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Voodoo dolls are not originally from traditional Voodoo rituals but rather from New Orleans in the early 20th century. They are often misunderstood as objects of vengeance, but are actually used as focal points for spells and blessings. The use of revenge dolls is not from Voodoo, but rather from medieval European folk magic and West African religious practices. Modern dolls are sold for positive effects, and traditional dolls can be purchased from Louisiana-based websites and stores.
Voodoo dolls are an often misunderstood tradition associated with the Voodoo religion and Hoodoo forms of magic. They are commonly depicted as objects of vengeance, used to cause pain to an enemy. Instead of deriving from traditional Voodoo rituals found in Haiti and nearby areas, the dolls originated in part from the New Orleans, Louisiana area in the early 20th century.
In fictional representations, a Voodoo doll is used to curse an enemy. According to popular imaginary lore, wherever someone pokes the doll with a pin or needle, the focal object will either feel pain or have an illness. For the most part, these representations are either misunderstood or completely made up.
Many cultures use dolls as a focal point for spells and blessings, but the use of revenge dolls is not from Voodoo. Medieval European folk magic involved the use of puppets, effigies of specific people, which were used to cast curses. Some West African religious practices also used similar devices called nkisi. It is possible that misconceptions about the origin of the dolls stem from the Haitian voodoo practice of nailing puppets to trees in cemeteries. Rather than being used as a curse, however, these dolls were meant to be messengers to the spirit world, to contact dead loved ones.
The doll is not used in Voodoo practices in Haiti, but rather as part of the complicated melting pot of lore in New Orleans and the Louisiana delta areas. The Voodoo practices of Louisiana combine the spiritual elements of the Haitian religion with the magical beliefs of the hoodoos of the southern United States. In the early decades of the 20th century, Voodoo dolls are believed to have been used to bring about sympathetic magic on the intended recipient, sometimes in painful ways. The use of the pins was not intended to cause pain in any particular area of the actual person, but rather to strengthen the spell being cast.
Modern dolls are still sold as focal points for spells, but usually with the intention of creating positive effects. Many have specific focus points for wealth, love, and financial success. To use the doll, a person must call upon the powers of the loa, spiritual beings somewhat similar to saints in Catholic practices. Spells cast must be love spells or blessings, rather than vengeance or pain.
Voodoo dolls are often sold as gag gifts and novelty items. Boyfriend/girlfriend dolls, boss dolls, and even Osama Bin Laden dolls are meant as harmless joke gifts rather than spellbinding items. Even virtual ones are available to carry out revenge via computer. These items are meant to be fun and often successful, but they undeniably promote misconceptions about Voodoo practices that are offensive to some.
Traditional dolls are available for purchase from Louisiana-based websites and stores. Many of these claim to be blessed by local Voodoo priests and are made from traditional materials. Some kits include instructions for proper blessings and rituals to enact good health, wealth, or business success.
