Vodún: The Spirituality of Benin

Much like the history of Africa, the exact origins of vodún (or voodoo) are uncertain, but it is estimated that roughly sixty million people practice the religion throughout the world today. According to National Geographic, in the West African country of Benin, “where voodoo was born, it is an official religion practiced by four million believers” (2). The word ‘voodoo’ is a derivative of the Fon term ‘vodún,’ the language from the ancient kingdoms of Dahomey, “[meaning] spirit or deity, and by the 16th century, most West African peoples worshiped an interrelated pantheon of gods of loas," influenced by ancient mythology. But the spread of the religious practice to the Western Hemisphere can be undoubtedly attributed to the Europeans. When they ripped apart tribes and families in hopes of prohibiting communication between them, they, in fact, only encouraged its growth, because while the West African slaves were unable to verbally communicate, they shared one commonality - voodoo. 

National Geographic 

Indigenous Fon practices of preserving and protecting ancestral ties and family lineages through the worship of spirits has had heavy influence on the modern state of voodoo. But although the Fon people are known as the founders who birthed the religion, vodún was heavily influenced by neighboring people groups. In his article, Douglas Falen addresses the fact that, “deities were adopted or purchased’ from Fon enemies after victories of the Dahomean army, either from enslaved captives or through a desire to appease their enemy’s god” (1). 

The Mystery of Voodoo, The History Magazine

The religion was consistently evolving in the early days of its practice, and it can be noted that the prominence of other religions continues to have influence on voodoo today, predominantly Catholicism, “representing 43 percent of the country’s population” (1). However, the distinction between voodoo and the Catholic faith is unclear as many practicers incorporate the theologies of Christianity and Catholicism with their ancient ideologies of vodun. During the mid 1600’s, Christian missionaries seeking to convert West Africans often failed in their efforts because Christianity is, “frequently referred to as ‘white-people’s religion” (1). Understandably so, the European slave traders and masters represented Christianity and used their faith-based platform in their abusive and horrendous mistreatment of the African slaves. 

While Islam doesn’t appear to have much of an impact on Benin’s religious standing, it has been noted that Asian and Indian influences, including the medical practices of China and the mysticism of Hinduism, have (1). In fact, “there is a popular story circulating in Benin claiming that Indians have such strong magic that their national soccer team is banned from international competition because nobody would dare play a team that can use magic to score at will” (1). This kind of example reiterates the traditions of ancient African storytelling and the way history was passed down which continues to affect modern society. 

Western cultures and religions often misinterpret voodoo because they are uninformed and uneducated on the history of its origin and the reality of its practice. It’s not difficult to believe Christian conversion often fails out of a lack of understanding.

(1). Falen, D.J. (2016). Vodún, Spiritual Insecurity, and Religious Importation in Benin. Journal 

           of religion in Africa. 46(4), 453-483.10.1163/15700666-12341195

(2). National Geographic. (2008). Birth of Voodoo.

          https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRt6CTb6riY

(3).  Peduto, Gregory. (2010). The Mystery of Voodoo. History Magazine. 11(5), 45-47.