Creole Religions of the Caribbean: An Introduction from Vodou and Santeria to Obeah and Espiritismo

Religion, Race, and Ethnicity Series

by Lizabeth Paravisini-Gebert, Lizabeth Paravisini-Gebert, Joseph M. Murphy

Creolization—the coming together of diverse beliefs and practices to form new beliefs and practices-is one of the most significant phenomena in Caribbean religious history. Brought together in the crucible of the sugar plantation, Caribbean peoples drew on the variants of Christianity brought by European colonizers, as well as on African religious and healing traditions and the remnants of Amerindian practices, to fashion new systems of belief.

Creole Religions of the Caribbean offers a comprehensive introduction to the syncretic religions that have developed in the region. From Vodou, Santer'a, Regla de Palo, the Abakuá Secret Society, and Obeah to Quimbois and Espiritismo, the volume traces the historical-cultural origins of the major Creole religions, as well as the newer traditions such as Pocomania and Rastafarianism.

Chapters devoted to specific traditions trace their history, their pantheons and major rituals, and their current-day expressions in the Caribbean and in the diaspora. The volume also provides a general historical background of the Caribbean region.

Creole Religions of the Caribbean is the first text to provide a study of the Creole religions of the Caribbean and will be an indispensable guide to the development of these rich religious traditions and practices.

With 23 black and white illustrations

Genres: Religion, Spirituality, Nonfiction, History, Anthropology, Research, Latinx

326 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2003

Reviews

[Petra X · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is interesting to see what are the fully-fledged religions from Africa, like Santeria and Voudou from those that have become so attenuated that they are almost 'magical' systems like Obeah. It's due to which country owned the island and the brutality of the slavers. The more brutal, the more suppression. But the slavers could never entirely eliminate these West African Yoruba religions, they just synchronised with Catholicism, and became hidden religions in Protestantism. See also The Handbook of Yoruba Religious Concepts.

I can see the appeal of Christianity. African religions do not include eternal life, and slavery in Africa, albeit where the people were not treated as farm animals as in the New World, was endemic. Church and a 'rest' day on Sunday was less arduous than their burden the rest of the week. I am not sure why so few African-Americans have left this obvious white-man means of control and returned to original beliefs.

The worst were the Americans/ Conversion to Christianity was how slaves if they fulfilled the position that God had put them in well would how they would be rewarded in heaven. Very Martin Luther, which is why he was behind the massacre in the Peasants War. The peasants should know their place was serving the aristocrats! But Christianity was very brutal at that time. The last major brutality in the name of Christianity being the Holocaust.

The next worst were the British. But for a reason. The slaves they took were mostly Ashanti (obeye means a witch, obeah is a system of magic, not a religion and is widely practiced on my island) who were considered rebellious and murderous against their masters and would and did use poisons, ground glass, anything, so whatever united them especially with faith and culture, was heavily suppressed and replaced by a system of control that says behave badly you'll burn in hell, behave well, you'll have eternal life.

The French and Spanish colonies wouldn't take Ashanti or associated, Tshi speaking tribes, but took Ewe-speaking people who were less inclined to be murderously rebellious and whose religions therefore survived, syncretised with Catholicsm (which has many similar magical systems) and survives today wherever the religion was carried by emigrants - the US and Canada have strong African religious communities (who may also go to Church on Sundays).

See this for an interesting aspect of slave-dealing in Nigeria this about Nigerians selling slaves written by a journalist whose great grandfather sold them to the British. According to DNA by son's family are 33% Ashanti, Senegalese and Nigerian. The rest is not African.
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Christian baptism, especially that of Baptists and Revivalists, for those involved involved in Kumina and other Afro-Jamaican spiritual religions, is not quite what the pastors think. They aren't getting themselves baptised into Christianity, they are getting themselves the protection of the powerful spirit the Christians call the Holy Spirit. There is a great attachment to Revivalists throughout the Caribbean, more so even than the brimstone and fire churches which are also popular, now I see the roots of it.
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What is zombification? It is the taking away of a person's free will and expression, it is as if they were dead, and are only able to hear the voice of their master and have no life at all except work for that master. Those are Haitian zombies. Or was I describing slavery? The best book on zombification is Tell My Horse: Voodoo and Life in Haiti and Jamaica by Zora Neale Hurston. It describes the process and the zombies perfectly.
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I once disgraced myself at a Yemanja ceremony by an American woman, Zuri, who said her family had originally come from Nigeria. In retrospect I should have felt more ashamed of myself. It was serious religion to her. About 20 of us, expats and locals alike, trooped down through dark fields to the beach by just the light of the new moon. I stepped in a cow pat and cursed, which broke the religious silence. That was the first wrong thing.

We sat in a circle around some candles and sang songs, Zuri would sing a line and then we would repeat it. We were here to worship Yemanja, this same goddess Ochun or Oshun. It was very jolly and I was enjoying myself. Unfortunately I am tone deaf, so bad that one night coming in stoned and singing loudly in bed, my father was woken and came into my room asking if I had heard some terrible noise. and Zuri asked me if I could not sing so loudly I kind of understood why.

Next was the smudging stick to cleanse our auras. It was sage and something else - rotting manure? I think it was the Emperor's new clothes because as she wafted the smoke towards her she said that the aroma of the blessed herbs invigorated her soul and everyone agreed. (Afterwards the friend I went with said my leg with the splattered cow pat on smelled better).

Then came the main event. Sacrificing by the light of the new moon to our Goddess Yemanja. We went to the water's edge to throw in our offerings (we'd been told to bring silver coins). Zuri tossed a gleaming handful of coins in, and several others followed suit. I lobbed in a nickel. She asked me if I thought that was respectful of the Goddess? I said I thought throwing a couple of dollars into the sea was a bit of a waste. I was told I had the wrong attitude and asked to leave.

Half an hour later my friend joined me at the jeep. I could see them all trooping back in the light of the headlights. Most of them, including Zuri, had cow pat splatter on their legs. I knew the beach, the cows go down through the fields to bathe in the sea every morning and evening so it was more or less inevitable.

Who was Yemanja? In the Orisha tradition of Cuba, she is known as Ochun, Oshun, Yeyé or Yeyé-Kari, and syncretized with the Catholic Virgen de la Caridad del Cobra is the patron saint of Cuba. In Haiti she is known Erzuli. In Brazil, in the Candomble religion, she is Yemanja. Everywhere she is the goddess of rivers, (in Nigeria, the river Ogun in particular), waters, gold, love beauty and female sensuality and is the protector of pregnant women. In Africa, she is a very major Yoruba goddess.
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There is a story in the book, that makes me think what a warm and generous religion this is.

In Africa in the time of slavery, she was sad to see her children being taken from her and she asked her sister, Yemaya, what Cuba was like because she wanted to go and stay with her children.

“It is much like here: hot days, long nights, calm rivers, abundant vegetation, but not everyone is black like us; there are also many whites.”

Ochún decided to join her suffering children in Cuba and asked her sister to grant her two favors before leaving: “Please make my hair straighter and my skin lighter so that all Cubans can see some of themselves in me.” Her wish was granted and Ochún became Cuba’s beloved patron saint.

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There are so many hidden religions that coast alongside the almost ubiquitous Christianity of the Caribbean. In my own family, my West Indian family, two of my brothers-in-law fell out with the Seventh Day Adventist church they belonged to and so built there own, a very grand building with beautiful stained glass and state-of-the-art electronics. At that time I was working on a boat sailing to Puerto Rico once a week and one of my BiL was on it going to a hospital as he hadn't wanted to fly.

He said that he had a bad leg and the local (useless) hospital hadn't been able to find anything wrong, so he thought he would go to the nearest American one. They didn't find anything wrong either. So he went to Miami. Same. He went to Johns Hopkins. Same. But he limped and had constant pain in it that needed some heavy medication.

He had been told on the island right from the beginning that it was a curse put on him and he should go to the Obeah man. But of course he was a religious Christian man, an educated man, a real estate developer, he didn't believe in such superstitious nonsense.

After more than a year of suffering he went to the Obeah man. I've no idea what happened, I've no idea who paid for a curse on him or what he did to deserve it, I've no idea how much he had to pay to have it removed, but I know he did and he was cured.

Obeah is never used against white people. It doesn't work, we weren't brought up with the knowledge of it, of it being used successfully to hurt people and to attain love or get money. You could say it was early brain washing of the cultural kind. You could say that about Christianity or any other religion too. And if you never had it, maybe you could never fully commit to it. Maybe you could change your commitment but if there wasn't one to start with, nor a longing for one, maybe you are just immune. From Obeah or any religion come to that.

[Wes Freeman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pair of academics with Caribbean roots, give a balanced survey of African-derived Caribbean religions. Heavy focus on Santeria, but lots of good information on pre-Rasta Jamaican religious traditions, Puerto Rican Espiritualismo and other stuff I haven't read much about anywhere else. Seems like it's a good resource. It's readable and occupies kind of a lonely spot out there in the world of academic-religious-studies-you-can-buy-on-amazon.

[Carmen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Caribbean Creole religions developed as the result of cultural contact. The complex dynamics of encounters, adaptations, assimilation, and syncretism that we called 'creolization' are emblematic of the vibrant nature of Diaspora cultures. They led to the development of a complet system of religious and healing practices that allowed enslaved African communities that had already suffered devastating cultural loss to preserve a sense of group and personal identity.

A great introduction into the world of orishas, vodou, obeahs, quimbois, myal, rastafarianism, and espiritismo.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Only Book You Need About the Caribbean.... although I didn't really think a slim book could cover ALL the Caribbean religions. But I learned so much about islands I thought I knew inside and out (you mean there's more to Cuba's African relgions than Santeria?) not to mention the mysterious English colonies. (Now I know what an Obeahman is and finally feel I truly understand Rastafarianism.) The role of religion in the many years of many types of revolution in the Caribbean is explained (pretty much everyone made all of them illegal, be it the Catholic Church or Communism). Maybe because I never took a Western Hemisphere history class, the first chapters about Africa, the Middle Passage, and different European nations relations to slavery was shocking for me. It's all really in the attention to details. So if you want a book that'll open your mind to everything from Vodou and Espiritismo, start here. Expect to understand Caribbean neighbors better. Your conversations at the neighborhood bodega could radically change. Warning: There is no dumbing down; this could be an (exciting and fun) textbook.

Oh, my Mom used all we learned about Rastas when talking to her boss, a Rasti from Jamacia, and he was blown away by the details she knew - and everything was correct!

[Bender · Rating 2 out of 5]

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[Meghann · Rating 2 out of 5]

This text provides interesting and important historical context to the development of creole, Afro-Latin religions. The writing was a bit here and there, hard to follow and at times contradicted itself in language translations... Overall, I would recommend it as a basic reference for those interested in religions that are left out of the white european history books...

[Dalton Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

While informative and substantial, the book does suffer from some minor mistakes which can mislead the reader. There are many examples of this throughout but ultimately they don't hurt the book as a whole, thus the 4 star rating.

[Serenity L · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gives a nice overview of several religions. But doesn’t specifically teach any one. Good familiarization

[Racheal Fulford · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's not a very long piece so it is approachable and can be read in portions also the language isn't jargony. Great reference for those interested in learning more about diasporic religions.

[Daniel Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fantastic book - every chapter was a hit.

[Erik Pegg · Rating 5 out of 5]

An AWESOME READ!!! I’d go so far as to say the DEFINITIVE GUIDE to the indigenous/syncretized religions of people of color in the Caribbean. I was a little disappointed to not see Umbanda/Quimbanda/Candomble included but as I was to learn those are largely practiced in mainland Brazil. I definitely never understood ‘Obeah’ to be its own separate set of practices, rather a part of Voodoo/Voudou/Vodun. Would’ve also liked to see more about ‘Palo Mayombe’ but still a great book. Perfect for history buffs/Neo-Pagans/peoples of color with Caribbean roots looking to learn more. Great for religion buffs or those just curious about the region and its history!! A great book all the way around!!

[Christopher G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Creole Religions of the Caribbean is a comprehensive exploration of the diverse and intricate tapestry of religious practices that have emerged in the Caribbean region. The book dives into the historical, cultural, and social contexts that have shaped these unique creole religions, examining their roots in African, European, and indigenous traditions.

The first chapter lays the groundwork by highlighting the profound impact of the four centuries of African slavery on the Caribbean, describing it as the most significant acculturation event in history. Obeah, a religious practice originating from the Ashanti and related tribes, is discussed in detail. The chapter also touches upon the Haitian Revolution and its roots in shared religious and cultural practices centered around Vodou.

The narrative then shifts to the dominance of Cuba in the 19th and 20th centuries, fueled by an influx of slaves and later immigrants. Despite political instability and economic exploitation, Cuba becomes a crucible of syncretism, blending various religious traditions. The authors track the abolition of slavery in 1886, the involvement of the U.S. and creole people, and the eventual Cuban Revolution in 1959.

The book further explores the complex history of other Caribbean nations, such as the Dominican Republic's struggle for independence, Puerto Rico's shift from sugar to coffee, and the impact of European immigrants on the island's religious landscape. It also delves into the dynamic growth of free-colored peasantry and the importation of Asian laborers, bringing new languages, cultures, and religious practices.

Anthropological efforts to reconnect creole people with their African roots are discussed, leading to a resurgence of Santería, Vodou, and Espiritismo in Cuba and Haiti. The narrative then traces the emergence of Rastafarianism in Jamaica in the 1930s, rooted in a desire to reconnect Africa and the Caribbean while providing an ethical alternative to the legacies of colonization and slavery.

A critical aspect of the book addresses the challenges these creole religions face, particularly from evangelical Christianity, which threatens their continued survival by making the practice of both Christianity and creole religions incompatible. The authors also highlight the impact of climate change and the AIDS pandemic on Caribbean religiosities, pushing communities to rediscover sustainable roots and respect for nature.

Subsequent chapters provide in-depth insights into specific creole traditions, such as Santería in Cuba, Regla de Palo, the Abakuá Secret Society, Haitian Vodou, Obeah, Myal, Quimbois, Rastafarianism, and Espiritismo. Each chapter unpacks the intricacies of these traditions, their rituals, deities, and their evolution over time.

Creole Religions of the Caribbean is a rich and illuminating resource that not only unveils the historical foundations of these religions but also highlights their resilience, adaptability, and continued relevance in the face of evolving societal challenges. The authors' use of primary sources, detailed analysis, and engaging storytelling make this book an invaluable contribution to the understanding of Caribbean religious history and culture.

[Mariana M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I use this book for my culture practice on Magic religions and it was indeed very helpful. It was very interesting and informative. i did learn a lot about the creole religions. I recommend it to anyone who want to know more about any of these religions.You wont be disappointed when you read this and get informed.

[dianne b. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Traditions, rituals, beliefs held, creatively disguised as "Christian" despite centuries of oppression suggest the power of the original religions. This is a clearly written intro into the myraid morphs required by disparate slave communities. i suspect i'll return to it often.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lisa Paravisini-Gebert taught this book in a Creole Religions class, and for good reason. It's wonderfully researched, she knows her business, and it's highly readable. For me, a white Christian American woman, it was eye opening.

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

very well written, gives clear background on all the religions covered and does a great job of imbedding the cross references necessary to keep the subtleties straight

[DM]

Great introduction to the religions with some visuals and a glossary to aid in your understanding.