Online Reference For Body, Mind & Spirit

Term: Hounsi

DEFINITION:

A devotee of Voudoun who is accepted at a Hounfor (Voudoun ritual site) but not a priest. Those who do not have training are limited to superficial tasks such as cleaning. They're called "hounsis bossale" ("bossale" means "wild"). Those who are fully trained and help with the ritual aspects of a rite are called "hounsis canzo" because they have participated in the an ordeal of fire called a "canzo."