Haitian Vodou

Haitian Vodou is not a completely coherent, well recorded religion like some of the others we are used to encountering, but it is a strong and important faith not only for many Haitians and some converts. The pervasive oral tradition used to convey these beliefs allows for a surprising degree of wiggle room for things such as minor deity names, exact character of a deity, etc., which results in wide range of beliefs all being called “Vodou.” The defining feature of Haitian Vodou is the taking of features from other existing religions, including South and Central African belief systems as well as Christianity.
This mixing of religions results in certain Christian figures being renamed and repurposed to represent familiar African gods. Rituals almost always involve a priest or priestess becoming possessed, allowing them to channel a specific, and often specifically expected, deity. Preparations for such events can be both time consuming and costly, as almost every ceremony involves at least a modest feast. In order to allow a deity to present itself, ritualized imbibing of rum or other spirits may prove useful, unless the deity specifically does not allow/enjoy alcohol.
Dance and song is also very important for attracting the spirit, and such sessions may consist of hours of exhausting singing and dancing before a spirit arrives. These songs are also, however, a source of some tension, as different followers remember growing up with different versions. Once present, such a spirit may begin chastising certain followers for their deeds or weaknesses, or the spirit may accept questions about quarrels, moral situations, cures to ailments, and others. In addition to ritual, Vodou may also involve having a table in one’s home devoted to a deity or ancestor. This table may include pictures, statues, glasses of wine or other beverage, and sometimes symbolic offerings of food.