10).
Both religions are not technically held to be systems of belief by their adherents, but rather as systems of service or patronage to higher powers. The idea was present in African feudalism, but seems to be enhanced and highlighted in Creole religions by the slave experience. Seeking for a path away from the rule of cruel Europeans, African slaves turned to the rule of benevolent and helpful Orishas and Loas. Practitioners serve the demi-gods, and the demi-gods in turn serve the practitioners. The relationship between god and man is mainly business, although love and respect are also required. However, no true worship -- as a westerner would understand it -- is required; instead the Orishas and Loas are propitiated by sacrifices, and communicate their assistance mainly by oracles. In both Vodou and Santeria each Orisha or Loa is associated with a certain constellation of symbols, fetishes, sacrifices, and drum-rhythms by which that particular Orisha or Loa is invoked in a ceremony. Other ritual components of Vodou and Santeria rites include ritual baths often prescribed by consulted Loas and Orishas, ritual cleansing of living areas, and the use of amulets and charms -- in one Vodou ceremony a congregant receives ceremonial cuts on his upper left arm as a form of protection.
The action de grace of Vodou is typical of a ceremony of either Santeria or Vodou, except for the lack of singing, dancing and drums:
To perform an action de grace, a table is prepared. Statues and images connected with the various lwa are brought out and placed there, along with some of their favored items (Ogou's machete, Zaka's straw bag, etc.). Food is placed there, as well as bottles containing their libations. A lamp will also be "mounted" or lit
Catholic prayers and the priye Gineh begin the ceremony, and then prayers are given in honor of the various spirits… Frequently one or more lwa will arrive through possession, so they can give their personal thanks and offer the appropriate counsel and warnings (Filan, p.203).
In general, possession is a central aspect of Creole religion, akin to possessions by the holy spirit often seen in evangelical Christianity. It is an ecstatic practice, usually achieved by frenzied dancing and supplication, and the practice is much more central to Vodou worship than to Santeria, although Santeria still revolves heavily around it. Possession is a means for the Loa and Orishas to communicate directly with the congregation and occur in the setting of ceremonies where the demi-gods are invoked by rituals as above described, though usually involving much more rhythm, dancing, and singing. In fact, possession may be said to be the ultimate goal of any such ritual.
Divination is the second method by which the Orishas and Loas communicate with the people, though it is indirect and requires the priesthood as an intermediary. Divination is more common in Santeria, wherein four separate, caste-delineated systems of divination are in practice. Santeria tends to more public venues and expressions than Vodou, which is primarily practiced in home and personal settings, perhaps because of the...
Legba the Voodoo Spirit in Western and African Art Voodoo is a religious practice with followers throughout the Caribbean region, particularly in Haiti and in parts of Africa where the religion spread through the introduction of the slave trade to the continent. Those who practice Haitian voodoo are called vodouists. They believe in a polytheistic system wherein each spirit, or loa sometimes spelled lwa, is responsible for one aspect of human
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