Voodoo, also known as Vodou, is an African diasporic religion that originated in West Africa and is practiced in various forms in Haiti, parts of the Caribbean, and African-American communities. Voodoo emphasizes spiritual practices involving communication with spirits, honoring ancestors, and seeking guidance and protection.
The notion of voodoo dolls as miniature replicas of people that can be manipulated to cause harm or control actions lacks a basis in authentic Voodoo traditions. The symbolic use of dolls in Voodoo involves creating representations of spirits or deities as part of rituals and ceremonies. However, these dolls are not intended to inflict harm on others but rather serve symbolic and ceremonial purposes.
The perception of voodoo dolls as tools for causing harm is primarily a product of media portrayal, folklore, and urban legends. In reality, Voodoo is a diverse and complex religious system with rich cultural traditions, and the idea of voodoo dolls as depicted in popular culture is often a simplified and exaggerated representation.