Yes, I *Do* Look Like a Meringue, Thank You for Noticing

[bcholmes]

So here's a picture of me in Haiti on the day I came out of the djevo. Yes, I hate that dress, but they forced me to wear white (which, as we know, is the evil anti-black!). It's not terribly flattering on me.

The necklace that I'm wearing is my kolye -- I have to keep wearing that necklace for 41 days after coming out of the djevo.

The rattle in my lap is my asson. I need to restring my asson 'cause the beads are too loose, and they fall off. Over my shoulder, I'm wearing a palm leaf, which is ritually symbolizes Ayizan who looks over the kanzo ceremony.

This picture was taken before my baptism (the straw fringe on my hat stays down until the baptism has taken place).

Comments

[kalmn.livejournal.com]

on the upside, no one will ever ever be able to tell it's you, with the fringe on that hat the way it is.

[deepforestowl.livejournal.com]

hey woman! Nice pic, you look very rural. That is a compliment! I am in the midwest afterall, but he's got a point, if you had not said that was you, I would not have known. Not too much longer now, I know you can do it!

[angilong.livejournal.com]

I can't tell it's you under that fringe, either.

What is a djevo?

[snickerpuss.livejournal.com]

I think it makes you look all... mysterious. :)

Hmm... come to think of it, this photo also reminds me of one of my nieces who used to always love to dress up as a "bride"...

[bcholmes.livejournal.com]

What is a djevo?

The djevo is a room used in kanzo ceremony. Part of the kanzo ceremony involves ritual seclusion for several days in this room. Symbolically, it's meant to represent the womb, in which people gestate. (The kanzo ceremony is a death and rebirth ceremony).

Re:

[angilong.livejournal.com]

Ah, okay. Thanks.

Wonderful!

[sara-wolfe.livejournal.com]

That is wonderful! I didn't realize you were an initiate!

Wanted to bring to your attention the community, orishaloa that I moderate. Would love it if you post some of your pictures or stories, or any other thoughts.

Re: Wonderful!

[bcholmes.livejournal.com]

Wanted to bring to your attention the community, orishaloa that I moderate. Would love it if you post some of your pictures or stories, or any other thoughts.

Cool. I'd love to. Uh... do I have to be added as a member?

[eve-l-incarnata.livejournal.com]

Rural? hahahahaha, etc... I grew up on a farm, and we never dressed like that.

[eve-l-incarnata.livejournal.com]

Lemon meringue... yummmmmmmmm!