Protection and Banishing Rituals in Southern Folk Magic

Southern folk magic, also known as hoodoo, is a system of folk beliefs and practices stemming from African American culture in the Southern United States. It is a unique blend of African, European, and Native American spiritual traditions that has evolved over centuries. Hoodoo is deeply rooted in African diaspora, reflecting the influence of African religious systems such as West African voodoo and Congo spirituality. It also incorporates elements of European folk magic brought by colonizers and Native American herbalism. The result is a rich and diverse system of practices aimed at achieving various goals, from healing and protection to luck and love. One of the key aspects of hoodoo is its emphasis on personal empowerment and agency.

The video's focus on the offensiveness of flippant remarks about the undergarments shows the church no longer will tolerate them, Armand Mauss, a retired professor of sociology and religious studies at Washington State University.

There is nothing magical or mystical about temple garments, and church members ask for the same degree of respect and sensitivity that would be afforded to any other faith by people of goodwill. When Mormon politician Mitt Romney ran for president in 2012, for example, a photo that appeared to show his temple garment under his shirt spread like wildfire.

One of the key aspects of hoodoo is its emphasis on personal empowerment and agency. Practitioners often use charms, spells, and rituals to bring about positive change in their lives, relying on their own spiritual power and connection to the natural world. Hoodoo also places a strong emphasis on the use of herbs and roots, which are believed to possess specific magical properties.

Mormon church explains undergarments, denounces 'magic Mormon underwear' jokes

A four-minute video compares the 'temple garments' to a Catholic nun's habit or a Buddhist's saffron robes – part of an effort by church officials explain some of the faith's more sensitive beliefs.

October 21, 2014 | SALT LAKE CITY

The Mormon church is addressing the mystery that has long surrounded undergarments worn by its faithful with a new video explaining the practice in-depth while admonishing ridicule from outsiders about what it considers a symbol of Latter-day Saints' devotion to God.

The four-minute video on The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' website compares the white, two-piece cotton "temple garments" to holy vestments worn in other religious faiths such as a Catholic nun's habit or a Muslim skullcap.

The footage is part of a recent effort by the Salt Lake City-based religion to explain, expand or clarify on some of the faith's more sensitive beliefs. Articles posted on the church's website in the past two years have addressed the faith's past ban on black men in the lay clergy; its early history of polygamy; and the misconception that members are taught they'll get their own planet in the afterlife.

The latest video dispels the notion that Latter-day Saints believe temple garments have special protective powers, a stereotype perpetuated on the Internet and in popular culture by those who refer to the sacred clothing as "magical Mormon underwear."

"These words are not only inaccurate but also offensive to members," the video says. "There is nothing magical or mystical about temple garments, and church members ask for the same degree of respect and sensitivity that would be afforded to any other faith by people of goodwill."

The video and accompanying article feature more detailed information about the garments than has ever before been released to the public, Mormon scholars say.

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It was made to fill a void on the Internet, which has little, if any, accurate information about the undergarments, church spokesman Eric Hawkins said in a statement.

The video, also available on YouTube, explains that the undergarments are worn daily by devout adult Latter-day Saints as a reminder of their commitment to God to live good, honorable lives.

The garments, which resemble a T-shirt and shorts, are shown laid out on a table in what marks a rare public glimpse at clothing that normally is hidden from outsiders. Members are taught not to hang the garments in public places to dry or display them in view of people "who do not understand their significance."

The video comes two years after jabs about the undergarments were lobbed at Mitt Romney in 2012 with the intent to damage his candidacy as the first Mormon presidential nominee of a major political party.

At one point during the campaign, New York Times columnist Charles Blow tweeted, "I'm a single parent and my kids are amazing! Stick that in your magic underwear," after Romney decried the country's rate of out-of-wedlock births.

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The video's focus on the offensiveness of flippant remarks about the undergarments shows the church no longer will tolerate them, Armand Mauss, a retired professor of sociology and religious studies at Washington State University.

The church has some 15 million members worldwide.

Latter-day Saints seem pleased by the refreshing transparency from the church on a topic that has been the source of much curiosity among outsiders, some whom are rude about it, said Jana Riess, who blogs about Mormonism for the Religion News Service.

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She wrote this week that she hopes the footage will "persuade gawkers that there's nothing to see here, folks."

"They now have something official to point to if people ask questions," Riess said in an interview. "I love that they put it on YouTube for the entire world to see. I think that's very brave."

The practice of hoodoo is deeply ingrained in Southern culture and has been passed down through generations. It is often closely tied to specific geographic regions, with different areas having their own unique practices and beliefs. Hoodoo practitioners may consult with spiritual workers or use traditional recipes and rituals that have been handed down from their ancestors. While hoodoo is often associated with African American communities, it is important to note that it is not limited to any particular race or ethnicity. Its principles and practices have been embraced by people of all backgrounds who are drawn to its practicality and spiritual foundations. Despite its popularity and enduring presence, hoodoo has often been misrepresented and misunderstood. It has frequently been portrayed in a negative light, with stereotypes and misconceptions perpetuated by mainstream media. However, those who practice hoodoo understand its true purpose as a spiritual system for personal empowerment and connection with the divine. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in hoodoo, with more people recognizing and appreciating its cultural significance. Books, workshops, and online communities have emerged to educate and support those interested in exploring this unique form of folk magic. Overall, hoodoo represents a rich and diverse spiritual tradition that has survived and thrived through generations. Its unique blend of African, European, and Native American influences has created a system of folk magic that continues to inspire and empower individuals seeking to improve their lives and connect with their ancestral roots..

Reviews for "Southern Voodoo and its Connection to Folk Magic"

1. John - 2/5 stars - I was really disappointed with "Southern Folk Magic". While I appreciate the author's attempt to delve into the world of folk magic, the book lacked depth and failed to provide any meaningful insights or practical instructions. The content felt superficial and I was left wanting more concrete information and examples. Overall, I found the book to be rather underwhelming and wouldn't recommend it to those looking for a comprehensive guide on the subject.

2. Sarah - 1/5 stars - "Southern Folk Magic" was a major letdown for me. I had high hopes for this book, as I'm genuinely interested in folk magic and its origins. However, I found the author's writing style to be dry and uninspiring. The information provided lacked substance and didn't offer anything new or insightful. It felt like a shallow exploration of the topic, and I was left feeling like I wasted my time. I would not recommend this book to anyone seeking a meaningful exploration of Southern folk magic.

3. David - 2/5 stars - I struggled to connect with "Southern Folk Magic". The book seemed disjointed and lacked a clear focus. It jumped from one topic to another without providing a cohesive narrative. Additionally, the author's explanations were often vague and left me confused rather than enlightened. I was hoping for a comprehensive guide, but instead, I found myself scratching my head. Unfortunately, this book fell short of my expectations, and I would caution others before picking it up.

4. Emily - 1/5 stars - As someone who has a genuine interest in Southern folk magic, I was extremely disappointed with this book. The author failed to provide any practical advice or useful information. The content seemed more like a collection of random anecdotes rather than a comprehensive exploration of the subject. This book lacked depth, and I was left feeling like I didn't learn anything new. I would not recommend "Southern Folk Magic" to anyone looking for a meaningful and educational read on the topic.

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