Voodoo

/ˈvuːduː/ noun

Definition

A spiritual and religious practice that blends African, Catholic, and Caribbean traditions, involving rituals, ancestor worship, and folk magic, especially associated with Haiti and Louisiana.

Etymology

From Haitian Creole 'vodou,' which comes from the West African Fon and Yoruba word 'vodun' meaning 'spirit' or 'god.' The word traveled from Africa to Haiti via the slave trade, evolving into the spiritual tradition practiced today.

Kelly Says

Hollywood has done voodoo so dirty—the real practice is actually a profound religion focused on healing, community, and honoring spirits, not making dolls to curse people! Many voodoo practitioners are actually very spiritual healers, and the tradition has incredible historical importance to African diaspora communities.

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