The Encyclopedia of World Religions

Voodoo S 469

Caribbean. The Dominican Republic occupies the other two-thirds. The name comes from vodun. This word means spirit in a language spoken in the nation of Benin, West Africa. Outsiders coined the name. They have also spread many rumors about the reli gion. The origin of the name does, however, indi cate something important. Voodoo preserves and adapts many African religious beliefs and prac tices. Those who practice the religion say they are “serving the spirits.” Haiti was a French colony (established in 1697) that produced sugar. It was home to a large number of slaves originally from West Africa. Inspired by the French Revolution (1789), the

addressed the World’s Parliament of Religions in Chicago. The address brought Vivekananda speak ing engagements, much media attention, and many Western followers. Vivekananda’s influence was not limited to spreading Hinduism abroad. When he returned to India, he founded the Ramakrishna Mission. In doing so, he did much to advance the cause of social reform at home.

Voodoo A religion practiced by people of Afri can descent in Haiti, and by people who have emi grated from Haiti. Haiti is a country that occupies the western third of the island of Hispaniola in the

Ceremony Couzin Zaka (a Voodoo scene) by A. Pierre, Haiti, 20th century (Manu Sassoonian/Art Resource, N.Y.)