Vodou

After studying Haitian Vodou, it is clear to see the influences of African and European cultures.  Vodou spiritual practice of beliefs blended of Catholicism brought by the European (French) slave owners and the Yoruba religious beliefs brought by the African slaves from Yorubaland (parts of Nigeria, Benin, and Togo—known by Europeans as “the slave coast”). Women are deeply respected in all of these cultures and beliefs. The Yoruba have a respected term for women: “Our Mothers” this is a term used for all female ancestors, female deities, and elderly living females. The Yoruba show respect toward many deities (Orisha). Examples of Orisha are Orunmila and Eshu, they act as the mediators between humans and deities. A diviner, babalawo, is a mediator between humans and Orunmila.  In Catholicism (a monotheistic religion), Mary (the Madonna), is viewed as the mother of Christ and is considered a saint. Priests and Saints are represented as mediators between humans and deity. In Vodou, there are no deities, nor saints.  Erzulie Dantor is a respected female spirit (lwa).  Haitians viewed imagery of the Madonna because of the catholic slave owners. The Haitians saw the Madonna as Erzulie Dantor: a strong female spirit usually holding the Christ child, however, the child may be depicted as female portraying the strength of female roles in Vodou. The Erzulie Dantor is thought to be the protector of children and is sometimes depicted with scars on her cheek due to wounds from battle in the revolution protecting children from harm.