History
also known as rootwork or conjure
What is Hoodoo
used in Hoodoo for growth, prosperity, and new beginnings
what is seeds
small, often cloth or leather pouch that contains a combination of herbs, roots, minerals, oils, and personal items
what is mojo bags
This practice is rooted in African traditions of honoring the deceased and seeking their guidance
What is ancestor veneration
old superstition that’s widely known in African American culture, particularly in Southern folklore. It is most often seen when two or more people are walking together and unintentionally split a utility pole, lamppost, or tree.
What is splitting the Pole
when Hoodoo was likely to have emerged
What is between 1740 and 1780
ssociated with cleansing rituals and used to "wash away" negative energies or blockages. Some also use it to anoint themselves before rituals or for spiritual bathing.
What is gin
Early Hoodoo religion would have its sacred locations and power sites such as
what is the crossroads
This African American ritual, often performed after funerals, involves a meal to honor the deceased and spiritually transition them to the ancestor realm
What is a repass
is believed to bring bad luck and delay important life events, like marriage
what is sweeping feet
Exchanged information with them to verify sacred and spiritual uses of plants and animals unfamiliar to them
What is Native Americans
Used in Hoodoo primarily for hexing, cursing, or protection work
What is venom from snakes, spiders, and lizards
a key symbol in African American spirituality, represents the flow of life and death, often depicted as a cross
what is the Bakongo Cosmogram
In Hoodoo, specific herbs, roots, or rituals are used to address particular issues
what is rootwork
at the start of a new month is thought to attract prosperity and good fortune
what is blowing cinnamon out the door
many found ways to incorporate elements of this religion into their own practices, leading to the syncretic nature of Hoodoo.
What is Christianity
They are believed to absorb harmful energy, and as such, can be used in cleansing rituals or placed in the home to keep away evil or bad spirits.
What is an onion
The constant appearance of slave doctors, treaters, and conjurers was seen by certain segments of the white population as such a problem for this reason
What is poisoning
involves rhythmic clapping, stomping, and singing in a counterclockwise circle
what is the ring shout
a practice in Hoodoo used to cleanse a space and invite prosperity and good fortune
What is blowing cinnamon out the door at the start of a new month
8 components shared by all the African ethnic groups in the American slave population
what is counterclockwise sacred circle dancing, spirit possession, the principle of sacrifice, ritual water immersion, divination, ancestor reverence, belief in spiritual cause of malady, herbal and naturopathic medicine
Commonly used for divination and chance in Hoodoo. They are often used to gain insight into the future, make decisions, or gain clarity on a situation.
what is dice, playing cards, or dominoes
Known as the "Queen of Voodoo," she was a famous Hoodoo practitioner and spiritual leader in New Orleans
Who is Marie Laveau
can be used for various purposes, such as attracting love, success, or money, as well as protecting oneself from harm or getting rid of negative energy. It usually include the use of candles, incense, oils, and prayers.
what is conjure spells
throwing this at weddings symbolized prosperity, fertility, and good fortune for the couple
what is rice