Voodoo (full documentary)

The fact that they started with the tale of slaves though. The history of yoruba traditional african vodun dates back thousands of years before slavery. Don't let the eurocentric eye fool you my brothas and sistas. Slavery was not African history, it interrupted african history. If you're going to tell a story about my people then do it right please

This is a beautiful example of why we need to preserve the different cultures on this earth.

People fear what they don't understand.

Great documentary of 'olden days'! Powerfully narrated with a voice almost as mystic as the people that parttake in this display of ancient traditions!

Good documentary. My man is of Haitian descent and this video is true to form. It did not have to start with the mention of the slave trade but that is how other 'branches' of Vodun were established, hoodoo is a perfect example. I am waiting for the release of Dimon Honsoun's doc about Vodun. But this doc gives basic info that is factual. Ayibobo!

Imagine the oppressor accusing the oppressed of making a pact with the devil in order to kill the oppressor (devil) and free themselves from slavery. Doesn't make any sense

Very good documentary with footage that is both enlightening and moving. It's great that you were able to convince these people to be filmed, I especially loved the woman on the beach that is taken by Erzuli. She had such a beautiful face.

I am from a country called BENIN in west Africa. I am an "amateur antropologist". I was born in Europe, raised between Europe, Africa and North America. Unfortunately, African scholars now define themselves through the eyes of Europeans and are now unable to translate their own culture adequately. Vodun, Voodoo or Hoodoo in the Americas is NOT what we have in Africa. By definition Vodun in Benin /Togo/ Ghana is related to the Gbé people (Fon, Goun, Ewe, Mina, Popo). The word is actually two words Vo (our) Adun (Essence force spirit) meaning "our essence", "Our force": US. The particularity of Vodun is that, it defines a clan, a family, a stronghold. It represents the spirit of the clan. Each has its own spirit (Adun). It is the vessel by which the clan relates to the afterworld. In the cosmogology there is only one GOD (suprise!!! monoteism), humans cannot access to god. He is the all powerful and mighty and therefore cannot be represented. No statues, no shrines etc. to the glory of god. It is just an evidence, the existence of god is not questionned just accepted as an evidence. Under god there are spirits (good or bad) they are forces to be reckonned with. Metal is a force, the wind is a force, plague is a force, water, air, thunder etc. Therefore spirits in their own right deamed to be worshiped. Now , the tricky part. What represents a clan is the Vodun of the clan. It is the vessel that will conduct thead of that clan to the afterlife (Very important aspect of a lot of African cultures). Since one is not wise enough, knowledgeable enough to address God (Mahu) One prays to the ancesters in the Afterlife to intercead with the Almighty on their behalf using the vodun as a vessel for that prayer. That is Vodun. NO sacrifices, no blood. Alcohol, food (beans, maize, red palm oil etc.) is offered along with kola nuts for the oracle. Those OTHER forces , spirits, are something man would want to harness as a shortcut to gain what he wants at his own risk and peril. The spirituality in West Africa is based on Duality for equilibrium (good cannot exist without bad), responsability of consequences and praying for those that have past before you. If you are in need of a short cut, you now enter the world of occultism OBO in gbé language, and yes there is a similarity with the word OBEAH. There is a difference between a Vodunon (a vodun priest) and a bokotonon (a OBO highpriest). The first one administers prayers and takes care of the clan temple the latter is the master of occultism that can cast a spell. When slaves were taken to America they could not retain the Vodun as it is linked to the clan. Because of their despair and in order to feel protected they retained OBO: the science of occultism called Juju in Yoruba. Since all spirits are called Vodun and slaves built shrines for those vodun, Voodoo etc. The white man called the whole thing Voodoo. The Jamican Maroon retained the original word Obeah that in Afica with time is probably an evolution of pronouciation OBO. Obeah would probably be the original world that would "O Gbe ha" (The Essence of Life). Hope I did not bore you too much. My french being better than my English, my apologies for my many mistakes.

Beautiful and informative documentary, thank you!

This is very interesting to know about my religion and leaves me even more interested in my religion

Loving this one thanks for sharing very important information giving thanks blessed love to all knowledge is power hopefully everyone pays attention keep up the good work 🙏🙏🙏🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲💪💪💪

Thank you for sharing this documentary, i appreciate and respect

Excellent documentary. The history of Haiti was particularly informative.

While I do not claim to know the full practices of voodoo beyond what my grandmother and aunts practiced in Louisiana and Mexico; I can agree this is a nicely filmed documentary showing how other cultures live and practice this religion. The comments here are very enlightening and I appreciate all the knowledge exchanged. I also see that it is practiced differently based on what part of the world you are in. ... Nice documentary, thank you for sharing.

It is well worthwhile to delve into things I don’t yet understand. But only With deep respect and the humility of one who may never really know. Blessings. JennF.

I don't understand the criticism and so called misinformation. After watching this I have even more love and respect for the various religions. Ashe!

Voodou has many facets...old traditons, new traditions, etc. I think a proper disclaimer would've been beneficial for this documentary stating that. I'm a Voodou priestess of Ghanaian, Ethiopian, and Hispanic descent...so personally I can say this documentary is a very limited view.

The omo elegba/exu/esu has captivated my soul. And im a child of oya. He is my best friend!

I have a confession - I am a white boy that practices Haitian voodoo and even though I've never been initiated to become a priest in this beautiful and amazing religion - The great and awesome Loa should know that I will always have their backs! And for another I will be devoted follower of Haitian Voodoo! May the gods bless me,all of you on here,the people you love and may they bless the people I love who are with me here on earth and the ones that passed away

After passing through the comments, I can't waste my time watching this video.