VOODOO
Voodoo is a religious system deveoloped by African slaves brought by the French to Haiti between the 17th and 19th centuries. This system is a blend of African religious beliefs with Roman Catholicism.
The term voodoo is believed to be derived from the word “spirit” in an african dialect. The basics of the religion involve the belief in a supreme god (bon dieu) and a number of spirits called loa. The loa are thought to be related to African gods representing natural phenomena such as fire, wind, water, the dead e.g. ancestors. The loa are divided into 2 basic groups – helpful ones known as rada; and dangerous ones known as petro. Most voodoo practices center around the loa.
An interesting aspect of voodooism involves special rites in which the loa are said to make their presence known. In these rites there is music and dancing with the participants going into trance-like states – thought to represent the loa taking over the physical body of the mortal. The possessed body will then take on the characteristics of the particular loa. Believers maintain that this can lead to levitation.
We had the opportunity to visit a voodoo temple in 2003 with the permission of the priest, who also permitted us to take photographs.
GINGER BREAD MANSIONS
Turn of the century mansions known as “ginger bread” homes representing better times in Haiti can still be found.
SCHOOL KIDS
You will find that education is very important to Haitians. School kids in uniform are a very common site throughout Haiti.
MAHOGANY
Much of Haiti has been deforested but you will still see stands of mahogany and mahogany art work.
PRESTIGE BEER
Prestige is the official Haitian beer of our surgical mission.
On a street in Port au Prince passing by our favorite Haitian product.
RHUM BARBANCOURT
If you’ve a taste for rum, you need to try 5 star Barbancourt. Try it neat on the rocks – smooth!
