A Night with Gede

A Night with Gede: Exploring Spirits of the Dead in Haitian Vodou The term "Gede" refers to the family of lwa (elevated spirits/metaphysical forces) representing death (and, to a lesser extent, fertility) in Haitian Vodou. During the month of November, these entities are celebrated throughout the island at festivals ("Fete Gede") designed to honor Gede and invite them to incorporate physically once again to experience earthly existence. “A Night with Gede: Exploring Spirits of the Dead in Haitian Vodou,” will address the role of Gede in traditional practice, their ritual function and fundamentals of their ceremonial celebration. Participants will learn conceptual attributes of Gede, the manner by which these spirits are honored by practitioners (music, altars, and social functions), and, misconceptions and misinformation will be addressed as a means to reconcile appearance with reality. Our discussion will be led by Manbo Charlene Désir of Sosyete Nago Lakou (Jacmel, Haiti).