Modern Voodoo Dolls: How They Differ From The Traditional Dolls

Voodoo dolls have significant places in the cultural imagination of our ancestors, as well as ours. In the past, practitioners used the old technique, which is actually still familiar with us and some still follow their traditions in Voodoo doll-making. However, as time passed, people changed, and their imaginations became wider. They have incorporated a touch of modernism to the old tradition of making Voodoo dolls. These dolls are not necessarily involved in black magic, or any negative energy; in fact some are mostly made for fun and camaraderie with friends.

If you are interested in learning a sample modern voodoo doll, then I am here to help. The first thing you should do is to gather your materials. You will need a full body-shot of the intended recipient, a printer transfer paper, white fabric, thread and needle, and your symbol pins with heads in the following colors: red, blue, green, purple, yellow, black, white, pink. In one of my lessons, I have discussed the meanings of these colors, but for those who are reading this the first time, let me explain what is the significance of each color.

It is important to know that Voodoo practitioners use dolls mainly for negative things like hurting people or forcing romance. If you harm your boss out of malevolence, karma dictates that the consequences for you will be worse. There are nine pins, as I have mentioned, each one with a different symbol: Red stands for death or bad health, blue for love, green for money or tranquility, purple for spirituality, yellow for success, black for repelling negative energy, white for healing, and pink for love and affection.

Now let's go on to the steps. First of all, you have to clearly print the photo of your subject as large as possible on a photo transfer paper. There will be instructions coming with the photo transfer paper for transferring the image into ironed white fabric. Follow that. From that fabric, cut out your recipient's body shape for the front and back. Do not forget to leave a seam. Once you are done cutting, it is time to sew. Leave a hole near the center to give way for stuffing. Cut also small holes at armpits, fingers and crotch to serve the same purpose. For stuffing, you may use yarn, cotton or any stuffing material you desire. Once your doll is stuffed, you may now turn the doll inside out but do it in a careful manner. If you are having a hard time pushing it with your fingers, then you may use any stick or pencil. If you are already satisfied with how your doll looks, you may now sew the stuffing hole closed.

Remember also that if there's any text or graphics on the picture (such as on the person's shirt), you have to reverse the image horizontally before you print. As a result, it shows up normally later when it's on the doll. An another option would be to cut out a heart from red fabric to cover that section

People will have different tastes in their Voodoo doll styles. Most modern dolls are immensely decorated with buttons, and some are greatly dressed up. Whatever your style is, the only reminder is that you know what these dolls' significance are, and most importantly, you should make them with a clear conscience. Karma, as they say, is just around the corner. It is thus better to make a Voodoo doll when you are motivated by good-will rather than revenge.

If you want to learn more on how to make voodoo dolls I advice you to visit the voodoo dolls site.

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Maori Warriors - The Traditional New Zealand Warrior

The Maori warriors are strong emblematic figures in both the culture and history of the Maori as well as New Zealand as a whole.

The tattoos of the Maori Warriors

Warriors were considered to be people of high rank, which is why they would receive tattoos. They would receive tattoos to embellish them and to scare the enemy.

The cheeks, chin, nose, forehead, buttocks and thighs were all covered with tattoos as a symbol of manhood and accomplishment.

Maori warriors and the art of Mau Rakau

Mau rakau is the art of combat which the Maori have developed over the centuries. It combines specific fighting techniques with the use of traditional weapons such as the taiaha or the mere. This fighting art can only be mastered after years of practice and commitment.

Warriors had to work on their balance, timing as well as their coordination to be able to fight with the weapons effectively. They trained frequently with weapons as well as the poi. Although the poi is traditionally used for women dances, it allowed the Maori warriors to work on their coordination, improving their strength and flexibility in both their arms and hands.

Maori warriors fighting techniques and strategies

Maori warriors were very skilled and fierce. They mastered the art of ambush and surprise raids. They could surprise the enemy and disappear without a noise.

When facing the enemy, warriors would use psychology by intimidating their opponents thanks to their facial tattoos, and the 'peruperu', a war dance famous today as the haka.

War parties and raids, were organised to surprise the enemy. The warriors would wait until dawn before charging on the enemy. They would do so mainly to conquer a new territory, to gain more land, more food or to dilute the gene pool, in which case they would keep young women alive to have children.

It was not uncommon that the war parties gave place to larger parties over the success of a battle. To capture the spirituality and status of a person of prestige, the warriors would eat them.

When the Europeans came to New Zealand, they were quite surprised by the courage of the Maori warriors. Their fighting techniques and war strategies were totally different from what the British had been accustomed to.

Although the Maori were very poorly equipped as opposed to the British, they won many battles. Their traditional fortified villages were clearly a strong asset and allowed them to keep the upper hand on many occasions.

To learn more about the Maori Warrior as well as attentional information on New Zealand please free to visit our guide to New Zealand vacations.

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