Papa Gede and Mama Lola Death and Healing
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Papa Gede and Mama Lola: Death and Healing
The seemingly mysterious and dangerous world of vodou is exposed in Karen McCarthy-Brown's book Mama Lola. As we learn more about the religion of vodou through her interactions with Alourdes, our preconceived images of frightening witch doctors sticking pins in vodou dolls, creating zombies, and placing evil curses on unsuspecting white-folks gives way to the truth of what this religion is really about. As we observe Mama Lola we discover that vodou is simply an amalgamation of Christian religions and the ancient African beliefs of the Haitian people. It is the honoring of God and the spirits who serve under him, much like Catholicism. It is also a highly adaptable form of religion. We can see how vodou takes on a new form when it is practiced in New York City, as new ideas, people, and innovations are constantly flowing in and out of it. Neither the book, nor this essay is about the religion of vodou as preformed by Haitians, New Yorkers, or any other group. It is about how one person and her followers worship and make the religion of vodou fit into their own lives. The main purpose for the use of vodou is to help in the act of healing. Throughout this essay, I will highlight how McCarthy-Brown observes the interactions of Lourdes, her followers, and their connections to the vodou spirit that is probably the most important in any poor Haitian or New York City dwelling vodou practitioner, Papa Gede...