Evolution of Vodun of Benin in Comparison of what the Americans Practice

Evolution of Vodun of Benin in Comparison of the Americans (Louisana)
Name
Course Name
Date
History of the Vodun of Benin
* Introduction: Vodun, also called voodoo ‘meaning soul or strength,’ is a traditional religious practice undertaken in diverse nations in West Africa.
* Background: Benin is among the West African nations practicing this religion, with 17% of its population estimated to be following the tradition. In Vodun, it is believed that there is a supreme being called MAHU. However, different people have diverse theories of the origin of the Vodun religion. Some people believe that it originated from the supreme being, regarded as a generous, forgiving woman with seven children forming the clans. Others believe a story of a hunter killing a neighbor who ate his hunting dog and using the neighbor’s hair, some rituals were done, and 41 children were formed, leading to 41 clans.[Hammer, Joshua. “On the Vodun Trail in Benin (Published 2012).” New York Times. /2012/02/05/travel/on-the-vodun-trail-in-benin.html (accessed March 4, 2022).] [Falen, Douglas J. "Vodún, spiritual insecurity, and religious importation in Benin." Journal of religion in Africa 46, no. 4 (2016): 453-483.]
* Purpose Statement: Vodun is believed to have been brought to America through slavery, and the practices were later influenced by other religions, which made it start evolving. Understanding how Vodun evolved into what is practiced today, particularly in Louisiana, is important because it allows individuals to appreciate the current practices in the religion.
* Main Body: Vodun began in the 1700s, during the era of slavery in America. It was through slavery that many Africans settled in the Americas.
* Evolution of Vodun of Benin: The Africans brought to America and worked as enslaved people started to practice their religion and spirituality. During the same period (17th Century), Louisiana, an American state, received its first slaves from Africa. The accumulation of slaves in Louisiana led to the city’s unprecedented growth.
* Influence of Catholicism: While in slavery, Vodun believers were exposed to catholic cultures and started to mix their beliefs with Catholicism. Many refused to practice the Vodun religion secretly after being baptized into catholic traditions. As a result, those who practiced the Americans’ customs, beliefs, and ideas mixed with them with the tradition, customs, and beliefs of the Vodun.[Crockett, I'Nasah. "Twentieth-century voodoo: black culture, cultural geographies, and the meani...