History of the Voodoo Religion
Voodoo is a religion that originated in the West indies country of Haiti. It is still widely practiced in Haiti and West Africa today. It began during the French Colonial period and West Africans brought it to Haiti by the slave trade in the 17th century. When the Voodoo followers were brought to America, they were forced into Christianity by their capturers (masters). The Voodoo origin story started when Dhamballah, the great sky-serpent and father of all the Loa, created all the waters of the Earth. The movement of his 7,000 coils formed hills and valleys on Earth and brought stars and planets in the universe. He made metals from his intense heat and sent lightning bolts to form the sacred rocks and stones of the world. When he shed his skin in the sun, he released water over the land and his reflection created a rainbow, Dhamballah then fell in love with the rainbow and made it his wife: Aida-Wedo. Voodoo also has Christian and African roots. The word Voodoo means "spirit", "god" which is derived from Fon language of Dahomey. Marie Laveau was considered a Voodoo queen for the residents of New Orleans in the nineteenth century. Her and her mother had an enormous influence on their multiracial followers. People who follow the Voodoo religion have many rituals for different purposes. Among them is that several times a day a light comes down from a whole in the grotto ceiling. During these times, Voodoo practitioners make their request to the Loa (Haitian Voodoo spirits). Voodoo teachings believe in one main god, Bondye who is an unreachable creator/god. Instead they believe in many spirits called Loa. They are each responsible for an area of life. For instance if you're a farmer you'd commend the spirit of agriculture.