HAITI: VOODOO REMAINS A STRONG POWER AMONGST THE PEOPLE OF THE STRIFE TORN COUNTRY

Record ID: 646208

  • Title: HAITI: VOODOO REMAINS A STRONG POWER AMONGST THE PEOPLE OF THE STRIFE TORN COUNTRY
  • Date: 21st September 1994
  • Summary: TETIONVILLE, HAITI (SEPTEMBER 21, 1994) (REUTERS TELEVISION - AVAILABLE ALL) 1. LV VIEW UP ALLEYWAY INTO SHACK WHERE VOODOO CEREMONY IS TAKING PLACE 0.04 2. SLV/SV VOODOO PRIEST (BLUE SHIRT) LEADING WORSHIPEERS (WHITE DRESSES) IN CHANT (CREOLE) (3 SHOTS) 0.19 3. SV/CU VARIOUS INGREDIENTS/ICON ON TABLE 0.22 4. CU SWEATING WOMAN ENTERING TRANCE 0.26 5. SV/CU WOMEN SITTING ON GROUND AND PRIEST POURS BLOOD IN BUCKET IN FRONT OF THEM/ WOMEN WASHING HANDS IN BOWL (2 SHOTS) 0.34 6. SV WOMEN PLACING FLAMMABLE LIQUID ON WOODEN POLE 0.35 7. SV/CU WOMEN DANCING AROUND BURNING POLE AND PLACING THEIR HANDS IN THE FIRE. (3 SHOTS) 0.56 Initials Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved.
  • Embargoed: 6th October 1994 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: TETIONVILLE, HAITI
  • City:
  • Country: Haiti CARIBBEAN
  • Reuters ID: LVAEODYGS0GBWXAH4FHBABJQQU7X
  • Story Text: While the political situation in Haiti changes daily, in the back alleys of Port-au-Prince ghettos and in the centre of outlying villages Voodoo ceremonies remain unchanged.

    Voodoo is a combination of Catholic mysticism and West African religion. Its roots reach back to the days when slaves were first brough to Haiti to work the plantations.

    Though Haitian dictators outlawed the worship - it never died.

    In fact, many Haitian soldiers carry talismans and magic powder they say can protect them from United States (U.S.) bullets and may even repel the foreign force.

    Most ceremonies are controlled by a leader, who guages the chanting and the events that will occur. Worshippers pariticipating in the ceremony enter a trance-like state, thereby not feeling the effects of fire or similarly wounding aspects of the religious events.

    While Haiti's ruling elite is strictly Roman Catholic, the majority of Haitians are believed to practice Voodoo.


  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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