Folk Saints & Patrons
🕯
▲
▲
▲
Baron Samedi
Haitian Vodou / New Orleans Voodoo
Domain & Patronage
Death, resurrection, sexuality, healing of terminal illness. Master of the cemetery and guardian of the crossroads between life and death. No soul can pass to the afterlife without his permission.
Traditional Offerings
Rum infused with hot peppers, cigars, black coffee, roasted peanuts, bread. His colors are black and purple. Offerings are placed at cemetery gates or at crossroads on Saturday nights.
Status with the Church
Vodou exists outside Catholic jurisdiction though deeply syncretic with it. Baron Samedi is associated with Saint Martin de Porres and sometimes the crucified Christ. The Catholic hierarchy in Haiti has alternately persecuted and accommodated Vodou practice.