Simbi

For other uses, see Simbi (disambiguation).

In Haitian Vodou, Simbi (also Sim'bi) is a large and diverse family of serpent Loa. Some prominent Simbi Loa include Simbi Dlo (also Simbi d'l'eau - Simbi of the Water), Simbi Makaya, Simbi Andezo (Simbi of Two Waters), and Gran Simba. Traditionally in their Kongo context they are all associated with water, but in the Haitian Vodoun context they have wide ranging associations. For example, Simbi Makaya is a great sorcerer, and served in particular in the Sanpwel secret societies. Simbi Anpaka is a Loa of plants, leaves, and poisons.

Milo Rigaud (City Lights, NY; c1969; "Secrets of Voodoo") speaks of Simbi as the messenger of Legba. In this aspect Simbi is the bearer of souls to all places, and the creative principle.

Appearances

Governor General Michaëlle Jean of Canada, who was born in Haiti, bears two simbi as supporters on her coat of arms.

Afro-American religion

Religions	Abakuá Candomblé (Bantu Jejé Ketu) Cuban Vodú Dominican Vudú Haitian Vodou Kumina Louisiana Voodoo Obeah Palo Quimbanda Santería Spiritual Baptist Umbanda Winti

Roots	Ifá Orisha (Yoruba) Loa (Fon and Ewe) Alusi (Igbo) Winti (Akan) Nkisi (Kongo) Roman Catholicism (France Portugal Spain Netherlands) Protestantism (England Netherlands) Indigenous American mythology

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