Voodoo dolls are a unique and intriguing aspect of the Vodou religion. They have gained popularity and can now even be found on online marketplaces like Etsy. These small dolls are often associated with the belief that they can be used to exert control or influence over another person. The creation and use of Voodoo dolls can vary depending on the specific Vodou tradition or practitioner. In general, however, they are typically handmade and crafted from materials such as fabric or clay. The doll is usually designed to resemble a person, often with specific details like hair, clothing, or personal items.
What to expect at a Pagan funeral
Paganism is often about the celebration of nature and life, honouring the earth and other creatures. This is reflected in how they conduct funerals, they view death as part of the cycle of life/death/rebirth.
Paganism is an umbrella term for a variety of spiritual paths such as Wicca, Druidry and Heathenry among many others. It is defined by the Pagan Federation (the closest you can get in Europe to an overarching “authority” on Paganism) as A polytheistic or pantheistic nature-worshipping religion”.
Simply put, Paganism involves the veneration of nature and multiple Gods and Goddesses. It is often conflated with witchcraft, though not all Pagans consider themselves witches, nor do all witches consider themselves Pagan.
Other common themes across the Pagan spectrum include a high reverence for the ancestors, a focus on a Goddess, the shunning of traditional religious dogma and avoidance of proselytism.
Pagans may have different beliefs about what happens after death, but many believe in reincarnation or the union of the spirit with nature.
Table of Contents
The doll is usually designed to resemble a person, often with specific details like hair, clothing, or personal items. In Vodou, Voodoo dolls are considered to be a tool for sympathetic magic. This type of magic is based on the belief that a person can influence another person or situation by using an object that is connected to them in some way.
What happens at a Pagan funeral
The truth is, there is no definitive guide to Pagan funeral customs. Pagans do not have holy books to draw from, so their beliefs about death differ – sometimes quite dramatically – from person to person. That being said, certain elements are likely to crop up at any pagan funeral. Here are just a few:
- References to the natural world, particularly the four elements of Earth, Fire, Air and Water and representations of those elements.
- Prayers, invocations or rites which would include appeals to the deities or ancestors.
- Some kind of wake to celebrate the life of the deceased.
- A talking stick or drinking vessel would be passed around so that everyone may have the chance to speak about the deceased.
- Seating is set up in a circle around the coffin or casket.
- A table or altar where candles and incense are burned.
- An open casket is entirely probable, given the positive attitude most Pagans have towards death.
The doll is believed to represent the target person and can be used to affect their physical, emotional, or spiritual well-being. The specific rituals and practices involving Voodoo dolls can vary widely. Some practitioners may use the dolls to bless or heal, while others may use them for more negative purposes. It is important to note that not all Vodou practitioners use or condone the use of Voodoo dolls; their use can be a personal preference or specific to certain traditions. With the rise of e-commerce platforms like Etsy, Voodoo dolls have become more accessible to a wider audience. Sellers on Etsy often offer a range of handmade Voodoo dolls, each with unique designs and characteristics. These dolls can serve as decorative items or be used in personal rituals or practices. While Voodoo dolls may carry a certain mystique, it is important to approach them with respect and cultural sensitivity. Vodou and its related practices are deeply rooted in Haitian culture and should be understood within their proper context. Additionally, it is important to remember that the power and efficacy of Voodoo dolls ultimately lie in the beliefs and intentions of the practitioner..
Reviews for "The Controversy Surrounding Voodoo Dolls: Cultural Appropriation or Spiritual Practice?"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - I ordered a voodoo doll from this Etsy shop and was extremely disappointed with the product. Firstly, the quality of the doll was very poor. It was made from cheap materials and looked nothing like the picture shown on the website. Additionally, the stitching was shoddy and the doll started falling apart after just a few days of use. Finally, the seller's customer service was nonexistent. I tried reaching out to them with my concerns, but I never received a response. Overall, I would not recommend purchasing voodoo dolls from this Etsy shop.
2. Mark - 1 star - I had a terrible experience with this voodoo doll shop on Etsy. Firstly, the shipping took almost two months, which was way longer than the estimated delivery time. When I finally received the doll, it was damaged and had some missing parts. I contacted the seller to communicate the issue, but they were unresponsive and unwilling to provide a solution. The lack of customer service and poor quality of the product are major letdowns. Save your money and find another voodoo doll shop on Etsy.
3. Emily - 3 stars - Although I am not completely satisfied with my purchase from this voodoo doll Etsy shop, it was not a terrible experience overall. The doll itself was average in quality, but the stitching seemed weak, and I doubt its durability. Communication with the seller was prompt, but they were not very helpful in resolving my concerns. If you're looking for a quick and affordable voodoo doll, this might be an option, but don't expect exceptional quality or customer service.