Loa
Loa (also spelled Lwa or L'wha) are the spirits of Haitian Vodou and Louisiana Voodoo.[1] They are also referred to as Mystères and the Invisibles and are intermediaries between Bondye (French: Bon Dieu, meaning "good God")—the Supreme Creator, who is distant from the world—and humanity. Unlike saints or angels, however, they are not simply prayed to, they are served. They are each distinct beings with their own personal likes and dislikes, distinct sacred rhythms, songs, dances, ritual symbols, and special modes of service. Contrary to popular belief, the loa are not deities in and of themselves; they are intermediaries for, and dependent on, a distant Bondye.[2]
Syncretism
The enslaved Fon and Ewe in Haiti and Louisiana syncretized the Loa with the Roman Catholic Saints—Vodoun altars will frequently display images of Catholic saints. For example, Papa Legba is syncretized with St. Peter or St. Lazarus.[3] Syncretism also works the other way in Haitian Vodou and many Catholic saints have become Loa in their own right, most notably Philomena, St. Michael the Archangel, St. Jude, and John the Baptist.
Rituals
In a ritual the Loa are summoned by the Houngan (Priest), Mambo (Priestess), or Bokor (Sorcerers) to take part in the service, receive offerings, and grant requests. The loa arrive in the peristyle (ritual space) by mounting (possessing) a horse (ritualist) - who is said to be "ridden". This can be quite a violent occurrence as the participant can flail about or convulse before falling to the ground,[4] but some loa, such as Ayizan, will mount their "horses" very quietly.
Certain loa display very distinctive behaviour by which they can be recognized, specific phrases, and specific actions. As soon as a loa is recognized, the symbols appropriate to them will be given to them. For example, Erzulie Freda will be given a mirror and a comb, fine cloth or jewelry; Legba will be given his cane, straw hat, and pipe; Baron Samedi will be given his top hat, sunglasses, and a cigar.
Once the loa have arrived, fed, been served, and possibly given help or advice, they leave the peristyle. Certain loa can become obstinate, for example the Ghede are notorious for wanting just one more smoke, or one more drink, but it is the job of the Houngan or Mambo to keep the spirits in line while ensuring they are adequately provided for.
Nations of Loa
There are many families or "nanchons" (nations) of Loa: Rada (also Radha), Petro (also Pethro, Petwo), Nago, Kongo, and Ghede (also Guede, or Gede), among others.
Rada loa
The Rada loa are generally the older, more beneficent loa. They include Legba, Loko, Ayizan, Anaisa Pye, Dhamballah Wedo and Ayida-Weddo, Erzulie Freda, La Sirène, and Agwé. Their traditional colour is white (as opposed to the specific colours of individual loa).
Petro loa
The Petro loa are generally the more fiery, occasionally aggressive and warlike loa, and are associated with Haiti and the New World. They include Ezili Dantor, Marinette, and Met Kalfu (Maitre Carrefour, "Master Crossroads"). Their traditional colour is red.
Kongo loa
Originating from the Congo region, these loa include the many Simbi loa. It also includes Marinette, a fierce and much feared female loa.
Nago loa
Originating from Yorubaland, this nation includes many of the Ogoun loa.
Ghede loa
The Ghede are the spirits of the dead. They are traditionally led by the Barons (La Croix, Samedi, Cimitière, Kriminel), and Maman Brigitte. The Ghede as a family are loud, rude (although rarely to the point of real insult), sexual, and usually a lot of fun. As those who have lived already, they have nothing to fear, and frequently will display how far past consequence and feeling they are when they come through in a service—eating glass, raw chillis, and anointing their sensitive areas with chilli rum, for example. Their traditional colours are black and purple.
Pantheons
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See also
References
- ↑ Anthony B. Pinn. "The African American Religious Experience in America" Greenwood Press, 2005, pg 229.
- ↑ Anthony B. Pinn. "The African American Religious Experience in America" Greenwood Press, 2005, pg 219.
- ↑ Kenaz Filan (10 November 2006). The Haitian Vodou Handbook: Protocols for Riding with the Lwa. Inner Traditions / Bear & Co. p. 56. ISBN 978-1-59477-995-4.
- ↑ Kenaz Filan (10 November 2006). The Haitian Vodou Handbook: Protocols for Riding with the Lwa. Inner Traditions / Bear & Co. p. 62. ISBN 978-1-59477-995-4.
External links
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