Key Terminology in Voodoo Religion

To understand the basic concepts of the voodoo religion, one must first understand the basic terminology that is used within the religion. The religion has many of its own terminology just as Judaism or Christianity does. It’s important to understand this terminology and what it refers to so that one can have a better understanding of the voodoo religion.

Hounfo: This is the place of worship or the area where the houngan or mambo practice.

Govi: This is an earthly bottle that although small, carries the gros-bon-ange of deceased family members. These ancestors need to be rescued from the govi otherwise they can cause health problems for the living family members. The service that is required to rescue them needs to be performed by a houngan or mambo and not only takes a lot of time but also costs quite a bit of money. Usually a large animal needs to be sacrificed.

Serviteurs: This is the term for those that are very serious in their practice of voodoo.

Ason: This is the rattle that the houngan or mambo carries. It generally has magical powers.

Lave Tet: This is a ceremony that takes place after a serviteur has been mounted by a loa for the first time in a service. The ceremony involves the serviteur’s head being washed.

Kanzo: This is another ceremony held as initiation. This ceremony takes place for those that are about to move forward to a deeper level of the voodoo religion. There is not much known about this ceremony as those involved with the voodoo religion keep it very secret.

Taking of the ason: This is the final initiation stage for a houngan or mambo. It is when they receive their ason. This ceremony is also very secretive.

Verve: These are drawings that are completed in flour. They are drawings of the many different loa and they are drawn for ceremonial purposes.

Peristyle: This is the tiny temple where voodoo is practiced.

Poto Mitan: This is the pole that is used within every voodoo temple. All ceremonial dancing takes place around the pole.

Les Invisibles: This is a broad term used to identify all spirits.

Les Mysteries: There are two types of Les Mysteries. The first are the loa themselves and the second is the sacred knowledge. The sacred knowledge can also be called konesans.

The Crossroads: A key term in the voodoo religion, this refers to a crossroads where the earthly world and the spiritual world meet. Nothing in voodoo can be done without making mention of the crossroads.