For most of us, the sight of a snake creates a visceral sense of unease. For Beninese, the serpents have a special meaning. The snakes are sacred and represent wisdom, peace and wealth. They protect the crops and keep houses free of common pests like mice and rats, which may partially contribute to their status as deities in Vodún faith. In the nearby city Ouidah the reptiles have a sacred shrine - Temple du Python – the Temple of Python, where we paid a visit to see and learn about these quirky creatures. 

The temple is a place of Vodún worship and access to some of its areas is reserved strictly for those practicing the faith. The temple offers protection to the snakes in the city, most of them preferring to spend their time in the shadows, sheltered from the rays of the sun. The doors of the temple are kept open and the pythons may leave as they please - after all you wouldn’t dare to interfere with the free will of a God, would you? But the snakes seem to enjoy their house where they are provided with everything a twisty friend may need. Except food. The pythons are not fed and when the hunger strikes they slither out of the gates into the city for the search of prey. The pythons feed on rodents, lizards and small birds. Born without teeth, they wrap around their target and strange it patiently before swallowing it in one piece. 

The temple of Python is a genius solution to the challenges modern-day life imposes on traditions. Free-roaming Pyhtons would be at a high risk of getting hurt in the large city and its busy traffic and their presence could cause unnecessary tensions between different religious groups. The system allows the preservation of the python, as well as the peaceful coexistence of Vodún along with other faiths practiced in the city of Ouidah. As a symbol of this, the temple is neighboring a church. Christianity blends seamlessly with the traditional faiths and some choose to follow both of the religions. The popularity of syncretism signals a true acceptance of both faiths. Why choose?


Cheers, 
Anna

Letters from West Africa

Day 37. Snakes

The pythons are later found digesting their food in the forests or peoples’ houses. Those who prefer to live without a loitering snake-God in their living room collect their cubby guest and carry it back to its temple. Hurting a python is forbidden, and killing one may land you in jail.