Era

Early Modern Period

Start date

1600 AD

End Date

Present

Religion

Vodou

Main Teachings

Synthesis of African animism, spirit worship, Catholicism, belief in spirits (lwa), ancestral reverence

Metaphysical Beliefs

Polytheism

Ethical and Moral Principles

Harmony with nature

Ritual and Devotional Practices

Ritual possession, Offerings

Spiritual Practices

Divination, Ancestor veneration

Foundational Teachings and Scriptures

Oral traditions, Folklore, Vodou songs, rituals, The role of ancestors, the Loa (spirits), rituals of possession, and the significance of community and healing practices.

Narrative Traditions

Myths and legends

Sub Type

Syncretic

Historical and Cultural Context

Medieval and Early Modern Religions

Historical Development

Primal or Indigenous Religion

Geographical Distribution

African Traditional & Diasporic Religions

Organizational Structure

Mystical Movement

Scriptural Authority

Revealed Religion

Sociological Approach

Ethnic Religion

Philosophical or Ideological Focus

Esoteric Religion

Gods or Deities

Loa

Beliefs on the Afterlife and End Times

Afterlife in Ginen (spiritual realm)

Existance of Afterlife

Yes

Existance of Reincarnation

Yes

Religious Structures

Hounfors (Temples), Peristyles

Religious Leader Types or Roles

Houngans (male priests), Mambos (female priests), Bokors (sorcerers), and other ritual practitioners

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