Faces of the Gods: Vodou and Roman Catholicism in Haiti (Society)
Vodou is an integral part of life for Haitians, providing a system of beliefs and practices that give meaning to life. The author (religion and area studies, Trinity Coll., Hartford) offers a historical perspective to Vodou in Haiti that shows the blending of Vodou with European and African religious traditions to create a religion indigenous to Haiti. Desmangles details four periods within Haitian history during which the process of "symbiosis" has allowed various religions to coexist without becoming one religon. He illustrates this point through the conceptual use of mythology in which Vodou deities are compared with Roman Catholic saints. Thus Haitians are able to attend Catholic Mass to talk about God and attend a Vodou ceremony to honor one of its deities. Recommended for more specialized collections.- L. Kriz, Sioux City P.L., Ia.Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.