#Ezili Danto

[voodoocarving]

Ezili Danto is female supernatural entity in Haitian Voodoo, which is considered the patroness of motherhood in general and single mothers in particular. She is also the patroness of lesbians and homosexuality as such.

Ezili Danto, or Ezili Danto', is the "manifestation of Erzulie, the divinity of love. It is said that Ezili Danto has a dark complexion and is maternal in nature. While she represents hardworking women and mothers, Ezili Danto also has the power to destroy. Her vehement displeasure has earned her the reputation of being the red eyed, "Erzulie, ge-rouge." Her destructive powers often come in the form of natural disasters and the forces of nature. Ezili Dantor is honoured as the spirit who initiated the Haitian Revolution. She fought in the Revolution alongside men.

Most often it appears as an adapted icon of the Mother of God of Czestochowa. The icon came to Haiti along with Polish mercenaries during the Haitian Revolution. This and other my stuff you can find on my Etsy store

[fyblackwomenart]

I am a wood carver from Ukraine and I received an unusual order, this is how I completed it ____

Ezili Danto is female supernatural entity in Haitian Voodoo, which is considered the patroness of motherhood in general and single mothers in particular. She is also the patroness of lesbians and homosexuality as such.

Ezili Danto, or Ezili Danto’, is the “manifestation of Erzulie, the divinity of love. It is said that Ezili Danto has a dark complexion and is maternal in nature. While she represents hardworking women and mothers, Ezili Danto also has the power to destroy. Her vehement displeasure has earned her the reputation of being the red eyed, "Erzulie, ge-rouge.” Her destructive powers often come in the form of natural disasters and the forces of nature. Ezili Dantor is honoured as the spirit who initiated the Haitian Revolution. She fought in the Revolution alongside men.

Most often it appears as an adapted icon of the Mother of God of Czestochowa. The icon came to Haiti along with Polish mercenaries during the Haitian Revolution.

[reasoningdaily]

As Haitians vote for their next president, Haitian Lawyers Leadership Network Ezili Danto and IJDH attorney Nicole Phillips discuss the past and present influence of the international community in election results

there are plenty of clues, and they all lead to Major Crime in High Places. Election Fraud is globally a problem

[rockofeye]

Hello, Alex. I would like to ask you about Ezili Je Wouj. I understand many say she’s a part of Ezili Danto, but I’d like to know if she’s treated differently offerings-wise?

I once dreamed about Ezili but her eyes were made of fire (which I later found out she was Je Wouj) She held a bunch of raw minced meat in her hands and I’d like to know if that is an accurate description or if it is potentially used as an offering for Je Wouj.

But if she’s a specific Lwa, then what is she used for?

Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us.

Hi there,

The internet does say quite a bit that Metrès Danto and Metrès Je Wouj are the same, but that's def not accurate. She and Danto are sisters, but not the same.

If Metrès Danto embodies the reality of betrayal and revolution, Metrès Je Wouj embodies the rage that comes with betrayal and ill treatment. She receives similar items that Metrès Danto receives, like a dagger, and she is often given red wine in place of blood to drink.

I would not necessarily say that an Ezili with eyes of flame would always be Je Wouj. It certainly could be, but there are a lot of Petwo Ezili and Petwo female spirits that could appear like that....Mapyang, Baliyann, Ke Nwa, Che Che, Mazila, Mayinèt, and others. It all depends on relationship and reason and what else is going on in the dream and the person's life.

Raw minced meat would not be given as an offering to Je Wouj; she usually eats the same things as Metrès Danto: griyo, banan peze, diri djondjon e pwa nwa, and sometimes tonmtonm. If it was indeed Metrès Je Wouj with raw meat, that would indicate some specific work that could be beneficial, but more discernment would be necessary to dial that in and be sure.

I can say with certainty that Metrès Je Wouj is not used. Folks may ask her if she is willing to work, but she does what she wants with folks who she is either has relationships with or who propitiate her and pay her appropriately.

Hope this helps!

[conjuremanj]

Hurricane Turning Ceremony In New Orleans.

A public ceremony to our lady of Prompt Succor & Ezili Dantor.

The ceremony is held every year in July. So if you want to attend see the island of salvation botanica website. Mambo Sallie Ann credits the powerful intercession of Erzulie Dantor and Our Lady of Prompt Succor for saving the city, and reminded everyone present that the storm’s last minute turn was not only miraculous but was the only thing that spared the city. The crowds of 50 plus gathered to attend.

Who is Our Lady of Prompt Succor. She is the Blessed Mother, Patroness of Louisiana, whose feast day is celebrated on January 8: The Ursuline Convent in New Orleans was threatened by a great fire on Good Friday in 1788. One of the nuns brought a statue with Our Lady holding the infant Jesus to the window and prayed: “Our Lady of Prompt Succor, we are lost if you do not come to our aid.”

The wind changed, turning the flames away and saving the convent. It is still customary for the people of New Orleans to pray before the statue of Our Lady of Prompt Succor whenever a hurricane or harm threatens the city. On January 8, 1815, during the Battle of New Orleans, General Andrew Jackson asked the Ursuline Nuns to pray for him and the city, because the American troops were outnumbered. A courier ran into the chapel during communion to inform all those present that the British had been defeated. The battle was over in 30 minutes.General Jackson went to the convent himself to thank the nuns for their prayers. He stated, “The divine providence of God through the intercession of Our Lady of Prompt Succor has shielded us and granted this stupendous miracle. ”Pope Pius IX authorized the public devotion to the Marian title on September 21, 1851, and designated the 8th of January as its feast day of thanksgiving.On June 13, 1928, in a decree from Rome. So you see she is important to the city and the state of Louisiana and bring a Vodou state we incorporate Erzulie Dantor with our Lady because she is the spirit of not only passion but storms. She helps.

most of the people you see came to participate in this ceremony.

Joining in. If you can't make it or you want to just help frome home for us or if a storm is coming your way.

First. All dress in white (the color of purity), with red head scarves, or all red (the color of Petwo rites).

Get your self a Lady pic and Erzulie pic.

Offering To Bring. Bring with your or add a few significant offerings: white candles and flowers for the Holy Mother; Barbancourt Rum, Florida Water, candles, daggers, dolls dressed in red and blue with gold trim , spicy black beans, peasant cakes, unfiltered cigarettes,

last pray to both let the know what your looking for help in.

Asking those present to honor the protectresses with offerings, Mambo Sallie Ann ☝️also stated that the Loas have spoken to her in many ways since Katrina’s strike and that the spirit world is entreating all of us to be more mindful of the natural world surrounding us.

Lady of Prompt Succor.

This Voudou ritual is specifically designed to summon the protection of the spirit world against the devastating hurricanes that often plough in from the Gulf of Mexico. It is also dedicated to the Catholic Lady of Prompt Succor and to Ezili Danto, the Vodoun Lwa of Storms and Passion. Manbo Sallie begins each ritual with a description of the powers of each intercessor. The Catholic priests of local churches adjacent to the Mississippi River would bring out a blessed statue of Our Lady of Prompt Succor to literally face down the threatening hurricane and turn it in its path, keeping the city safe.

Erzulie Dantor above

Erzulie Dantor, on the other hand, is delighted by storms and the mayhem they can cause, however, if she is appeased with offerings and ritual, she will divert the storm's fury and protect those who acknowledge her power. Neither intercessor should be taken lightly, says Mambo Sallie Ann, and especially if Dantor is called it is wise to leave her offerings in thanks for her appearance and continued protection.

Just as in ceremonies past, the beautiful singing, drumming and dancing is designed to call Dantor, a powerful, fiery Loa, from across the Abyss to be present among us.

People if you follow me then you know I don't believe in its only a blk practice, spirit dont judge there not racist the mombo above yes is white but also has been initiated in Haitian Vodou and one of the few non blk women who really is.

[the-girl-who-didnt-smile]

I’m still mulling this over, but I might reverse the decision to remove Lady Rose from the lineup.

What’s sticking in my brain is the description of “Mama You”...Upon further investigation, it does seem that “Manman Ou” is used in reference to lwa in the Ezili famille - especially Ezili Danto (Manman Danto), but not so much Ezili Freda. You can find examples of this all over the internet. I guess what I said wasn’t entirely stupid! 

“Mama You” is specified as “the mother of the child Jesus”, not just “the Virgin Mary”. 

Ezili Freda and Ezili Danto are both represented by images of the Virgin Mary, but Freda is represented by Mater Dolorosa - Our Lady of Sorrows, without the child Jesus - while Danto is represented by the Black Madonna - a maternal figure with the child Jesus on her wrist.

El vodú en Cuba by Joel James Figarola, José Millet, and Alexis Alarcón captures how Vodou (Vodú) was practiced by the descendants of Haitians who emigrated to Cuba during first half of the 20th century*. Two different Ezili (Ercilí) were worshiped: one described as “Rada” and one described as “Petro”:

“Hemos podido registrar dos tipos de Ercilí en nuestras investigaciones de campo: una, de claro sello radá y otra, que bien puede equipararse con la Ercilí-Yeux-Rouges (Erzulie Ojos Rojos), de tipo petró (Courlander, 1985: 319).”

MACHINE TRANSLATION: 

“We have been able to record two types of Ercilí in our field investigations: one, with a clear Radá seal and another, which can easily be compared to the Ercilí-Yeux-Rouges (Red-Eyed Erzulie), of the petró type (Courlander, 1985: 319).”

SOURCE: James Figarola, Joel, et al. El vodú en Cuba. Santiago de Cuba, Editorial Oriente, 2007. Originally published in 1998. p. 171

Likewise, “Petro” and “Rada” forms of Ezili (Esili) are observed in Dominican Vudú, though it is unclear whether they were considered separate beings or two sides of a single being. I am also unclear on the timeframe for this observation, as I was unable to obtain a copy of Martha Ellen Davis’ (1987) La otra ciencia: el vodu como religion y medicina populares. (In the present day, Metresili is distinct from Esili Dantor)

“En República Dominicana, esta divinidad recibe el nombre de Metré Silí y tiene gran renombre. Posee muchos de los trazos de la divinidad haitiana: es muy débil a los perfumes, a las prendas y a los trajes lujosos y caros. Odia la bebida y se deja arrastrar por la atracción masculina (Deive, 1975: 185). Esta misma divinidad, en punto petró, es “la única metresa que se presta para recoger corrientes malas [...] cuando utiliza flores amarillas o de sol [...]” (Davis, 1987, 242)”

MACHINE TRANSLATION: 

“In the Dominican Republic, this deity is called Metré Silí and is very well-known. She has many of the traits of the Haitian deity: she is very weak to perfumes, clothes and luxurious and expensive suits. She hates drink and lets herself be carried away by male attraction (Deive, 1975: 185). This same deity, in petró point, is “the only metresa that lends itself to collecting bad currents [...] when she uses yellow or sun flowers [...]” (Davis, 1987, 242)”

SOURCE: James Figarola, Joel, et al. El vodú en Cuba. Santiago de Cuba, Editorial Oriente, 2007. Originally published in 1998. p. 171

*see: Anderson, Jeffrey E.. Voodoo: An African American Religion. United States, LSU Press, 2024. p. 64.

Ezili Danto is said to emerge in 1791, at Bwa Kayiman. Really going out on a limb here, but what if the symbol resembling Ezili Freda’s veve* is evidence that Ezili Freda was worshiped, while the reference to “Mama You” is evidence that Ezili Danto was worshiped as an independent divinity from Ezili Freda…?

*see page 31 of: Cole, Kendra, "The State and the Spirits: Voodoo and Religious Repression in Jim Crow New Orleans" (2019). Honors Theses. 658. https://aquila.usm.edu/honors_theses/658  

Or, rather Danto specifically, one of the Petwo Ezili…? Alternatively, “Mama You” might be “Manman Wou”, who is listed as one of the lwa in the Ezili famille.

Of course, this is just a theory, and it doesn’t have strong evidence… This is literally just real-life fanfiction!

I would not go down this road if this was a story based in the real world, as the evidence here is so weak. But it seems no matter what decision is made, it inevitably becomes an exercise in interpretation and “guessing”, since the historical record is so sparse.

There is an advantage to making “Lady Rose” and “Lady Love” twins… Twins hold a spiritual significance in West African belief systems. In Dahomean Narrative, several of Legba’s older siblings are twins. In Haitian Vodou, a pair of divine twins features prominently: The Marassa.  It is fitting for a couple of “The Seven” to be a pair of twins… 

“Lady Rose” is Black like “Lady Love” because, from a visual standpoint, it gets too confusing if “The Seven” don’t have the same skintone. This is a deliberate departure from the real-life counterparts, and not a decision I would have made if the story was set in the real world. 

In a sense, “Lady Rose” has a dagger in her heart, not over the loss of a child but the loss of her twin sister. Two sisters who were once inseparable, now bitter enemies…

(it’s basically the female version of Gravity Falls…)

Naturally, I plan to develop multiple, parallel concepts that could be swapped for each other, like so:

“Lady Rose” and “Lady Love” as twins

“Lady Rose” is removed; her image is what “Lady Love” used to look like

Same as 2, but elements of Ezili Danto / Black Madonna of Częstochowa are removed

Just a question of which one should occupy the no.1 spot, and which one should be listed as an alternative… 

So I’m leaning towards reversing my decision, but I need to think about this a little harder… There are pros and cons to each option, which is why all should be developed further, in parallel… 

[ourrainyevenings]

Prayer to Ezili Danto by Nadia Alexis

Wild Imperfections: Anthology of Womanist Poems (complied & edited by Natalia Molebatsi)

[brumies-haitian-lit-blog]

Week 5 Blog

American Street by Ibi Zoboi

Pages read 160-190

Word count 649

Summary: (318)

After being able to talk to her mother on the phone, even if it was a short time, Fabiola goes and has a chat with her aunt Jo. With their chat we learn a bit more about Aunt Jo and Fabiola’s mother. In the backstory we see how after a long time dictator is thrown out of Haiti everything broke. That there was no order, and no peace. Valerie (Fabiola’s mom) and Majorie (Aunt Jo) had gone on a boat to leave for Miami, and when the boat was about to sink they had to throw some of their things overboard. We see how they both only had each other in the world, and how they desperately wanted to change their life for the better. At school Donna threatens Imani to not get close to Dray since it would just hurt her in the end. Fabiola doesn’t understand why Donna would threaten Imani since Imani doesn’t like Dray anyway. She asked Pri why they would do that and Pri just says that it’s what they do as the Three Bee's, it's their job to make people afraid. Dray invites Fabiola to his birthday party, so Donna takes her to get dressed up for it. We meet new characters like Miss Sandra, and Mrs. Unique. We learn that Donna got hurt by Dray and that Fabiola will get revenge for her. Kasim and Dray pull up to the house to pick them up and Kasim doesn't really like this version of Fabiola that much, he likes the way she looked before. They go to the party, Fab dances with Kasim for a little. Then there’s some trouble outside that Dray and Kasim need to deal with, so Dray leaves his phone with Donna. Fabiola learns that Dray is going to do something on the east side of Anderson by looking at his phone and she tells the detective this.

Critical analysis: (189)

The most interesting quote this week was “I am two sides of the same coin. Ezili has made all of me like honey--sweet, sticky, and oozing under Kasim's hold. But Ezili-Danto has lit a fire inside of me--with rage in my heart and a dagger in my hand, I want nothing more than to slice away this sore named Dray so I can free Donna and get my mother back.” (187) I don’t really know a lot about voodoo, sure I heard the concept but I never really touched upon it. I really like learning about how voodoo religion ties into the story and how much of an impact it is in Fabiola’s life. It’s like Ezili is Fabiola’s love for Kasim and her family and Ezili-Danto is the protector. The way she wants to get rid of Dray to protect Donna and bring her mother back. Like two sides of the same coin so alike yet different. I’m wondering how these two parts are going to clash, I mean if she wants to protect Donna and get her mother back then she might have to let Kasim go.

Personal response: (134)

The story is getting really interesting. Fabiola’s now trying to find a way to get Dray caught so she can get him away from Donna and help her mom come to Detroit. I feel like the story is now finally starting, before it felt like introductions to the characters but now I feel like we’re close to the climax. I’m really liking how Fabiola and Kasim’s relationship is turning out, but I’m also scared for how it will end. I mean we still have Dray as a problem, and not only that but I always feel like Dray is just one step ahead. I don’t want Fabiola or anyone else to get hurt because of Dray or because of Fabiola’s ambition to catch Dray. I just don’t like Dray, he gives me bad vibes.

[asanee44]

Ezili Dantor is part of the Ezili (Erzulie) family of loa in Haitian Vodou. She can be fierce, aggressive, temperamental, and hard to deal with at times. Though, she is also a very nurturing loa as Erzulie Dantor is the protector of children, abused and scorned women, and prostitutes. Due to her role in assisting with the liberation of the Haitian people, she is often referred to as the Patroness of the Haitian Revolution. Join Vodouisant Ritchy Thermidor and Dr. Asanee Brogan in this episode as we discuss this very important deity in the Haitian Vodou pantheon.

[haitianartlover]

Altar for Erzulie Dantor (Ezili Danto) at temple of Andre Pierre, Pont Rouge, Port-au-prince, Haiti

[honeyricemagic]

Artist unknown

[heartmindalignedspirit]

I visited her parish last week for her feast day, which is right in the heart of where I grew up ❤️💙

When I arrived, the priest “just happened” to be walking by and let me in to say my prayers and leave my offerings. I’m so grateful for her presence and guidance. 🇭🇹 None like it!

“Ezili Dantò prete poulè pou nou an la pou m fè maji a machè / m pral fè maji a machè(…)” #ezili #ezuliedanto #ezilidanto #erzulie #aziri #voodoo #hoodoo #conjure #lea #loa #spirits #esprits #haiti #neworleans #mambo #hougan #art #illustration #kunst #magic #Czestochowa

[rockofeye]

Bonswa Alex! I have a question about Ezili Danto’s husbands. She has three husbands: Simbi Makaya, Ti Jean Danto and Baron. Is it really so? And what Baron? Samdi? May I pray to them all to improve my spiritual work?

Hi there,

Metrès Danto definitely has more than three husbands and they can vary based on lakou and how Metrès Danto shows up. Ti Jean is usually considered her husband when he is not considered her son. A variety of Simbi may be called her husband, Lenba is one of her husbands, Kafou is sometimes considered one of her husbands, sometimes some of the Petwo Ogou, and others. She would not be married to any Bawon, and generally what walks in death does not get involved with Metrès Danto, to the point they may fear her.

You can pray and ask for whatever you want, but it may be a 'be careful what you wish for' situation!

[conjuremanj]

The Three Kings Day Luck Baths.

Bon fet Twa Rwa/happy Three Kings day! This is the time of year where vodouizan traditionally bathe for good luck and prosperity in the coming year. While a good luck bath can be taken at any time, doing it around Epiphany is quite traditional– in Vodou and Hoodoo.

Christmas baths have had a minute to settle *and* it is a very hot time of year to work for luck. While Simbi walks with the Three Kings and is known for his hot, HOT bath making, Ezili Danto, Ezili Freda, and numerous other spirits are also heavily involved in the making and administration of the good luck bath.

Haitian Vodou maintains several traditions from an older Catholic standpoint than our majority modern culture; The Feast of Three Kings, otherwise known as the Epiphany.

In old Catholic tradition, the Epiphany is the commemoration of the day the Wise Men from the East arrived to gift the infant Jesus with their presents of Frankincense, Gold, and Myrrh; this date is the reason we give Christmas gifts… it’s just drifted over time to something we do *on* Christmas instead of a celebration of Twelfth Night. Vodouisants work the Christmas Baths for breaking up the last years. Where there was once negativity, there’s now an energetic hole where the negative used to be…. so we complete the circuit by performing blessings that fill the space where the negativity once sat.

For New Years, this becomes a special Good Luck bath priests make for their community, This one is a bit simpler in process when compared to the cleansing bath from a few weeks ago, but no less effective.

For this particular recipe, you’ll want the following:

Pleasant and warming spices: Cinnamon sticks, star anise, ginger, cloves, allspice, etc.

Fresh Basil.

A little bit of your favourite perfume/cologne, or a small bottle of a sweet scented perfume or rose water.

A touch of sugar (like half a teaspoon or so, just a little bit)

A tiny bit of milk, like a splash equalling a couple teaspoons or so.

Brightly colored and fragrant flowers (roses are pretty much all most of us in the States can get that fit the bill this time of year, but roses are great for this. Select bright and pleasant colors)

Begin by taking a good cleansing shower or bath to clean the body. Light a white candle and announce to your spirits that you’re making a good luck bath for the coming year.

Say your opening prayers to center and bless your space, and ask the Three Kings to bring their gifts to you.

Simmer the spices in a saucepan full of water; you'll want the liquid to be able to cool in a fair amount of time so don’t set it all the way to boil, just a light simmer to pull the goodness out of the spices.

When they’re good and fragrant, turn off the burner and let them cool for a bit.

Pour the liquid into your bath basin and add any water you may need to increase the liquid level in the bowl/basin. Add the sugar, the milk, and the perfume, and then the basil. Rub the basil, until the leaves have all been worked and the perfume pervades the bath liquid.

While you’re working the leaves, talk to the bath about what you want it to bring you in the coming year; happiness, blessings of good health and prosperity, etc. Talk to it, nurture it, and call those blessings into being while you work the liquid.

Take your blossoms and strip the petals and add them into the water, and crunch them with your hands, focusing on transferring their wonderful energy into it.

To take the bath, carry the bath basin to your shower and bring the candle; as long as the candle is lit, Spirit is present and working with you.

This bath is swept UP the body, from the feet up (and you can get this one on your head; Splash in it; revel in it (it’s quite a heady experience and smells *divine*) When you’re done bathing, allow the bath to air dry (DO NOT WIPE IT OFF) and change into comfortable clean and white bedclothes.

Epiphany, January 6th, is the day the Wise Men arrived to present their gifts to the infant Jesus… what better day to present ourselves with a years worth of Good Luck and blessings!