DJAB DJAB, WILD SPIRIT OF THE VOODOO

Most people who are familiar with the word "Djab" associate it with the Haitian Vodou spirit. However, in St. Lucia, there is an important celebration called Papa Djab, which is illustrated in this young person's artistic interpretation. How incredibly awesome is this?

Age: 13
School: VSAarts of St. Lucia, The Dunnottar School
City: Castries
Country: St. Lucia W.I.

Papa Djab is one of the cultural scenes which can be seen parading throughout the streets on Christmas and Boxing Day. Papa Djab dances and chants to which the onlooker responds. I chose this scene because I like listening and following papa Djab.

I live with my mother, father, brothers and sister. I like to draw and I spend my free time watching TV.

The little girl in blue. crayons, fabric and cotton.

http://www.creativeconnections.org/international_art_exhibits/show_art.php?imageid=944

Djabs are so powerful that the success of the Haitian revolution against the French is attributed in large part to the help of the djab djabs. Legend has it that djabs were invoked by Haitian slaves to fight along side them in battle. Consequently, the djabs awarded the Haitians protection against bullets, and aided in the Haitian's victory over their French enslavers by using biological warfare in the form of yellow fever, ultimately wiping out most of General LeClerc's military force.

Go djabs! Go djabs!

Erzulie Dantor is a mulatto woman who is often portrayed as the Black Madonna, or the Roman Catholic "Saint Barbara Africana". She loves knives and is considered the protector of newly consecrated Voodoo priests and priestesses, as well as of women and children who are victims of domestic violence, and women who have been betrayed by a lover. She is highly respected and much feared due to her Woman Power. Most Haitian women serve Dantor, and she is also the patron loa of New Orleans and so she is served by many there as well. She also supports independent business women and is the patron of women's finances. Many women invoked Erzulie Dantor against their partners (male or female) should they become violent. And enlightened men also serve Dantor, especially men who honor, love and respect women.

Because of her fierce nature she is frequently referred to as a "djab".

Erzulie fanm Ti-Jean metres kay la,
Erzulie fanm Ti-Jean metres kay la,
Pa rele, se ou pote Houngan nivo,
Pa rele, so ou pote wanga pi fo,
Erzulie fanm Ti-Jean metres kay la,
Paket mwen a tout mare.

Erzulie Ti-Jean's woman, mistress of the house,
Erzulie Ti-Jean's woman, mistress of the house,
Don't cry out, it's you who carries the new Houngan,
Don't cry out, it's you who carries the strongest spells,
Erzulie Ti-Jean's woman, mistress of the house,
My paket is all tied up.

A paket is a power object made during the opening ceremony of (Haitian) Vodou initiation.