[RP TownTalk] Chickens theories

[Paul Richards]

bruce.wernek at mindspring.com wrote:   Please..........voodo?   Sure. Why not Voodoo (or Voudoun, as it is properly known outside of Hollywood movies). You are aware that the Hyattsville area is home to a number of groups that would be labeled as Pagan or "alternative" religions by mainstream Christians, yes?  I've actually attended many rituals in Hyattsville with the Becoming group (www.becomingdc.org) who practice Wiccan style Witchcraft. They are quite a nice bunch of average people you wouldn't look at twice if you saw them walking down the street. 
   
  More on Voudoun:
   
  The pantheon of Vodoun spirits is called the Loa, from the Yoruban word meaning “mystery.”  The Loa are similar to Christian Saints with a special function or task they patronize. Many Voudoun altars have images of saints along with items like pictorial votive candles. All in all, it's not that different from many religions practiced commonly in many area churches.
  
There are dozens of spirits who are worshiped, some more commonly than others. In addition to each being the patron of a specific responsibility, the Loa have favorite colors, drinks, cigarettes, foods, flowers and animals. In Voudoun ritual, the purpose is for the participant to make contact with the spirit energies, to gain their favor by offering gifts and making sacrifices. This gained favor is for abundance, good health, or higher standards of living. 
   
  A chicken placed at a crossroads with candy could very well be a specialized offering to Papa Legba, the Loa of the Crossroads. It's his task to open the door to the spirit world. His sacred day is Tuesday.
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