Gris-gris, also spelled grigri, is a voodoo amulet originating in Africa which is believed to protect the wearer from evil or brings luck,[1] and in some West African countries is used as a method of birth control. It consists of a small cloth bag, usually inscribed with verses from the Qur'an and containing a ritual number of small objects, worn on the person.
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Although the exact origins of the word are unknown, some historians trace the word back to the African word juju meaning fetish.[2] An alternative theory is that the word originates with the French joujou meaning doll or play-thing.[2]
The gris-gris originated in Dagombha in Ghana and was associated with Islamic traditions.[3] Originally the gris-gris was adorned with Islamic scripture and was used to ward off evil spirits (djinn) or bad luck.[3] Historians of the time noted that they were frequently worn by non-believers and believers alike, and were also found attached to buildings.[3]
The practice of using gris-gris, though originating in Africa, came to the USA with African slaves and was quickly adopted by practitioners of voodoo.[4] However, the practice soon changed, and the gris-gris were thought to bring black magic upon their 'victim'. Slaves would often use the gris-gris against their masters and gris-gris can still be seen adorning the tombs of some slave owners.[4] During this period, there were also reports of slaves cutting, drowning or otherwise manipulating the gris-gris of others in order to cause harm.[5] Although in Haiti gris-gris are thought to be a good amulet and are used as part of a widely practised religion, in the Cajun communities of Louisiana, gris-gris are thought to be a symbol of black magic and ill-fortune.[6] In spite of the negative connotations of gris-gris, so called Gris-Gris doctors have operated in the Cajun communities of Louisiana for some centuries and are looked upon favourably by the community.[7] In the 1800s, gris-gris was used interchangeably in Louisiana to mean both bewitch and in reference to the traditional amulet.[8] Gris-gris are also used in Neo-Hoodoo which has its origins in Voodoo. In this context, a gris-gris is meant to represent the self.[9]
A gris-gris is formed in a small, leather pouch which is usually etched with verses from the Qu'ran.[10] Inside the pouch are engravings specially tailored to the wearer. The pouch is then sprinkled with blessed water while an incantation is recited.[10] The ceremony is traditionally conducted over an alter with a burning candle being present.[2] The ingredients of the gris-gris number one, three, five, seven, nine or thirteen.[2] Sometimes stones and other items with occult-meanings are added to the pouch. There will often be a doll symbolising the wearer also attached to the pouch.[2]
According to a 1982 survey, gris-gris were one of the top three methods of contraception known to women in Senegal. All three were traditional methods ("abstinence, roots and herbs, and charms ('gris-gris')"). Over 60% of women reported having knowledge of such methods; modern and "effective means of contraception" were not well known, with the pill the best-known of those, a little over 40% of women reporting knowledge of it.[11]