Blended Beliefs in the Caribbean
Enslaved Africans were often introduced to Christianity once they reached the Americas, but many continued to practice their traditional religious beliefs in secret. The result was a blending of traditional West African beliefs with Christianity. Today, these blended faiths are more widely recognized as Afro-Caribbean religions. They continue to be practiced in the Caribbean, particularly among many working-class or rural communities. They include Vodun or Voodoo in Haiti, Santería in Cuba, Shango in Trinidad, and Kumina or Myal in Jamaica.
Rituals and the Spirit World
The Afro-Caribbean religions include ritual practices intended to bring protection, healing, or good fortune to their followers and to restore balance between the living and the spirits. Ceremonies often include the ritual sacrifice of animals. The religions worship the spirits of the dead, but the spirits have been given the names of Christian saints. This blending of beliefs allowed the Africans to retain their native faith while appearing to convert to Christianity.
Healing Knowledge
The folk religions also provide an additional function, particularly in the remote sections of Haiti. Many practitioners of the religions can use tropical plants to relieve pain and cure illnesses. These medications are sometimes the only medical treatments available to some people.
Faith Alongside Christianity
Many people of the Caribbean profess to be Christians but feel comfortable with the rituals of the folk religions. In 1998, Pope John Paul II visited Cuba, urging Catholics to reject the practice of Santería. In addition to the Caribbean, these religions are also practiced in American cities with large Caribbean populations, including New Orleans, Miami, New York City, and Los Angeles.
Resources
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