Voodoo vs Vodou vs Hoodoo

Confused yet?

Like a lot of religions Vodou, Voodoo, and Hoodoo are generally misunderstood, and can often be incorrectly interchanged as if they are the same religion/practices. I'm hoping that this post can explain a little about the differences and expel some misnomers.

Why do a post on this? Well, I write about Voodoo as well as Witchcraft. In order to understand the fictional aspects I speak of, I feel that it is essential to have a base knowledge of the subject. That is the approach I take when writing. I research the subject thoroughly, then decide what I will and won't fictionise.

While the Dead Man's Dance series will predominately be focused on witchcraft, there will be elements of Voodoo in the series. Don't worry, I intend to do a similar post on Witchcraft in the near future to help clear up a few things on that subject as well. :)

Louisiana Voodoo aka New Orleans Voodoo

Voodoo evolved from Vodou (Haiti) in New Orleans to become its own religion. While practitioners do follow closely to their Haitian counterparts, some of the rituals have been adapted slightly.

Voodoo, and Vodou is a very spiritual religion. During ceremonies participants dance, sing and make offerings to summon the spirits. By dancing, participants invite the spirits to take over their body. To be possessed by a spirit is considered a great honour, even if the possessed does not recall the experience afterwards.

Rituals are generally run by a Voodoo Priest or Priestess on behalf of the community. Each deity has their own symbol. Worshipers draw these symbols in flour / cornmeal to help draw them forth. Offerings of their favourite food and drink are also made to provide a welcome environment for the spirit.

Like most religions, Voodoo is not in essence an 'evil' religion as it is sometimes portrayed in the media. However, if a practitioner should choose to manipulate a spirit into doing bad things, that is the nature of the practitioner and not the spirit.

Haitian Vodou

Vodou is the official Haitian religion which was brought to the island of Haiti by the slaves that were taken, in majority, from the ivory coast of Africa. Now you may have noticed the different spelling of this version of Vodou, that is because Vodou is the Creole spelling of the religion and is used by the practitioners of the religion in Haiti.

When someone within Haiti makes mention of Vodou, then they are speaking of their religion. Outside of Haiti, mention of Vodou refers specifically to the traditional Haitian Vodou rituals, not just Voodoo as a whole.

For those who are interested, National Geographic did a great series on Haitian Vodou with some very powerful experiences being filmed.

Haitian Voodoo

Hoodoo

Hoodoo is predominately practised in the southern parts of the United States. It's commonly called Rootwork because of the high amount of roots and herbs that are used by practitioners. Hoodoo has also been known as Conjure in the past. It wasn't until the 1800s that the name Hoodoo became more common.

The main difference between Hoodoo, and Voodoo/Vodou is that the framework of the spirit system is predominately Protestant Christian with a mix of folk magic, and folk medicine. Unlike Voodoo, and Vodou, Hoodoo is not its own religion.


Personally, I find the aforementioned practices, and religions fascinating which is why I write about them. I hope this post has been helpful to those who were unsure about the differences.

Until next time.

#MADFLOVE