Page 1 ! ! ! With over 400,000 haitians in New York, the Vodou religion plays a vital role in ! most of these haitians lives in New York and the United States as a whole. Just as “Cornesa” stated in Karen Kramer’s “Legacy of the spirits” film, “I got into this religion by family rights...I inherited the religion and taught the rights”, and Vodou helps him connect his material and spiritual life which makes it very important. In addition, just as mentioned in the film, Vodou is greatly misunderstood with magical practices in the western culture, with association to witchcraft and satanic magic like the “Vodou dolls”. A Haitian who was interviewed essentially never heard of such a thing, and he confirmed that its not part of the true religion. Regardless of all the negativity around it, the true Vodou religion is still practiced in order to cope with life in the United States; Basement Voodoo temples are set up and followers of this religion worship the spirits or the “Iwas” ten times a year, as if they were at home.! ! There is also a connection to Haiti through the famous Rara bands that are discussed in Elizabeth McAlister’s “Rara!”. These marching bands or dance troupes perform dances with the help of musical instruments like the drums, Kornet, and the Bambou. Specifically in New York, Rara bands focus on religion, family and Haitian pride, emphasizing on issues concerning being poor, infected with AIDS, and prejudice against Kreyol. In addition, the crucial emphasis...
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