Black magic cult or misunderstood religion? #video#Haiti
Do you know what Voodoo is? For most of us, the word probably conjures up images of voodoo dolls or disturbing rites weโve seen in movies.
Voodooism has long been stigmatised as a sinister cult with scary rituals that even involve cannibalism. However, the reality is very different. Voodooism, which originated in West Africa, is closely linked to slavery. In the early 18th century, Haitian slaves overthrew their European rulers and took control of the island. Many slaves were Voodooists, so no wonder the cult was banned! Voodooists believe in the spiritual world and worship their ancestors. In the past, they often embraced Catholic symbols of saints to avoid detention and punishment.
In 2003, Voodooism was finally recognised as an official religion in Haiti, on a par with Catholicism and Protestantism.