Hannah Washington- Temple of the Python Quidah, Benin



The Temple of Pythons


The Temple of the Python, that just like its name would suggest, is a temple inhabited with pythons. For most people, the sight of a snake, let alone a python, would make them turn tail and run, but these native Africans do no such thing. The python temple is a historical and religious site in Quidah, Benin. The site, in particular, relates to the religion of Vodun, which contains followers in West and Central African countries like Togo, Benin, and Ghana. A little more background on the religion is that during the African diaspora Vondun practice became the basis of other religions such as Voodoo and Haitian Vodou. Now, accord to theology the reason that pythons are a major factor in this religion is that Dan, a rainbow serpent deity, is the middleman between spirits and the living. Even according to Quidah legend, which plays more of a factor to why they have a temple, the pythons protected a king in his time of need, and as a tribute to their aid, the king erected monuments in their honor, one being the Temple of the Python. People will come to pay their respects to the pythons, and when people see a python they do not fear it, yet respect them. Pythons, more specifically the Royal Python, are allowed to enter the homes of Quidah residents and when they do they are fed and treated like any normal house guest. Pythons are not seen as bad luck or something scary, yet a symbol of good luck.
https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-temple-of-pythons-ouidah-benin
https://unseenbenin.wordpress.com/2014/03/22/the-temple-of-python-in-ouidah/


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