Synopses & Reviews
Haitian Vodou is a fascinating spiritual tradition rich with ceremonies and magic, songs and prayers, dances and fellowship. Yet outside of Haiti, next to no one understands this joyous and profound way of life. ln Haitian Vodou, Mambo Chita Tann explores the historical roots and contemporary practices of this unique tradition, including discussions of:
--Customs, beliefs, sacred spaces, and ritual objects--Characteristics and behaviors of the Lwa, the spirits served by Vodou practitioners--Common misconceptions such as voodoo dolls and the zombie phenomenon--Questions and answers for attending ceremonies and getting involved in a sosyete (Vodou house)--Correspondence tables, Kreyol glossary, supplemental prayer texts, and an extensive list of reference books and online resources
Well-researched, comprehensive, and engaging, Haitian Vodou will be a welcome addition for people new to Haitian spirituality as well as for students, practitioners, and academics.
Synopsis
Deeply rooted in Haiti's culture and held sacred by millions, Haitian Vodou is a joyous and profound ancestral practice descended from the Vodu priesthood of West Africa. This little-understood belief system is among the truest religions of the Americas--yet its essence has remained a mystery to outsiders.
Written by a practitioner of the highest initiatory rank, Haitian Vodou is the only book that offers a respectful, first-hand overview of the centuries-old indigenous tradition. From Haiti's culture and history to the sacred beliefs, ceremonies, rituals, and practices grounded in ancestral communion, readers will get a rare look inside Haitian Vodou. Also explored: its relationship to other African diasporic traditions in the West; common misconceptions; Vodou magic and initiations; how millions survived slavery, betrayal, and revolution; and the twentyone nations of the Lwa, the spirits of Haitian Vodou.