Archived Folk Stories: African American Tradition of Hoodoo To celebrate Hoodoo Heritage Month we wanted to shine light on an important part of African American History, that which is Hoodoo. As we gear up to release our latest offering (Are you ready?!) the most exciting part of our work as folklorist is to bring you all into our world and provide education behind our inspiration. Praise to our ancestors who paved the way. 🪞🕯 Hoodoo, not to be confused with Voodoo, the religion, is an admixture of Christianity and the magical practices brought by the captives of the Bantu regions of Africa. Unlike Palo Mayombe, Santeria, Lucumi and Orisa, as practised throughout the Caribbean, Hoodoo is uniquely American. Interestingly, one does not need to be initiated into Hoodoo, neither is there a religious hierarchy or place of worship. Hoodoo organically emerged out of the instinctive cue to survive. Katrina Hazzard-Donald states in Mojo Workin’, “the African slave trade to the New World would not only be an enterprise that extended nearly four centuries but would also deposit large populations of Africans in North America, the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central and South America. One result of this massive involuntary population transfer would be the reestablishment of traditional African religion in the new environments.” Katrina Hazzard-Donald. Mojo Workin’, page 21. Although the environment was different to that of the continent, southern slaves adapted, learning the magical properties of new plants, trees, stones, animals, soils and streams. For example, in Africa, the burial ground was sacred, left untouched. On the plantations, though, the burial ground was weaponized for good and bad. Graveyard dirt became a potent ingredient in 'The Work.' Take a scroll through today’s “Folk Story” to explore the wonders of Hoodoo, an African American practice of resilience, mystery and strength. _ Follow along our on going research with the stories highlight “Folk” where we explore folk art forms, and cultural traditions that have informed our inspiration. 🕯🕊 #houseofaama #folk #hoodoo