The celebration of Guédés versus the Halloween.

Available in : Original French Version
By:Herve Gilbert herve.gilbert@gmail.com

The celebration of «Guédés » (also spelled Gede or Ghede), commemorated on November 1st and 2nd, inHaiti and in the diaspora ,is symbolic of the voodoo religion in Haiti. In the mythology of voodoo, the Guédés represent the spirits of death and resurrection. On this occasion, the vodouists  hold ceremonies to celebrate their gods represented by different « Barons»  as «Baron Saturday» , «Baron Cemetery», «Baron Lacroix», « Baron Criminal »and « Grann Brigite »  «Bride of Baron » (first woman buried in the cemetery). 

Vodouists believe in a distant and unknowable creator god, «Bondye» . As Bondye does not intercede in human affairs, direct their worship toward spirits subservient to Bondye, called  « lwa » . Every « lwa »is responsible for a particular aspect of life, with the dynamic and changing personalities of each lwa reflecting the many possibilities inherent to the aspects of life over which they preside. In order to navigate daily life, vodouists cultivate personal relationships with the loa through the presentation of offerings, the creation of personal altars and devotion nal objects, and participation in elaborate ceremonies of music, dance, and spirit possession.

There is a diversity of practice in Voodoo across the country of Haiti and the Haitian diaspora. For instance, in the north of Haiti, the  « lave tèt » (head washing) or « kanzwe » may be the only initiation, as it is in the Dominican Republic and Cuba, where as in Port-au-Prince and the south they practice the kanzo rites with three grades of initiation – « kanzo senp, si pwen, and asogwe  » – and the latter is the most familiar mode of practice outside Haiti.

The overall tendency in Voodoo is conservative in accord with its African roots, there is no singular, definitive form, only what is right in a particular house or lineage. Small details of service and the spirits served vary from house to house, and information in books or on the internet therefore may seem contradictory.

A goat is sacrificed for the ceremony

There is no central authority or « pope » in Haitian Voodoo, since  every mambo and houngan is the head of their own house", as a popular saying in Haiti goes. Another consideration in terms of Haitian diversity are the many sects besides the « Sèvi Ginen » in Haiti such as the Makaya, Rara, and other secret societies, each of which has its own distinct pantheon of spirits.

Voodoo originated in the French slave colony of Saint-Domingue in the 18th century, when African religious practice was actively suppressed, and enslaved Africans were forced to convert to Christianity. Religious practices of contemporary Vodou are descended from, and closely related to, West African Vodun as practiced by the Fon and Ewe. Voodoo also incorporates elements and symbolism from other African peoples including the Yorùbá and Bakongo; as well as Taíno religious beliefs, and European spirituality including Roman Catholic Christianity, European mysticism, Freemasonry, and other influences.

So, what is Voodoo? let's take a look ...

            

This traditional celebration leads to  moments of tremendous excitement.In the street, the vodouists engage in a dance with erotic gestures bordering with indecency, drink vinegar, eat chili pepper and  launch without reluctance  coarses and obscene words Many reactions that characterize the behavior of Guede. In the pantheon of voodoo, this is one of the gods inherited from the pre-Columbian preriod, according to Haitian ethnologists.

Max Beauvoir, the headquater of the
Voodoo in Haiti.                           

The colors in voodoo embellish the scene set for the conduct of events Guédés. The traditional colors are black and purple. The costume Guede Nibo is composed of three colors: black, purple and white. The « Gede Nibo » is recognized as the protector of the living dead.

A Haitian Voodoo temple is called an « Hounfour » . After a day or two of preparation setting up altars at an Hounfour, ritually preparing and cooking fowl and other foods, etc., a Haitian Vodou service begins with a series of prayers and songs in French, then a litany in Kreyòl and African "langaj" that goes through all the European and African saints and loa honored by the house, and then a series of verses for all the main spirits of the house. This is called the "Priyè Gine" or the African Prayer. After more introductory songs, beginning with saluting Hounto, the spirit of the drums, the songs for all the individual spirits are sung, starting with the « Legba » family through all the Rada spirits, then there is a break and the Petwo part of the service begins, which ends with the songs for the « Gede » family.

A priestess of voodoo drawing a vèvè of "Gran Brigit"

The Vévé or Vèvè  is a symbolic graphic that priests or priestesses of voodoo draw around the (poteau-mitan) post-midlife  with all kinds of powder, flour, ashes, chalk powder or herbs.Once drawn on the ground, they become a complex and harmonious patterns graphics, mysterious geometric figures which only insiders know the meaning. The « Vévé » is an ephemeral art and fades away during the offerings and the ritual dances.

The Vèvè »represent a LOA, and meets every stylized symbols that can represent it. For example:

Damballah Wèdo: it is symbolized by two snakes in a triangle around a cross.

Ogou Legba: it is symbolized by a sword in the middle of a triangle with its base.

Papa Legba: it is symbolized by a cross decorated with a cane.

Baron Samdi: it is symbolized by a cross on an altar or a tomb, surrounded by two coffins

So, the type of the "Vèvè" displayed on the ground shows the relationship of the Voodoo. Yet, this sacred script has no illustrative purpose, it is ephemeral nature and must erase throughout offerings and ritual dances.

A woman into a trance during the ceremony

As the songs are sung, participants believe that spirits come to visit the ceremony, by taking possession of individuals and speaking and acting through them. When a ceremony is made, only the family of those possessed is benefited. At this time it is believed that devious mambo or houngan can take away the luck of the worshippers through particular actions. For instance, if a priest asks for a drink of champagne, a wise participant refuses. Sometimes these ceremonies may include dispute among the singers as to how a hymn is to be sung. In Haiti, these Vodou ceremonies, depending on the Priest or Priestess, may be more organized. But in the United States, many vodouists and clergy take it as a sort of non-serious party or "folly".

The drum is one of the catalysts that boost the participants

In a serious rite, each spirit is saluted and greeted by the initiates present and gives readings, advice, and cures to those who ask for help. Many hours later, as morning dawns, the last song is sung, the guests leave, and the exhausted hounsis, houngans, and mambos can go to sleep.

Participants in the event of Guédés are from more the poor disadvantaged classes than the middle classes. Some practitioners who live abroad do not intend to negotiate this appointment.

However, it seems difficult to confirm the open participation of the Haitian bourgeoisie in such events. A segment of this class simply commemorateAll Saints in strict compliance with the standards Catholics.

By Herve Gilbert

To be continued...

Note : Lwa: gods in voodoo pantheon

Does Dany Laferrière has a chance at the French Academy ?

 

This causes goosebumps !!!

 

The Immortals have analyzed in all forms and attitudes this Thursday, 12 December 2013. On top of their wisdom , they had chosen the best among the best : Our national Dany Laferrière as Academician. Our collaborator Max Dorismond and  Haiti Connexion Network  had guessed it. We were not mistaken, we had seen him shining in the green gown and gold star. Review  the  premonitory article below :

 

HG

 

By:Max Dorismond mx20005@yahoo.ca

 

The Original French Version
 

An opportunity not to be missed 



Dany Laferriere

 I dreamed in color thinking shutting off my computer for a long time.

The risk of burnout is watching me. The warnings of friends and parents concern are pressing. They are not in the lace to invite me to a moderation, because it happen that I’m a lot busier during my retirement than before. Despite repeated calls and emails from my favorite readers, about my absence on the web, I had resisted the temptation to pick up the keyboard because I was burnt out . But, it is impossible to ignore these major events, even when we would be in agony. With the application of Dany Laferrière, Dany our national who is seeking the seat of the French Academy immortal, I cannot remain silent. This is the quadrature of the circle in the Haitian historicity. If Dany breaks the ice, our fellow could shout in chorus : France , O France ! Impossible he's not Haitian...

The situation
It is not a secret to the world, Haiti had produced demons in quantity, but it has also produced the angels and maybe some gods. Although we are still suffering the effects of mismanagement of these devils white collar who still haunted the island, we never lost hope in the intelligence and the ability of the son who shine in the spotlight of all nations in the world . Despite winds and tides, they pull their strings somehow their involuntary exile and bring honor to the host country who talk ostentatiously and admiration from time to time. Moreover, the Canadian chauvinism is clearly demonstrated in the announcement of the bid accepted and confirmed Dany  by the French Academy . It seemed that, for the people of eternal snow , the little guy from Petit Goave already crowd the red carpet, as the enthusiasm is high . However, competition is fierce and each country awaits its champion, but we keep our fingers crossed with some confidence .

The mission of the French Academy

Founded in 1635 under the reign of Louis XIII by Cardinal Richelieu , the Academy is an institution whose function is to standardize and improve the French language. It consists of forty members elected by their peers. The mission assigned to it from the beginning is to "improve the French language," to give it the rules, to make it pure and comprehensible by all. It is in this spirit start composing a dictionary , the first edition of the Dictionary of the French Academy was published in 1694 and the ninth is in progress. The French Academy brings together leading figures of cultural life : poets , novelists, theater people , critics, philosophers, historians and scientists have shown the French language and, by tradition , the senior military officers , men of State and religious leaders .

The candidates

What are the chances of Haiti 's most revered writer in the world to become immortal among immortals in the chair of the distinguished author of Argentine origin who died in 2012?From the outset that they are five competitors run the famous No. 2 seat of the Argentine writer recalled . These are : Dany Laferrière , Jean -Claude Perrier , Arthur Pauly , Catherine Clement and George Tayar .We are unable to predict at this time, both candidates appear as bright subjects also known around the world in their respective fields . Dany is in good place in this gathering as he is studied in dozens of universities around the world , even in Japan. His star is at its peak at the cultural level. This is reassuring for a literary , the mere fact of being nominated among the candidates for the location of this illustrious institution is all respects .

An unconsious collective dream

If we are to believe the enthusiasm of the French daily news "Le Figaro" , about Dany Laferrière : "This is an application of weight and a rare profile that comes to save the French Academy " Indeed, The Figaro . Perhaps the secret of the gods and knows whereof he speaks. The amazing thing is that one of the challengers, Jean -Claude Perrier, working within its walls as a literary representative. By practicing self-compensation , I can say that the BBC has reason to believe to Dany . One swallow does not make a summer , except that .... ! As an international reputation and visibility, and at all points of view, it is a popular media personality . Novelist, poet , writer and filmmaker , his literary prodigality and Afro- Caribbean origin the predestined as the Senegalese Leopold Sedar Senghor in the pantheon of glory. His writing , which favors an autobiographical style, makes an original element dedicated to describe the exotic island of rocks still the subconscious of the last adventurers in search of the lost paradise.Almost all the world's media talk about this Event Le Nouvel Observateur , the entire Canadian press, The Huffington Post, CTV News New York Times, etc. ....Le NouvellisteI invite those who are interested in the selection process of the Academy, to see by clicking on the attached link French Academy . The Entire process is detailed. It's worth it.

By:Max Dorismond mx20005@yahoo.ca

The Original French Version

Dominicans, do they enjoy our (Haitian) Palito de Coco at the expense of the author?

By Herve Gilbert herve.gilbert@gmail.com 
Available in : French Version  and Spanish Version

Roman Dorléan aka Rumai

One of my Haitian friends living in Miami shared with me during a telephone conversation  her great concern about another violation of rights of one of our compatriots living in the Dominican Republic. This fellow is apparently facing what would qualify as an usurpation of his copyright about a song he composed and entitled Palito de Coco . Straight to the point , the friend told me the story of  Palito de coco (Coconut sticks), this song in the Dominican Republic who made ​​headlines and turned "contagious" in the Latin world, was a song composed by a young Haitian with a social status of living under poor conditions in Santo Domingo not long ago , and has been deprived of his musical work.
Without much time, we set out to find this information by analyzing some Spanish and Dominican media sources. So we actually spotted this young Haitian in Dominican Republic where he composed a song like mambo to attract people to his coconut sticks ( Palitos de coco) he sold on the streets. This song with its rhythm - the komba ( a Haitian mambo ) quickly achieved great success in the Dominican Republic, becoming a "hit" in a country where the Dominican media stations broadcasted the song, invented choreography , without the lead author 's acknowledgement , nor drew a dime of profit .
This peddler named Roman Dorléan, aged 32 with a nickname Rumai, was able to capture the attention of the Dominican public with this musical tune that runs through the country on the lips and thus became very popular. This young man of a modest social status, after paying about 70 euros to cross the border , became as Puss in Boots in Dominican Republic or the goose that lays golden eggs , his work undergoing tremendous spread to the point that it inspired other musical groups to interpret the tune.Meanwhile other individuals have reproduced his song's video distributed and posted on Youtube's social network without the acknowledgement of Dorléan that takes either no benefit from all the ads from Youtube.
The video of the song is already seen by over 750,000 viewers worldwide! These famous sticks or lollipops made from grated coconut also experienced a huge advertising and are widespread throughout the country.The mambo, thereafter, was plagiarized by a Dominican, Wilmer Manuel's musical group  who immediately featured it with a beautiful choreography derived from the composition of the newly born Haitian artist and new choreographic version which is played everywhere and has become a hit on TV . Other musical groups have stolen it by posting it on Youtube with other musical arrangements regardless of this small street seller's copyright.
The Palito coconut's song  has begun to spread beyond the Dominican border and has transformed into a dance while hundreds of people around the world beginning to take over .

Official version of Palito de coco

 

As a time when the Constitutional Court of the Dominican Republic has made all Haitians living in the Dominican Republic since 1929 as stateless , using a discriminatory law against them, which law also denies Dominican nationality to thousands of Haitians born in the Dominican land since 1929, now the Dominican citizens seeking to capture the musical work of an itinerant merchant Haitian to benefit it without even thinking about recognizing any copyrights and thus giving him the credit that he deserves. While Roman Dorléan became for hundreds of others a popular star.

Plagiarized  song played  by Wilmer Manuel’s Dominican musical band

 We take here the whistle to attract the attention of our President Michel Martelly to intervene in favor of this fellow, even if only to make available to the fellow citizen a Lawyer to stop this theft of musical and artistic production of which he is a victim . Haiti has the first time a musician president who earned money with music and also knows the importance of musical work . Music as well as sport and art are very profitable wherever you go, but it is also protected by international laws. Nowadays, we can not afford to steal or plagiarize the work and the belongings of someone without paying the consequences.We also invite the Ministry of Culture of our country to address this issue in order to help this fellow to come into full possession of his copyright.

By Herve Gilbert herve.gilbert@gmail.com

Palito de coco mega hit of the moment in the Dominican Republic.

 

The sun was darkened with the death of Jean Michel Daudier

By: Herve and Carl Gilbert

Available in French Translation

Jean Michel Daudier

The news spread like a wildfire earlier this week. Jean Michel Daudier, artist well known and loved in Haiti and in the Diaspora died of a heart attack Monday, October 14, 2013. He was 56.

Jean Michel Daudier with his clear voice in the song " Lem pa wè soley la " who had sung the toll of the Duvalier dictatorship, and had stimulated and mobilized thousands of Haitians  everywhere during the revolution of February 7, 1986 , is gone ...
Indeed, this is the song " Lem pa wè soley la" which made ​​him famous.  Jean Michel had composed this theme music following the reopening of Radio Soleil,( the voice of the Catholic Church in Haiti ), which had been shut down arbitrarily by that regime attempting to reduce the national press in silence. Radio Metropole, one of the most listened stations during that period broadcasted only foreign news since the destruction of Radio Haiti Inter and the expulsion of several journalists in the broadcast media on November 28, 1980 by the regime of Duvalier. Radio Caraïbes, Radio Cacique and Radio Antilles had been gagged, their journalists were forced into hiding .

Lèm pa Wè Soley la (When I don't see the Sun)

 

So, Radio Soleil was the only conduit for the news in Haiti that the government of  Jean- Claude Duvalier was trying to stifle because of the growing  of  protest movements and uprising that was taken place continuously in the country .

“Lem pa wè soley “the jingle for Radio Soleil also became the generic intro for the announcement of the news, was also taken on everyone's lips at the time and later became a recurring theme ... Who does not remember this spot announcement  of  the Radio Soleil’s news ? Yet the composer of this simple and powerful message remained unknown until the departure of the dictator, February 7, 1986 .
In the euphoria of the moment, everyone came to recognize and applaud Jean Michel Daudier outside the studio of Radio Soleil, when the station was publicly revealed his name as the composer of this transcendent music that awakened consciences in a dark time of our history where many young people have lost their lives. The jubilant crowd jumped to his feet and joined him in a mighty chorus of more than ten thousand voices ...

Jean Michel Daudier was a multi-talented artist, he played acoustic guitar as well as the synthesis and piano. He has released two albums titled ( Soley and the Diaspora ) and played every where in  the United States in solo or with his musical group. The last time we saw him performing on stage was last year at Casa Champet in Miramar Florida . He has participated in several cultural festivities here in Central Florida. Jean- Michel was everyone’s friend, with his songs he touched all hearts. "Love has no boundaries ,"  one of the title that he was working on as he announced it himself on his Facebook page on October 6. He was a member of Haiti Connection Forum, a friend of the team of Haiti Connection Network  and he sent us from time to time its inspiring messages that accosted us for a better Haiti. This artist multilingual used to perform  in French , English, Spanish, Creole and Portuguese.

Jean Michel will be missed greatly ! To his parents, relatives, friends and admirers , we offer our sincere condolences. Our deepest sympathy to his mom Mrs. Rose Latour Louis, his daughter Leila Daudier, Mr. and Mrs. Eddy Lagroue, Myrlene Daudier Lagroue respectively brother in law and sister of Jean –Michel, his sister Sabrina Daudier Florent and her husband Yvan Florent , his sister Yolène Luc and family and his brothers Kenol Daudier, Carlo Placide and Jan Mapou.

Jean Michel, you were dreaming to see a bright sun regenerated in Haiti  throughout  your song " When is the next sun ." However, the sun was darkened and the clouds veiled you suddenly ... But the sunshine, I am sure, will shine again throughout your songs . Peace to your soul !

By : Herve Gilbert herve.gilbert@gmail.com and Carl Gilbert cggilb@yahoo.com