Lucky Charms of Haiti

5 charms from this country

Charm Traditions in Haiti

Haiti is the birthplace of Vodou (voodoo), the syncretic Afro-Caribbean religion that was born from the encounter of West African Fon and Yoruba spiritual traditions with French Catholicism among enslaved people. Haitian Vodou involves a complex pantheon of spirits (lwa) each with specific colors, symbols, days, and protective functions. The vévé — geometric symbols drawn on the ground in cornmeal to summon specific lwa — are among the most beautiful and potent protective symbols in the Americas.

The gris-gris bag (wanga or mojo), containing specific objects for attraction or protection, is a standard Haitian Vodou tool. The protective lwa Marasa (sacred twins), Ogou (warrior), and Ezili Freda (love) are invoked through specific objects and colors. Catholic prayer beads and crucifixes coexist with Vodou objects in most Haitian homes, the saints identified with specific lwa.

Popular Charms in Haiti

A beautifully detailed sterling silver crucifix with a finely sculpted corpus and ornate cross design

Protection

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Crucifix

Early Christianity (Rome)

The Crucifix — a cross bearing the corpus (body) of Christ — is the central symbol of Christianity and one of the most powerful protective charms in the Western world.

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A classic black obsidian rosary with a silver crucifix, each bead polished to a deep luster

Protection

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Rosary Beads

Medieval Europe

Rosary beads are the most recognizable Catholic prayer tool in the world, used by hundreds of millions for meditative prayer, protection, and the invocation of divine grace.