Whenever we hear the word “Voodoo”, we generally associate it with witchcraft, but it is a religion followed by almost 30 lakh people in West African countries especially in Ghana, Nigeria, and Benin.
“Voodoo is one of the oldest religious practices. It got negative publicity because of the colonizers who were scared of their African slaves practicing Voodoo. Though some Voodoo practices can be harmful, it is generally practiced for the betterment of the community by worshipping the ancestors” – said a Voodoo practitioner.
Some of the Voodoo practices are also reflected in many popular movies like The Black Panther of Avengers and the Pirates of the Caribbean which have done great at the box office.
You must be confused, why am I talking about Voodoo, when this blog is actually about the African Zangbeto? Well, that is because without Voodoo there is no Zangbeto.
“Zangbeto” literally means “night watchman” or the “men of the night”. They are known to be the primary police force of the Voodoo community, who not only guard them at night but also maintain law and order. These Zangbetos may appear as mere conical structures made of colorful threads but can do wonders when possessed by the spirits of the ancestors.
Thus, the African Zangbetos are supernatural-possessed beings valued as gods by many and the African magic dance performed by these Zangbetos guarantees the protection of the village against evil spirits and malicious people. The African Zangbeta Dance mostly consists of spinning movements which symbolizes the cleansing of the village.
To know more about the African Zangbeto Dance, let’s first go back to the origins and know the story of the African Zangbeto Dance.
Other Stories From The World: Chimi Lhakhang: Most Visited Temple Of Fertility In Bhutan
The Story of African Zangbeto Dance suggests that it emerged out of necessity as a traditional military organization responsible for defending these coastal towns from all the external/ internal forces. Apart from acting as a protector, the African Zangbeto was also an arm of the traditional ruling institution that maintained law and order in the region.
But, in today’s times, the African Zangbeto Dance can only be seen during major Zangbeto festivals across the country.
But, this story of African Zangbeto Dance does not specify what’s inside this structure. Well, these structures are empty!
If it’s empty, how does it do all the police work and the dancing? According to the followers of Voodoo culture, this African Voodoo dance performed by the Zangbetos is actually done by the spirits of “night watchmen” who make them do all the work.
Does that mean that spirits exist? There are several forms of African Voodoo dance and the African Zangbeto dance is just one of them. This African Magic Dance is beyond human understanding and defies science.
Now that we have learned about the origins and the story of African Zangbeto Dance, let’s learn more about these unusual dancing structures.
Other Stories From The World: The Untold Story Of Aokigahara: Suicide Forest Of Japan
Subscribe to our newsletter to receive exclusive offers, latest news and updates.
During the African Zangbeto Dance, this holy costume is worn/ inhabited by the spirits of the night. Sometimes, the spirit also demands a costume to be made of bamboo and banana threads, which signifies a bad omen or an angry spirit. If a spirit dressed in this costume and performed the African magic dance, then it symbolizes destruction and creates the impression of darkness as per the Voodoo culture.
Other Stories From The World: 3 Balinese Ghost Stories – Unfolding The Spooky Side Of Bali Culture
As Zaholu emerges from the sea, it is generally spotted in the coastal areas or riverbanks during midnight around the festival time. Zaholu disappears from the public 3 days before it appears again in front of the public during festivals.
One of the most popular magic tricks of Ataho is even if you burn the Zangbeto costume possessed by the spirit of Ataho, it will continue dancing until it burns down completely and turns into ash. If another Zangbeto costume is placed above the ash it will immediately turn into a living Zangbeto and continue dancing with its graceful movements.
Another magic trick involves giving birth to a smaller Zangbeto. Mind-blowing, Isn’t it? This act of giving birth represents the blessing of the ancestors that they give to the land to increase productivity. The birth of the smaller Zangbeto means that the ancestors themselves have come down to earth to bless the people.
The Oho Yin-Yin Ataho symbolizes youth because of its quickness, agility, and lack of complications. This spirit not only possesses strength, agility, and power but can also transfer these qualities to the community.
In cultural terms, the names ending with “Si” are generally feminine. Despite all the warrior-like masculine qualities, the name of this Zangbeto spirit is feminine, and also wears braids like that of a female. These feminine and masculine qualities prove that the spirits are gender-neutral.
A few years ago, the mangroves along the coasts of Benin had shrunk massively due to excessive and illegal fishing activities. In the following Zangbeto festivals, the deity/ spirit of the ancestors spoke in the form of Zangbeto and stated that “No one will cut/cause any harm to the mangroves. If anyone found guilty, they will be punished and face the wrath of the deity. They will also be charged a fine of 1,20,000 Franc”.
After listening to the deity, several small versions of the African Zangbeto were installed on the edges of the mangroves by the locals. This actually worked and there was significant growth in the mangrove forest area.
As far as the African Zangbeto Dance is concerned, there are several places on Earth that defy science and are beyond human understanding and this is just one of them. It is astonishing how spirits can do wonders and make an empty object dance.
Witnessing this extraordinary act has now been added to my bucket list as it has generated immense curiosity in my mind, regarding the Voodoo culture. So, when are you planning to go and witness the African Zangbeto Dance?
Subscribe to our newsletter to receive exclusive offers, latest news and updates.
Our Blog Post
Connect with our experts! Get the best Itineraries and Offers!
We at WanderOn are a modern travel community that provides end to end travel packages in India and abroad. We design the best travel itineraries that encourage group traveling for like-minded people. Our services include road trips, trekking expeditions, corporate trips, and customized tour packages. On our trips, we ensure hassle-free traveling, top-notch accommodation and guided sightseeing that too in a budget that won't burn a hole in your pocket. Just give us your dates and be ready to experience traveling like never before.
3rd Floor, Building No-436, Phase IV, Udyog Vihar, Sector-18, Gurugram, Haryana-122001