Theoretical Source of the Percepts

The sum of those rules finds its roots from a defined vision of the Universe in which the Earth is considered a sacred place and Humanity, a truly deserving Creation of God. The human being is never perceived as having forfeited any original rights because of mistakes committed by inconsequent ancestors. All human beings are understood to be the beloved children of God, presumably for the reason of having been created by Her or for having some aspect of Her in one’s nature. This is the pure African vision that grants to everyone, at birth, an intrinsic value worthy of dignity and respect.

The name of this God in Vodoun is YEHWE, a generic term that embraces all the "Houn", meaning the many aspects of that "Great Spirit of God Almighty", honored, revered and served as Lwa, Mo, Zan'y and Mistè in this Religion, or "Orisha"/"Olisha" in Yoruba tradition.

Consequently, an integral part of African teaching and Vodoun aesthetics, are, alongside the physical human figure’s quality of beauty, one’s moral behavior, one’s basic character and qualities, as well as one’s sense of value, ideals and feelings. Failure to greet someone in the street is often considered a letdown, a failure to recognize that person’s humanity.

So, in communities of African heritage, the social act of greeting becomes not only a social fact, but also a moral obligation. To befriend someone means that one appreciates that person’s character and values, and that one demonstrates such an appreciation by showing respect, loyalty, hospitality, generosity, compassion... and even love. In the word love are normally included all those manners considered proper and usually defined as virtues.