Difference between revisions of "Template:POTD protected"

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The mineral aggregate '''[[bloodstone]]''' is a cryptocrystalline mixture of quartz that occurs mostly as [[jasper]] (opaque) or sometimes as chalcedony (translucent). The "classic" bloodstone is opaque green jasper with red inclusions of hematite. The red inclusions may resemble spots of blood, hence its name. The name heliotrope derives from various ancient notions about the manner in which the mineral reflects light. Such notions are described, for example, by Pliny the Elder.
'''[[Voodoo|Louisiana Voodoo]]''' is an African diasporic religion which originated in Louisiana, now in the southern United States. It arose through a process of syncretism between the traditional religions of West Africa, the Roman Catholic form of [[Christianity]], and Haitian Vodou.


Bloodstone was called "stone of Babylon" by Albertus Magnus and he referred to several magical properties, which were attributed to it from Late Antiquity. Pliny the Elder (1st century) mentioned first that the [[magician]]s used it as a stone of invisibility. Damigeron (4th century) wrote about its ability to make rain, solar eclipse and its special virtue in [[divination]] and preserving health and youth.
Charms, created to either harm or help, are called gris-gris. A common charm for protection or luck would consist of material wrapped up in red flannel and worn around the neck. Despite its name, the idea of the "Voodoo doll" has little to do with either Louisiana Voodoo or Haitian Vodou; it derives from the European tradition of poppets. It is possible that the act of inserting pins into a human-shaped doll to cause harm was erroneously linked to African-derived traditions due to a misunderstanding of the nkisi n'kondi of the Bakongo religion.





Revision as of 03:17, 7 March 2023

Voodoo Dolls.jpg

Louisiana Voodoo is an African diasporic religion which originated in Louisiana, now in the southern United States. It arose through a process of syncretism between the traditional religions of West Africa, the Roman Catholic form of Christianity, and Haitian Vodou.

Charms, created to either harm or help, are called gris-gris. A common charm for protection or luck would consist of material wrapped up in red flannel and worn around the neck. Despite its name, the idea of the "Voodoo doll" has little to do with either Louisiana Voodoo or Haitian Vodou; it derives from the European tradition of poppets. It is possible that the act of inserting pins into a human-shaped doll to cause harm was erroneously linked to African-derived traditions due to a misunderstanding of the nkisi n'kondi of the Bakongo religion.


Photographer: Travis McHenry

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