Haitian Folklore and Vodou Practices: Papa Legba
Saturday, April 13th from 2:00pm to 3:30pm
General Admission: $30

Internationally recognized teacher David Durosier dives into the folklore and practices honoring Papa Legba, the first and last spirit invoked in any ceremony, who facilitates communication.

Lessons will be in Kreyol and English, and include singing, drumming, and some information about each escort. This work integrates the body, heart, and spirit, bringing forward personal transformation and community connection.

All people and experience levels are welcome; children are welcome.

Please bring your own drum. If you do not have a drum, a few drums will be available for use, but supplies are limited.

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Some notes on Vodou and non-Western teaching methods:

Vodou is rooted in Haitian culture, including the Kreyol language, art, food, and history. Key points will be offered in English, but Kreyol is the language of the spirits and a lot would be lost in a full translation. This is a cross-cultural exchange; ideas about teaching, how things are presented, and expectations around what is shared/how it is shared sometimes diverge from Western teaching methods and may challenge us at times. In Vodou, and many African Traditional Religions (ATRs), more is put on the student to fill in the gaps because it is believed they will understand what they need to at the time they need it. The full experience and even some of the frustration is part of the teaching.

Vodou contains animal sacrifice*, diverse expressions of sexuality, discussion of slavery and revolution, ideas challenging gender norms, violence, spirit possession, drinking, and profound beauty. Everything has a place and exists on a spectrum, everything has a role. The spirits participate in material and immaterial ways beyond full possession, so things are fluid because the spirits are working too.

* No animal sacrifice will be done in these classes