Maman Brigitte (Grann Brigitte, Manman, Manman Brigit, Manman Brijit) is one of the Loa of Haitian Voodoo.
Description
Maman Brigitte is blonde and green eyed with light European skin; her colors are purple, violet and black. She is the wife of Baron Samedi, and characterised as a hard working, hard cursing woman who can swear a blue streak and enjoys a special drink made of rum laced with 21 hot peppers. Like Baron and the Ghede, she uses obscenities.
Origins
Maman Brigitte may be a form of the Celtic goddess Brigit. Because of the intermarriage and cultural blending between the Irish and Africans, it is possible that Haitian Voodo is partially influenced by survivals of Celtic polytheism. The book 'The Complete Idiot's Guide To Voodoo' mentions that Maman Brigitte is one of the few Loa who are white.
Powers
Maman Brigitte is worshipped as the Lady of the Cemetery. She protects gravestones in cemeteries if they are properly marked with a cross. People suspected of faking a possession by her may be asked to drink her special rum or rub hot peppers on their genitals, which she occasionally does. Those who are not truly possessed are soon identified.
Quote
- Mesye la kwa avanse pou l we yo!
- Maman Brigitte malad, li kouche sou do,
- Pawol anpil pa leve le mo (les morts, Fr.)
- Mare tet ou, mare vant ou, mare ren ou,
- Yo prale we ki jan yap met a jenou.
(Haitian Creole)
- Gentlemen of the cross (deceased ancestors) advance for her to see them!
- Maman Brigitte is sick, she lies down on her back,
- A lot of talk won’t raise the dead,
- Tie up your head, tie up your belly, tie up your kidneys,
- They will see how they will get down on their knees.
(English)