Difference between Hoodoo and Voodoo
Although the terms hoodoo and voodoo sound alike, there are a number of differences between the two. The major difference between hoodoo and voodoo is that the former is traditional folk magic whereas the latter is a religion which is practised by numerous people in different parts of the world.
Voodoo has all the components of a fully established religion such as a proper foundation and established practices because voodoo itself is a proper religion. On the other hand, hoodoo being mere folk magic, lacks such things.
Followers of voodoo revert to African gods and deities when they feel the need to invoke the power of loas. On the other hand, practitioners of hoodoo use Catholic saints for the same purpose. This difference between voodoo and hoodoo directly results into another difference. A dominant majority of hoodoo practitioners are Roman Catholics whereas voodoo followers are generally non-Roman Catholics. Furthermore, there is a difference between the terms used to refer to hoodoo practitioners and voodoo followers. Vodouisant is the specific term used to refer to a voodoo practitioner while root doctors and healers are terms commonly used to refer to a hoodoo follower.
Voodoo is not just a religion. In fact, it is a way of life and a proper culture as well. On the other hand, hoodoo is limited to magic and possible benefits of magic only. This means that people can practise hoodoo as a hobby or even a charity act. Moreover, voodoo originated in Haiti while the origin of hoodoo is linked to Africa.
Last, but not the least, culture, philosophy, language, medicine, justice, spirituality, and power are some of the fields encompassed by voodoo. The same is not true when considering hoodoo because it is focused more on the power and spiritual side of magic.
Instructions
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Hoodoo:
Hoodoo is folk magic and is believed to have evolved in the Mississippi Delta. Gradually it spread throughout the Southeast and Northern areas along the Mississippi river. American prejudice against hoodoo has reached its peaks in recent times. This is because people believe that hoodoo practitioners have selfish, hurtful intentions and they are worshipers of Satan.
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Voodoo:
Voodoo, formally known as Haitian Vodou, is a syncretic religion. In the modern times, it is practised mainly by residents of Haiti and the Haitian diaspora.
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