... function of defining and reinforcing the morals, culturally accepted norms, and even the reality of those who actively participate. Throughout her descriptions of Voodoo rituals, Hurston (1990) writes about Haitians who attempt to participate in certain rituals but are found to be "faking" their actions (p. 221). Many deities "mount," or posses, persons who, "under the whip and guidance" of the spirit, say things they would otherwise not say (p. 221). Some people, though, who "have something to say and lack the courage," use the guise of being mounted by these deities to say these things (p. 221). In the case of the god Guedé, Haitians differentiate between persons who are really "mounted" and those who are not by requiring them cleanse their face with his drink, which is "raw rum and hot pepper" (p. 221). The person who is possessed will follow through with the request, while the fraud ...

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