Afro-Caribbean Religions

Afro-Caribbean Religions
Author: Nathaniel Samuel Murrell
Publisher: Temple University Press
Total Pages: 432
Release: 2010-01-25
Genre: History
ISBN: 1439901759

Religion is one of the most important elements of Afro-Caribbean culture linking its people to their African past, from Haitian Vodou and Cuban Santeria—popular religions that have often been demonized in popular culture—to Rastafari in Jamaica and Orisha-Shango of Trinidad and Tobago. In Afro-Caribbean Religions, Nathaniel Samuel Murrell provides a comprehensive study that respectfully traces the social, historical, and political contexts of these religions. And, because Brazil has the largest African population in the world outside of Africa, and has historic ties to the Caribbean, Murrell includes a section on Candomble, Umbanda, Xango, and Batique. This accessibly written introduction to Afro-Caribbean religions examines the cultural traditions and transformations of all of the African-derived religions of the Caribbean along with their cosmology, beliefs, cultic structures, and ritual practices. Ideal for classroom use, Afro-Caribbean Religions also includes a glossary defining unfamiliar terms and identifying key figures.

Hunting Vampires

Hunting Vampires
Author: Steve White
Publisher: The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc
Total Pages: 89
Release: 2016-12-15
Genre: Juvenile Nonfiction
ISBN: 1499465300

This book offers a unique twist on the vampire book genre that will keep young readers glued to their chairs: it contains all the information necessary to recognize and combat this growing threat of the vampire uprising. It takes a look at the dozens of species that exist around the world today. Focusing on the hunters' weapons, tactics and skills, this book provides information on identifying and eliminating vampires by analyzing the best practices from hunters from around the world, accompanied by full-color illustrations of predator and prey. This is the ultimate resource in the fight to save humanity from the undead.

Voodoos and Obeahs

Voodoos and Obeahs
Author: Joseph J. Williams
Publisher: BEYOND BOOKS HUB
Total Pages:
Release: 2021-01-01
Genre: Social Science
ISBN:

Voodoos and Obeahs examines the history of these beliefs and traditions in the Caribbean, specifically in Jamaica and Haiti. It also traces them back to their roots in Africa and discusses the influence that imperialism, slavery, and racism had on their development.

The Sahara Desert Angel

The Sahara Desert Angel
Author: Vickie A. Soman
Publisher: iUniverse
Total Pages: 208
Release: 2010-03-10
Genre: Juvenile Fiction
ISBN: 1450214665

Holy cow, this better be a dream! I yelled ... Moms joke about summer camp follies in Africa has come true. My adventure started with a nightmarish dream. People wore masks, talked in pidgin English, and performed witchcrafts. They behaved as though they were possessed by evil spirits. That reminded me of Dads stories about the Naked Devil Dancer who came out of the forest to perform at dusk. I took these as mere storiesfictitious legendsuntil now! A legend said that the Naked Devil Dancera barely clothed geniewore different face masks and only a Speedo-type suit covering his private body parts. Often, his arrival was dramatic, with black birds, such as vultures and crows, flying overhead. In many cultures, these were signs of demons. Have you seen your Guardian Angel recently? Any angels at all? Well, angels arent just in Heaven; theyre everywhere! In The Sahara Desert Angelthe second book in this novel series, Crystal travels to Africa to see her extended family. As she learns about her culture and traditions in a remote village without running water or electricity, she is led to Aziza, and then to her mythical sister Cassandra. Crystals African journey further inspires her active, inquisitive mind when she uses her love of education and nature to uncover the origin of Africas biggest mystery. Readers will delight in the storytelling, knowledge, and eye-popping adventures.

Kwame Crashes the Underworld

Kwame Crashes the Underworld
Author: Craig Kofi Farmer
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Total Pages: 252
Release: 2024-09-10
Genre: Juvenile Fiction
ISBN: 1250900255

Discover a stunning middle grade fantasy about a boy hurled into the Ghanaian underworld to help his grandmother save humanity, perfect for fans of Tristan Strong and Amari and the Night Brothers. Twelve-year-old Kwame Powell isn't ready to deal with losing his grandmother, even as he and his family head to Ghana for her celebration of life. He's definitely not ready when he's sucked into a magical whirlpool that leads straight to Asamando, the Ghanaian underworld. There, he comes face to face with his grandmother, who is very much alive, and somehow still...a kid? Together with his best friend, Autumn, and a talkative aboatia named Woo, Kwame must battle angry nature gods, and stop the underworld from destroying the land of the living. But there's an even bigger problem: Only living souls can leave Asamando. In order to save the mortal world and return home, Kwame will need to find the courage to do the bravest thing of all -- learn how to say goodbye. *** "Brimming with laughter, joy, and beautiful messages about grief, hope, lost loved ones, identity, and the ancestors, Kwame Crashes the Underworld rattles the spirit." —Dhonielle Clayton, New York Times-bestselling author of The Marvellers and The Memory Thieves “I wish this book had existed when I was a child. I dare readers not to let Kwame Powell into their hearts.” —Roseanne A. Brown, New York Times-bestselling author of Serwa Boateng’s Guide to Vampire Hunting "A rollicking and electrifying adventure of one boy's journey to accept himself, his family, and his cultural heritage." —Jamar J. Perry, author of Cameron Battle and the Hidden Kingdoms

50 Stories and Legends About VAMPIRES

50 Stories and Legends About VAMPIRES
Author: Robert J Dornan
Publisher: Robert J Dornan
Total Pages: 296
Release: 2024-10-01
Genre: Body, Mind & Spirit
ISBN:

Vampires have haunted the human imagination for centuries, crossing borders, cultures, and eras with their shadowy presence. From the icy mountains of Eastern Europe to the sun-scorched plains of Africa, every culture has its own version of the undead—each more terrifying than the last. Yet, no matter where these legends arise, they all share a common thread: the fear of what lurks beyond death, and the horror of those who refuse to stay in their graves. The vampire’s shape may change with geography, but its hunger for life, for blood, remains eerily the same. In 50 Stories and Legends About VAMPIRES, you’ll uncover the vastly different depictions of vampires, from the seductive aristocrats of Western lore to the ghastly, shape-shifting creatures of Asian mythology. Some vampires seek eternal power, others mindless destruction. Some hide in plain sight, while others skulk in dark forests and forgotten ruins. As these stories unfold, they reveal not just creatures of the night, but profound reflections of the societies that fear them. In many cultures, vampires serve as metaphors for the breakdown of moral order or the consequences of forbidden desires—invoking not just terror but also deep moral lessons. This journey through 50 legends will guide you into the heart of humanity’s most primal fears: the fear of death, the fear of losing one’s soul, and the fear that evil may outlive the innocent. Prepare yourself, for these are not merely stories of ghouls and specters—they are reminders that the line between the living and the dead is far more fragile than we dare imagine.

Hebrewisms of West Africa

Hebrewisms of West Africa
Author: Joseph J. Williams
Publisher: Black Classic Press
Total Pages: 466
Release: 1999
Genre: History
ISBN: 9781580730037

In this massive work, Joseph J. Williams documents the Hebraic practices, customs, and beliefs, which he found among the people of Jamaica and the Ashanti of West Africa. He initially examines the close relationship between the Jamaican and the Ashanti cultures and the folk beliefs. He then studies the language and culture of the Ashanti (of whom many Jamaicans have descended) by comparing them to well known and established Hebraic traditions. William's findings suggest stunning similarities. And, he challenges the reader by concluding that Hebraic traditions must have swept across "negro Africa" and left its influence "among the various tribes." While Williams presents a strong case, his evidence, including hundreds of quoted sources, also builds a strong case for the reverse--that an indigenous, continent-wide belief system among African people stands at the very root of Hebrew culture and Western religion. First published in 1931 and long out-of-print, today's reader will find Hebrewisms a valuable resource for understanding the cultural unity of African people.

Witchcraft and Black Magic

Witchcraft and Black Magic
Author: Montague Summers
Publisher: Read Books Ltd
Total Pages: 402
Release: 2024-05-30
Genre: Body, Mind & Spirit
ISBN: 1528799852

This fascinating volume delves into the history of witchcraft and demonology. Witchcraft and Black Magic gives an extensive history of what Montague Summers deems to be Satanic practises. First published in 1946, this handbook gathers vivid detail from a wealth of sources and references that enhance its overview of black magic. Montague Summers’ research explores numerous court records, personal accounts, and classic works of literature, as well as taking evidence from the Bible. A devout Catholic, Summers writes about witchcraft in great detail, examining historic events, such as the Salem witch trials, with a close eye. The chapters in this chilling volume include: - What is Witchcraft? How Does One Become a Witch? - The Familiar, in Human Shape and Animal - Witchcraft at Cambridge and Oxford - The Origins of Witchcraft - The Library of Witches - The Magus (1801) of Francis Barrett - Sympathetic Magic Complete with an introduction to the folklore and history of witchcraft, Read & Co. Books has republished this classic guide to black magic in a brand new edition. A must-read for conspiracy theorists and those with an interest in the historical background of witchcraft.

Encyclopedia of Vampire Mythology

Encyclopedia of Vampire Mythology
Author: Theresa Bane
Publisher: McFarland
Total Pages: 209
Release: 2017-02-10
Genre: Social Science
ISBN: 0786455810

From the earliest days of oral history to the present, the vampire myth persists among mankind's deeply-rooted fears. This encyclopedia, with entries ranging from "Abchanchu" to "Zmeus," includes nearly 600 different species of historical and mythological vampires, fully described and detailed.