The spirit of all the leaves, trees and wild forest, Gran Bwa is represented by a vèvè of a blocky human figure with a heart shaped face. Ulrich, who’s often portrayed holding a fish. His Vodou symbol is a boat or ship, and his rituals are usually performed near the seas, lakes, or rivers. He’s commonly portrayed as a mulatto with green eyes and fair skin, wearing a naval uniform. He’s the patron of sailors and fisherman, and the traditional protector of Haiti, an island nation where people have depended upon the sea for survival. AgweĪlso known as the Tadpole of the Pond and Shell of the Sea, Agwe is a water spirit, and is thought to be the owner of the sea and its bounty. For these reasons, he’s petitioned for help with conception, as well as to ensure the lives of children.

Even though he’s thought to determine when someone’s life will end, it’s also believed that he wants children to live their full life before they arrive in the underworld. His Vodou symbol is quite elaborate, including cemetery crosses and coffins, as he’s believed to sit on a throne decorated with a cross.īaron Samedi is also associated with the concepts of life and fertility, and sexual regeneration.

He’s commonly portrayed dressed in black, often associated with skulls, bones, and other death symbols. Baron SamediĪlso known as the Lord of the Cemetery, Baron Samedi is the Loa of the dead and controls access to the underworld. His worship is synonymous with the worship of nature. It’s thought that his presence brings peace and harmony, and many seek out his help for marriage. Patrick, who drove the snakes out of Ireland, though several descriptions of him in mythologies don’t bear resemblance to the saint. His Vodou symbol is the serpent, particularly a bright green or pure white python, representing his slow-moving but generous and loving nature.ĭanbala-Wedo is associated with St. He’s thought to be responsible for blessings of health, goodwill, and prosperity. It’s believed that even other Loa show him great reverence. PD.Īlso known as Damballah, Danbala-Wedo is a benevolent father figure and one of the most powerful of the Loa. Papa Legbaĭamballah La Flambeau – Hector Hyppolite.

In this article, we outline different Vodou symbols, the Loa they’re associated with, and their importance. It’s thought that these spirits have an interest in humanity, and each of them plays a different role in the lives of their believers. Legends attached to individual Loa differ from village to village, and vèvè designs may vary according to local customs. Then, participants offer prayers in return for health, protection, and favor. During ceremonies, they’re represented by symbols called vèvè, which are drawn on the floor by a priest or priestess. These spirits are called by many names and have their own emblems. While the followers of Vodou religion recognize the existence of one creator god, they also believe in a complex pantheon of spirits called Lwa or Loa. Today, it’s practiced throughout Haiti and the Caribbean, and certain other regions with African heritage. An example of this is the Vodou religion, also spelled Voodoo or Vodun, which combined aspects of West African religion, Roman Catholicism, and indigenous religions of other ethnic groups. As a result of the African slave trade, the blending of African and European cultures has been a phenomenon that has occurred in multiple regions throughout the world.

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