Voodoo Tips - Haiti Observer Blog

Houssa phenomenon is popular among Haiti businesses. This phenomenon is believed to have occurred when businesses suddenly and mysteriously lose money. There are many instances and stories told about certain Houssa people coming in to a store and buying something. They will pay in cash and get change from the seller. However, once they are gone, the seller would notice that they lost money and that their earnings do not add up. Many businesses experiencing losses blame it on the Houssa phenomenon.

However, is it really the main cause of losses? There are others questioning the truth behind the Houssa phenomenon, citing other possible reasons why businesses might have lost their sales. Mismanagement of the business is one reason. There are businessmen who fail to record all the transactions that happened in the day. Instead of recording it on paper, they try to keep the transactions in their memories, which they can forget at the end of the day.

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Homosexuality is still a sensitive issue in Haiti. Gay people are often discriminated and condemned and many of them are unable to express and show who they really are. However, not everything shuns homosexuality as there is one religion that accepts people of the third sex and that is Voodoo.

Voodoo religion has been linked to zombies, black magic, cannibalism and orgiastic rituals but what many people do not know is that this religion also worships one God. Voodoo practitioners have faith in one God and believe that they are guided by spirits called "loas" and "Iwas." And the doctrines of Voodoo are gay-friendly.

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As one reaches Souvenance, for the Rara annual festive season, one has to pass the crossroads or Kalfou that goes towards Badjo and Soukri. The roads are dusty. Rara season is at its height on 21st March, Good Friday. Formidable crowds make up each Rara.

On Reaching The Rara

The front is led by flag bearers and the colonel keeps whipping and whistling to keep everyone in order. Wearing bright matching veils and dresses, the brides follow.

European military drums, Petwo, Klewon and Banbou and horns in metal are played by musicians besides other percussion instruments. Female singers sing in chorus and the rest of the crowd participate drinking kleren or rum, singing and dancing.

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The three most popular Voodoo sites in Haiti are Lakou Souvenance, Soukri and Badjo. These 3 houses are among the oldest in Haiti with large membership of voodoo practitioners performing authentic African traditions. Souvenance is known for Rada, Soukri tractices Petro and Badjo practices Nago

These Voodoo sites attract foreigners and locals in large numbers. In the past, this site would attract visitors from all over the world when they are having their annual festival. The Haitian government sees a possibility for the three Voodoo sites to attract tourists thereby help the country to generate additional revenue.

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