Lieu où vivent en communauté les fidèles d’une divinité Vodun et où se pratique le culte et les cérémonies lui étant dédiées. Sa particularité se trouve dans le fait qu’il dispose en son sein des lieux consacrés à la formation des novices, ou Hunkpɔkpɔ (République du Bénin, 2), ce qui leur confère le titre d’initié. Le couvent est organisé de façon à leur transmettre toutes les connaissances en rapport avec la théologie Vodun et son fonctionnement (interdits, pratiques, normes). Les adeptes y organisent une cérémonie connue sous le nom de hùnwê en hommage à leurs ancêtres et en l’honneur de leurs Vodun. Elle a lieu tous les ans, mais parfois tous les trois ou cinq ans, selon les instructions du Fâ. Elle renforce les liens et garantit la transmission de la mémoire collective (République du Bénin, 2).
Place where the followers of a Vodun deity live in community and practise the cult and associated ceremonies. Particularly of note is the fact that the Vodun convent contains places devoted to the training of novices, or Hunkpɔkpɔ (République du Bénin, 2), thereby granting them the title of initiates. The convent is organised in such a way as to teach initiates about the Vodun faith and its workings (prohibitions, practices, norms). The communities organise a Vodun ceremony known as hùnwê in homage to their ancestors and in honor of their deities. The ceremony takes place annually, though sometimes every three or five years or more, depending on the instructions of the Fâ (oracle). It brings together all members of the lineage, strengthens ties, and ensures the transmission of collective memory down the generations (République du Bénin, 2).
République du Bénin. Abécédaire des Voduns days. Ouidah, 2024.
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