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1492
Establishing Hispaniola
In 1492, Christopher Columbus led the Spanish in establishing Hispaniola as the first colony in the New World. -
Period: 1500 to
Transportation of African Belief Systems
Between the 1500s and 1800s slaves are brought from West Africa to Saint Domingue via the Transatlantic Slave Trade bringing with them traditional African belief systems. -
1512
First Africans in Hispaniola
In 1512, the first Africans were brought to Hispaniola. -
First Recorded Use of "Vodun"
In 1658, there was the first recorded use of the word ‘Vodun’ in the Doctrina Christiana in the Dahomey Kingdom located in West Africa, current day Benin. In the Fon language, the word “vodun” translates to spirits, god, or supreme beings. The word and its meaning stuck with captured Africans as they were transported to Saint Domingue. -
Declaration of Code Noir
In 1685, King Louis XIV of France declared Code Noir, a set of laws meant to govern and control the behavior of Slaves in French colonies. One of the laws were that slaves were prohibited to practice their traditional African religions. -
Period: to
Beginnings of Louisiana Voodoo
From 1719 to 1731, Louisianian Voodoo has its first beginnings as West African slaves bring their traditional belief systems with them to the French Louisiana colony. -
Syncretization of Vodun and Catholicism
1724 is said to be the beginnings of syncretized Haitian Vodou. As slaves were unable to practice how they once did, they took Catholicsm and syncretized it with Vodun creating what is now known as Vodou. -
Period: to
Vodou and Haitian Revolution
The Haitian Revolution began in 1791. Vodou played an essential role by providing an opportunity to meet and share ideas. Vodou became a safe space and support system for the oppressed. At the end of the revolution in 1804, Saint Domingue became Haiti, now independent from France. -
Louisiana Purchase and Voodoo
In 1803, the state of Louisiana was purchased by the United States from the French. Prior to then, slaves were held in uncompromising conditions, prohibited to gather in fear that they would conspire and revolt. No longer controlled by heavily religious French Europeans, Voodoo was able to be practiced more freely outside. -
Former slaves Move to American Gulf Coast
After the Haitian Revolution, former slaves move to the American Gulf Coast, most notably New Orleans Louisiana. They brought with them Vodou, enriching the preexisting Louisiana Voodoo. Amongst them was Sanite' DeDe, the first Voodoo Queen. -
Roman Catholic Church Separates from Haiti
In 1805, back in Haiti, the Roman Catholic Church left. Vodou became the main religion practiced however was still subject to persecution. -
Voodoo Outlawed in New Orleans
In 1817 Voodoo was outlawed in the city of New Oreleans because the public practicing and drumming regularly interrupted Catholic Mass. -
Haitian president Faustin Soulouque Acknowledges Vodou
In 1847, Haitian President Faustin Soulouque acknowledged Vodou making it more accepted by the public. -
Catholicism is Reinstated in Haiti
In 1860, A concordat was signed between the Roman Catholic Church and Haiti. Catholicism is made the official religion once again. -
Period: to
The US occupation sparks interest in Haitian Vodou
From 1915-1934, the United States occupied Haiti. People grow interested in Vodou. US general Faustin Wirkus writes a biography (The White King of La Gonave (1931)) about his experience being welcomed in Haiti as “Faustin II,” allegedly being named King, and participating in a Vodou ritual. It was said the book was written for the purpose of appealing to an American audience and displaying the things he saw. -
Haitians Take to Cuba and American Gulf Coast
During the occupation, thousands of Haitians left Haiti for Cuba and the American Gulf Coast. Haitian Vodou mixed with Cuban Santeria and even more with Louisiana Voodoo. -
Vodou Made Illegal During US Occupation
The practice of Vodou was made illegal in 1934 during the United States occupation. -
Vodou for American Entertainment
Following national newfound interest in Vodou, films such as Voodoo Tiger (1952), Voodoo Woman (1957), and Macumba Love (1960) are released. These films depict black liberation efforts as violent, uncivilized, and threatening towards white people. -
Commercialization of Vodou Instruments
People around the world take to recreating Vodou ritual tools. By the 1970s, such tools were commercialized and sold globally for decor rather than practice. -
Opening of New Orleans Historic Museum of Voodoo
In 1972, The New Orleans Historic Museum of Voodoo opened. -
Second Separation of Haiti and Roman Catholic Church
In 1986 following the death of dictator Francios Duvalier, his son succeeded him and in signing a new constitution, never reestablished Catholicism as the main religion of Haiti. People continue to flee from Haiti. -
Haiti's Freedom of Religion
In 1987 Haiti is granted freedom of religion following the attacks of several Vodouists who supported the Duvalier dictator and son pair. -
Vodou is Officially Recognized
In 2003, Haitian president Jean-Bertrand Aristide recognized Vodou as an official religion. Vodou practitioners are now allowed to practice at public events like weddings and funerals. -
2010 Earthquake and Global Support
The 2010 Earthquake killed over 300,000 people and left 1,000,000 people homeless. Haitian people used Vodou to keep their faith. Those who left Haiti continued to perform rituals to feel solidarity. Vodou at this time nearly resembled its use during slavery where people looked around themselves to find answers and strength to deal with uncomfortable situations. -
2010 Earthquake Blamed on Vodou
While those associated with vodou turned to it for comfort following the 2010 Earthquake, other blamed the religion. US reverend Pat Robertson claimed Haiti had a "pact with the devil" and that is the reason it experienced such natural disaster in addition to cholera. This caused a large amount of violence to be taken out upon Vodouisants. -
Celebrating Haitian Vodou in 2022
Although Haitian Vodou is still practiced in peoples homes, there are multiple opportunities for people to learn and celebrate Haitian Culture and Vodou. For example, there is the annual Festival Minokan held in Brooklyn New York. -
60,000,000 People Practicing
It is said there are over 60 million people practicing both Haitian Vodou and Louisiana Voodoo. -
Haitians Continue to Carry Vodou With Them
Today Haitians looking to gain entry into the United States turn to Vodou to guide them at Sea. claiming to use vodou to guide them to America on boats and helping them not get caught.