| 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 Vodun 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, Zany and Mistè in this
Religion, or "Orisha"/"Olisha" in Yoruba tradition. |
| Consequently,
an integral part of African teaching and Vodun 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. |
|