October is Hoodoo Heritage Month, celebrating the southern African American folk tradition.
During the month of October, there has been a lot of awareness about the tradition of Hoodoo,
where people have addressed this southern tradition on many social media platforms and
magazines.
I first heard about Hoodoo Heritage on TikTok, where I learned that many traditional luck
customs are actually Hoodoo rituals. For instance, putting coins in corners of your home and
throwing salt over your shoulder are practices that I am familiar with and engage in. There are
even traditions that many southern African Americans still follow that involve natural products
such as plants, herbs, and animal products.
Here are 5 things That I have Learned during Hoodoo Heritage Month:
- There are observances throughout the entire month where different leaders and
ancestors are recognized. - Many young African Americans are beginning to reclaim the cultural tradition of Hoodoo,
where it was defined as “a spiritual practice with roots in Africa. Hoodoo essentially is a
collection of historical memories linking previous generations of African Americans to
their African past” (ROOTWORKER KYE via TikTok) - Hoodoo Heritage Month was created to celebrate the traditions involving the “veneration
of ancestors and honoring spirituals, traditions and ancestors” (historianspeaks.org). - Multiple sources have credited Mama Rue and Walking the Dikenga for the
establishment of Hoodoo Heritage Month created between 2018 and 2018. - Plenty of African Americans participate in Hoodoo traditions unknowingly, such as
hosting events like candle-light vigils and having certain traditional meals such as Hopin
Johns (black eyed peas and collard greens) on New Year for luck.
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