Vodun, also known as Voodoo, is a traditional Afro-Haitian religion that combines elements from West African religions with Arawakian traditions and Roman Catholic Christianity.
Think of a music mashup where you blend different songs together. You start with a beat from a West African drum (West African religions), add some guitar riffs from a Caribbean band (Arawakian traditions), then layer on vocals from a gospel choir (Roman Catholic Christianity). The final track - like Vodun - is something entirely new but still has recognizable parts from each original piece.
Loa: In Vodun, these are the spirits of Haitian vodou and Louisiana voodoo. They are responsible for various aspects of human life.
Ritual Possession: A phenomenon in which individuals report that they are inhabited by spirits or gods during rituals or ceremonies.
Syncretism: As mentioned earlier, this refers to the merging or fusion of different religious beliefs into one system.
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