Haitian Culture

In Haiti, the influence of Vodou is far-reaching. It has not only affected politics but the way people live their daily lives as well. Many common aspects of culture reflect this influence. Herbal Remedies Vodou plays a significant role in Haitian healing practices. Herbal remedies, passed down through generations, are a crucial aspect of Vodou healing. These remedies are used to treat various ailments, from common colds to more serious conditions, and the preparation and use of these herbs are often accompanied by rituals to invoke the healing power of the loa (Vodou spirits).1 Offerings and Altars Many Haitian homes [...]

In last week’s blog post, we briefly discussed the Tonton Macoute—the paramilitary and secret police force created by François “Papa Doc” Duvalier to execute his political agenda. Today, we’re looking at how the Tonton Macoute influenced the relationship between Vodou and politics in Haiti. The name “Tonton Macoute” refers to a Haitian mythological figure: a bogeyman said to kidnap and eat misbehaving children.1 It was first associated with Duvalier’s enforcers when people began to disappear or be killed, seemingly out of thin air. The name alone evoked fear, but reports and rumors of the Tonton Macoute engaging in dark Vodou [...]

Last week, we mentioned François “Papa Doc” Duvalier, who ruled Haiti from the late 1950s to early 1970s (you can read the post here). Many of you are familiar with Papa Doc’s regime, but you may not know just how strongly he relied on Vodou. Duvalier’s time in power was marked by brutal political repression and strategic cultural and religious rhetoric that placed Vodou front and center. Vodou became so much a part of Duvalier’s public persona that he declared himself one with the loa (the spirits of Vodou) and an embodiment of “the Haitian flag.”1 For context, Vodou is [...]

The relationship between Vodou and politics in Haiti is deeply intertwined. Vodou has influenced leaders, political movements, and social dynamics in every generation, and it continues to play a role in Haitian politics today. To understand this connection, we need to take a closer look at Haiti’s political history. Historical Roots Vodou’s political significance in Haiti began with the Haitian Revolution (1791–1804) (see our post, “Stronghold of Evil, Part 1” for more information). Since then, Haitian leaders in every century have used Vodou to achieve political ends. In recent history, François "Papa Doc" Duvalier, who ruled Haiti from 1957–1971, cultivated [...]