It is of convenient size and may be suitably ornamented for its purpose, that aquatic or serpent Lwa when they have taken possession of devotees may enjoy immersion. Intensely powerful (and therefore magical) Lwa of the Dead considered to be of the "family" of Ghede, but of New World rather than African conception.Ī pool or tank of water sometimes provided at a hounfor. Baron Cimetiere, Baron La Croix, Baron Samedi.Related to Badagri, on the western Nigerian coast a title and aspect of the Nago Lwa Ogou.Ī Sudanese people represented in Haiti their cult animal in Africa was the antelope. She is patroness of initiation, and the palm-tree is her symbol. The primal or archetypal Mambo, sometimes considered to be the wife of Loco, with whom she shares the guardianship of religious traditions, healing powers, and the reverence due to parents and to ancestors. Her "surname" Wedo may signify her association (along with Damballah) with the Serpent cult of Whydah or it may be simply a part of the name of the Nago Rainbow-Deity, Audowido. One of the revered Serpent-Deities of Rada Voudoun, who represent the sky powers the rainbow is her symbol, and as wife of Damballah she shares his function as cosmic protector and giver of blessing. To be "given the asson" is to be raised to the priestly authority in that tradition (see Houngan, Mambo.) The sacred rattle of Haitian Vodou, its typical components being a calabash and snake vertebrae. Locality on the coast of Dahomey, from which Moreau de Saint-Mery refers to the Dahoman people generally as "aradas," and from which comes the term "Rada" denoting a main group of Voudoun rites. Lwa (Haitian Spirit) of the ocean, of ships and boats, patron of seafarers. These terms are particular to the history and culture of Haitian Vodou, but many concepts listed here are shared in the sister tradition of New Orleans Voodoo. This wonderfully informative anthropological glossary comes to us from the book "Voudoun Fire" by Melita Denning and Osborne Phillips. A clean white bed sheet usually covers his head while he consumes his offerings.Frequently Asked Questions || Veves || Glossary It is believed that his wisdom is too preeminent for us mortals to be expressed through words.ĭamballah is not a very demanding Loa in terms of offerings usually a hen egg placed on a mound of flour, along a bottle of white anisette syrup or honey. As a snake, he doesn't have feet the possessed immediately falls on the ground undulating just like a snake to get by does not talk, but only makes hissing and whistling noises. After many sacred African litanies, Damballah will finally come in possession. Smoking, and alcoholic consumption are strictly forbidden. It is very common for people to be asked to leave the temple if they're not in proper attire when Damballah is expected. First, everyone in the assistance must entirely be dressed with freshly clean, immaculate white clothes, women are to have their head tied with silk white scarves. Along with his companion Ayida W è do, the rainbow serpent, he is viewed as the Loa of creation.Ĭeremonies for Damballah and/or Ayida W èdo are extremely particular and highly elaborate, and all rules must be followed to the letters. He is the archetypal wise Loa, the patriarchal serpent divinity, associated with wisdom, peace, purity, benevolence, life and innocence.ĭamballah is highly respected and is one of the most revered African gods. Although not invoked first, Damballah is the father of all the Loas.
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