I wanted to write today about Prayers in the Haitian Vodun tradition. When it comes to the priest calling on the lwa to perform a work or a reading for a client, He or she says a prayer so the lwa knows that he or she needs their presence. Now some priest say the usual catholic prayers while certain lwa show their "horse" how to call on them. Along with the prayers, libation on a stone, skull, on the ground three times, speaking the language with an Asson, cha-cha, saluting the four directions or lighting a candle is part of calling on the lwa. Sometimes the lwa comes on their own if the "horse" is in danger, if the person is being stubborn, if their at a ceremony, or if the person doesn't know how to call on the lwa correctly yet. But everyone knows there are three main prayers said. They are Our Father, Ave Maria, and The Apostle's Creed. These are the main got to prayers that every serviteur should know.There is even a song about it. "Twa pater, twa Ave Maria, mwen di twa pater, twa Ave Maria." See all the Vodun related songs tell a story or give instruction. It is up to the devotee to pay attention and know what is being said. These prayers are not necessarily said each time when a hougan or mambo is calling on a lwa. As I have stated before, the majority of the lwa instruct their "horse" on how to call them.
Prayer is a big part of Vodou no matter what part of Haiti you are from and how you were taught to walk with the lwa. I would love to haer your thoughts on the subject. Ayibobo!
Photo source:http://sanctum.voila.net/vaudou.html
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