Dominican Vudú, or Dominican Voodoo (Spanish: Vudú Dominicano), popularly known as Las 21 Divisiones (The 21 Divisions), is a heavily Catholicized syncretic religion of African-Caribbean origin which developed in the former Spanish colony of Santo Domingo on the island of Hispaniola.
History
Since the arrival of the first enslaved Africans in the 16th-century, there were uprisings against the slave owners and Maroon villages were built (also known in other parts of the continent as quilombos or manieles).
But many other blacks continued under the system of colonial oppression. They were forbidden to express their religious beliefs, among other restrictions. The authority of the owner or boss of the plantation where the slaves were forced to work extended to their spirituality. The process of evangelization in the colonies would not allow them to freely express their beliefs and they were forced to observe Catholic customs. In the Counter-Reformation Church – in opposition to Lutheran ideas – the cult of saints and their images became fundamental in the ritual and indoctrination of Catholicism.[1]
Candelo sé Difé, Loa of fire, also a warrior and protector spirit. Considered to be one of the Ogou, syncretized with St. Charles Borromeo. His feast day is November 4.[2]
Santa Marta Dominadora, or Filomena Lubana, the Loa responsible for dominion over men. She is syncretized with St. Martha. Her feast day is July 29.[2]
Ogun Balenyo, the Loa of warriors and soldiers. He is syncretized with Santiago (St. James). His feast day is July 25.[2]
Baron, the Loa of death. He is syncretized with San Elías (St. Elijah). His feast day is November 2.[2]
Metresili, the Loa of love, beauty, and wealth. She is syncretized with the Mater Dolorosa (Our Lady of Dolors).
Santa Barbara Africana or Ezili Dantor, The main loa (or lwa) or senior spirit of the Petro family. She is syncretized with Black Madonna.
Characteristics
Depiction of burial ceremony, c. 1871
Dominican Vudú is practiced through a "Tcha-Tcha" (Maraca—which means "rattle") lineage.[3] In Haiti, Voodoo has come about and become more popular through another lineage known as the "Asson". However, before the "Asson", the "Tcha-Tcha" lineage was the prominent lineage in Haiti. Thus the "Tcha-Tcha" lineage is one of the oldest lineages within the Voodoo tradition all over the island.[3]
Dominican Vudú practitioners are often called Caballos ('Horses'), Brujos ('Witch doctors'), or Servidores ('Servants'), but they are also known as Papa Bokos and Papa Loa (priest); and Mama Mambos and Mama Loa (priestess). One who has obtained this title has gone through the last and highest level of initiation which can take anywhere between three and nine days and nights as well as have spent a time working for the community.[3]
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