Wicca Teachings: Fet Guede And Baron Samedi

Baron Samedi-Haitian Artist Gerard Fortune

WITHIN HAITIAN VODOU LIKE SAMHAIN OR HALLOWMAS NOVEMBER MARKS THE TIME IN WHICH WE HONOR THE GUEDE FAMILY OF LWAS (SPIRITS), OUR ANCESTORS THE SPIRITS OF DEATH AND RESURRECTION WHO CONTROL THE ETERNAL CROSSROADS WE MUST EACH SOMEDAY CROSS.

DURING THIS TIME MANY HAITIANS AND VODOUISANTS CELEBRATE NOVEMEBER 1ST, "ALL SAINTS DAY" AND ON THE SECOND OF NOVEMBER, "ALL SOULS DAY" WE HONOR AND CELEBRATE THE LIVES OF LOVED ONES PASSED WE WILL NOT MOURN THEM, BUT BE HAPPY FOR THEM AND CELEBRATE THEIR LIVES. GREAT FEASTS ARE HELD IN HONOR OF THE SPIRITS, MUSIC IS PLAYED, PRAYERS AND CHANTS ARE RECITED.

Bawon Samedi Veve (Sigil)

WHO/WHAT ARE THE GUEDE LWA?

In Haitian Vodou, the GU'eD'e (also spelled GEDE or GHEDE, pronounced [ede] in Haitian Creole) are the family of spirits that embody the powers of death and fertility.Ghede loa are associated with the dead and also with carnality. They transport dead souls, behave irreverently, make obscene jokes and perform dances that mimic sexual intercourse. They celebrate life in the midst of death.

Baron Samedi (Bawon Samedi): Bawon is the lwa (spirit) of death, fertility, cemeteries, the realm of the dead. He is often but not always personified or symbolized by a skeleton dressed in black or purple trench or coat with tails,wearing a top hat, black sunglasses and carrying a cane/walking stick.

He has many aspects some of which include: Baron Samedi (Saturday), Baron Cemetiere (Cemetery), and Baron la Croix (Of The Cross). He is often associated or syncretized with the Catholic Saint Gerard.

Saint Gerard

Bawon is one lwa of the Guede family of spirits ( Ancestors, Spirits of the dead), His wife and or female counterpart is Maman Brijit. The First Male and Female Buried in a Cemetery are dedicated to Baron Samedi and Maman Brijit.

Some of the good aspects about Bawon and the Guede loas is that they are happy mysteries, They celebrate life (eternal life after passing) rather than mourn death.They are funny and joyful and very powerful. The Guede can give knowledge and reveal mysteries such as how to heal and knowledge of herbs, they are also powerful fortune tellers and mediums. They are also strong protectors of children as they do not like to see one die so young, they would rather a child live their full life.

Baron Samedi On Horseback- Haitian Artist Andre Pierre

Maman Brigitte With The Shroud Of Jesus- Haitian Artists Andre Pierre

Baron Samedi- Haitian Artist Andre Pierre

Some of the Guedes favorite offerings include:

-Rum steeped in hot peppers

-Cigars-Cigarettes-Tobacco

-Clairin (A Haitian Alcohol drink made from sugar cane and hot sauce)

-Hot Peppers

-Black Goats, Chickens

Their colors are black, white and purple.

Maman Brijit's Veve (Sigil)

Below are some Haitian songs dedicated to the Guede Lwas, Enjoy.