Haitian Vèvè: The Artistic Side of the Voodoo Religion
Although our global society has become more accepting of a lot of things, Haitian voodoo is still viewed almost as negatively as it was during colonialism. What people fail to acknowledge is that voodoo is a religion. And just like any other religion, voodoo has its own spiritual figures and rituals. In fact, it has many similarities with Roman Catholicism. Although its differences with most practiced religions might seem scary because of their unfamiliarity, it’s important remember that any religion or belief can be a vehicle for good or bad, and we’ve seen it countless times in history with more popular religions. Learning more about another culture allows us to know and understand it better. In this post, we want to explore one of the most particular characteristics of Haitian voodoo, the vèvè drawings, which play a fundamental role during rituals.
Bawon Samdi
Each voodoo divinity represents a value or element: agriculture, knowledge, love, water, fire, light and darkness, among others.
Vèvè are Haitian voodoo ritual emblems that have their origin in both African and indigenous cultures. They are made of a combination of elements drawn on the floor during voodoo ceremonies to invoke lwa, or spirits. Their characteristics vary and serve as a concrete representation of the specific lwa that the participants wish to call upon. Some of the elements they usually include are animals and geometric shapes. They are drawn before the ritual starts and are gradually erased below the feet of the attendees. If the ceremony is meant to honor several lwa, one big vèvè, called Milokan, is drawn instead of representing each divinity separately. Each voodoo divinity represents a value or element: agriculture, knowledge, love, water, fire, light and darkness, among others.
Ogoun
Not any participant can draw the vèvè art during a ceremony. It is usually done by the oungan (priest) or manbo (priestess) as it requires a lot of dexterity. From wheat and corn flour to ginger or coffee powder, a variety of ingredients can be used to trace a vèvè based on the attributes of the lwa that is being invoked. As vèvè are a physical representation of the lwa, they are drawn close to or around the potomitan or center pillar of the peristyle, through which the spirits are believed to communicate with the living. Other elements that complement the ritualistic drawings include food, drinks, and candles. The art of tracing vèvè is passed on through both public and private sessions. During public gatherings, future oungan and manbo carefully watch and try to learn the movements of the leading priest or priestess as this art requires a great deal of memorization. Once ready, they are invited to private sessions where they receive a specialized training about voodoo secrets, vèvè practice and its functions.
Ayizan
As many Haitians continue to fully embrace their cultural legacy, more awareness is being created around this traditional religion by normalizing it and even incorporating vèvè art to branded merchandise and other products.
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