Unraveling the International Expansion of Haitian Vodou: Exploring its Evolution as Religion, Culture, Cult, and Spiritual Movement
Unraveling the International Expansion of Haitian Vodou: Exploring its Evolution as Religion, Culture, Cult, and Spiritual Movement Haitian Vodou, a complex and dynamic spiritual tradition originating in Haiti, has experienced a significant expansion beyond its borders in recent decades, emerging as a global phenomenon with diverse manifestations and interpretations. This paper investigates the multifaceted nature of Vodou's international expansion, examining its transformation from a localized religious practice to a global cultural phenomenon, cultic expression, and spiritual movement. Drawing upon historical analysis, ethnographic research, and theoretical frameworks from anthropology and religious studies, this paper explores the factors driving Vodou's global diffusion, its diverse expressions in different cultural contexts, and the implications of its expansion for the future of this spiritual movement. Therefore, Haitian Vodou, often characterized by its syncretic ble...