Religion and Power in Haiti An Evaluation of Catholic Syncretism in Haitian Vodou

Abstract

In the midst of crowded streets filled with world-famous restaurants, historical landmarks, and museums, rests a city with deep historical complexity: New Orleans, Louisiana. Controlled by France, Spain, and the United States at various times in history, there is a unique mixture of colonial influences. Though the city is part of the United States today, French history is far from forgotten. In fact, French influence is written into every detail of the city, from the ever-present use of the French language to the annual Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) celebrations. However, New Orleans also exists in a liminal space, caught between the fervent Catholicism and the oft-maligned Voodoo. For, in equal portions is New Orleans remembered as Catholic and Voodoo. In Jack-son Square alone, one can exit the historic St. Louis Cathedral, turn left, and within a three-minute walk arrive at a botanica—a religious goods store— with an active presence of Voodoo. One of these botanicas is that of Voodoo Authentica, a botanica that is a fusion of traditional New Orleans Voodoo and traditional Haitian Vodou.