Religion in The Dominican Republic - Afro-Caribbean Religions

Afro-Caribbean Religions

The Dominican Republic, being a nation full of African heritage was able to preserve some African religions, and aspects of them. A lot of the Afro-Caribbean religions in the country are syncretized with Catholicism, but not all to the same extent. Some may only use the image of saints but be completely Africanized in every other aspects. While some may be fully Christian with some African aspects.

21 Divisiones or Dominican Vodou:

It is very similar to Haitian Vodou, the main difference though is that Dominican Vodou uses different percussion. A lot of times it is played with Atabales or "Tambore de Palo", which are of Kongo origin; along with it a Guira(Scraper) is usually used. Contrary to popular belief, like Haitian Voodun, practitioners of Dominican Vodou believe in one main God, the Creator, Papa Bon Dyé (the good God) as although physically absent from the Earth, he is still good to us all. In Haiti He also goes by Gran Met (the Great Master). The Kreyol influence in Dominican Vodou can be seen in the standard greeting used "Bonswa a la societé" Although not the largest component just like in Haitian Vodou, Taino influences can be seen weaved in certain aspects. In order of influences Dominican Vodou like Haitian Vodou has Benin, Kongo, Roman Catholic, Yoruba and Taino influences. Although the core is undeniable very much influence by Benin and Kongo the Yoruba and the Taino have the smallest influences on the beliefs.

Haitian Voodoo:

Is also practice on the island and it is not very different from Dominican Vodou. The main difference is the percussion used in Haitian Vodou, and that the spirits when mounting someone speak in Kreyol instead of Dominican Spanish. In both versions the name of the foh s is Lwa, although in Dominican Spanish it sounds more like "Loa". Haitian vodou is very much influenced by religions from Benin, and to compliment it also influenced by the Kongo religions, the Yoruba, Roman Catholicism and a bit by the Tainos. It is very widely practice in many bateyes (sugar cane communities) all around the country and large Haitian communities along the border.

Congos Del Espiritu Santo:

This is probably one of the most Africanized forms of Christianity that exist on the island. It is not as pure African as Vodou, or Cuban Santeria, but it is very easy to spot African influences in every aspect, one just has to notice the name starts with "Congos". For one thing the Kongo deity Kalunga is syncretized with the Holy Spirit. It is said that the holy spirit appeared to the locals of Villa Mella, Mata los Indios with all the instruments of the religion. Which include two drums, one called the Palo Major and the other one often called Alcahuete. A canoita, a clave like instrument made out of wood, and along with it Maracas. They often play their music during burial ceremonies, which is undeniably a very African tradition, specifically from the Congo/Angola/Zaire region today, previously known as the kingdom of Kongo.

Others:

Dominican Protestants undoubtedly have African aspects in their religion. Specially Pentecostals in the country. This can be seen usually in the instruments used in many churches. For example it is not uncommon to find handmade or imported drums; some of which include Balsie's, Congas, Bongos and Panderos(Tambourines). Taino influence can be seeing as well in the use of Guiras to accompany the music. Superficially Pentecostals can cluster very close with more Africanized religions such as Vodou, Candomble, Santeria. Although many of the beliefs are very distinct, the form of worship may be hard to distinguish for onlookers. Because in all of these religions there is spiritual possession, in the case of Pentecostals the Holy spirit, and sometimes lots of shouting and glossolalia(speaking in tongues), which is universal in the others as well.