#kouzines

[kouzines]

[heartmindalignedspirit]

@aligned.supply is my offering to my spirits and my community. 🌿🧼💎

💚Mèsi lwa yo! Alaso Kouzen e lespri nachon Djouba e Rit Matinik!💙

[fakerobotrealblog]

Exploring untranslatable words unveils the intricacies of linguistic diversity. Consider the Hawaiian term "Aloha," encompassing love, affection, peace, and compassion – a multifaceted concept difficult to distill into a single English equivalent. In Haitian Creole, "Kouzin" refers to an extended family-like relationship, going beyond mere cousinship.

The Japanese term “Komorebi,” which beautifully captures the interplay of sunlight filtering through leaves. In Spanish, there’s “Sobremesa,” embodying the leisurely time spent lingering at the table after a meal, a social ritual deeply ingrained in the culture.

Moving to German, “Waldeinsamkeit” conveys the feeling of being alone in the woods and the connectedness with nature, a sentiment not effortlessly translated. In Portuguese, “Saudade” encompasses a profound sense of longing, a complex emotional state that doesn’t have a direct equivalent in many languages.

In Russian, “Pochemuchka” describes a person with an insatiable curiosity, while the Swedish “Mångata” captures the shimmering reflection of the moon on water. These examples showcase the intricate relationship between language and culture, emphasizing how some concepts are so intricately woven into the fabric of one language that they resist easy translation.

Korean introduces "Han," representing a complex blend of sorrow, resentment, and enduring resilience. The Chinese term "Yùyī" expresses the profound beauty of a moment that is both fleeting and transient. In Tagalog, "Kilig" encapsulates the exhilarating feeling of being romantically thrilled.

Portuguese contributes "Desenrascanço," embodying the ability to improvise resourcefully in challenging situations. Italian introduces "Sprezzatura," an effortless and nonchalant display of skill and style. Zulu presents "Ubuntu," conveying interconnectedness and shared humanity.

Tongan offers "Faka'apa'apa," a deep respect and humility towards others. Afrikaans contributes "Geselligheid," reflecting a warm sense of togetherness and camaraderie. Navajo introduces "Hozhǫ́," symbolizing beauty, harmony, and balance. In Warlpiri, "Ngarrka-ngku" encapsulates the profound interconnectedness between family and the land.

These examples illustrate the richness of linguistic diversity, where each language crafts unique expressions reflecting the depth of cultural experiences. While it's challenging to cover every language, these glimpses showcase the beauty of untranslatable words across a variety of linguistic landscapes.

[conjuremanj]

Haitian Vodou Spirit Nations.

Rada: if your wondering, What exactly are the Rada spirits? We'll in Vodou, the Lwa (spirits) are divided within different groups and categories. In Vodou, there are several groups and nations as well as in our own lives. Rada the group is white and white is greeted first in ceremony . At the beginning of every Vodou ceremony the first greeting is sent to the Outor (drum). Next, we greet Gran Ximenez (the path that leads to the spirit world) and then we greet Legba, the Lwa (spirit) who opens the door. The list below you’ll find several of the most popular Rada spirits:

Spirits: Legba (Saint Lazarre), Saint Comos and Damian, Saint Philomene, Jean Danto, (Couzin) Saint Isidor, Agwe, La Sirene, Erzulie Freda, Saint Joseph, Ayizan, Saint Patrick, Lovana, Manze Marie, Saint Clair, Dereyale, Nation Congo, Nation Ibo, Granne Adelayi, Bossou, Saint Michael, Saint Germaine/Cousine, Toro, Farho Jean, Outo, Granne Halouba, Grand Chemin, Three Ladies of Egypt, Cimetiere, Carrefour, Grand Bois, Simbi Macaya, Bossou 3 Cone, Marinette, Zila, Ti Zantor, Ti Quita, Gade Anminan, Erzulie Mapiangue, Erzulie Balianne, Erzulie Yeux Rouge, Erzulie La Flambeau, Erzulie Wangol.

Nago: is the nation of warriors and fighters. Some are at war and others fought for what they believed in until the end. In the regleman guinen (this is the specific order that the Lwa are sung to during a Haitian Vodou ceremony) once you have finished saluting the Lwa Kouzin, the Lwa Ossenye is the first of the Nago nation to be saluted, then the others next.

Spirits: Jacques, Ogou Johnson, Nago, Saint George, Ogou Balendjio, Ogou Balize, Ogou Badagri, Jean Paul Nago, Brize, Ogou Ge Rouge, Joseph Danger.

Petro: is the nation of fast, hyper, rigid, aggressive, and powerful (in their own way) spirits. They fight for what they believe in and they don’t do politics; they don’t joke around – they stand their ground. The Petro spirits are the ones who gave Haiti its independence in 1804. The main spirit in charge of that revolution was Maitress Erzulie Dantor.

Spirits: Grand Chemin, Legba Nan Petro, Marassa Petro, Danbalah La Flambeau, Cimetiere, Carrefour, Gran Bois, Simbi Macaya / Andezo, Bossou 3 Cone, Tijean Dantor / Jean Petro, St. Joan of Arc / Marinette, Zila, Anmino, Gade Anminan / Gade Andezo, Erzulie Dantor, Erzulie Mapiangue, Erzulie Balianne, Erzulie Yeux Rouge, Erzulie Wangol

Gede Nago: The Guede are a nation of warriors and fighters. In the regleman guinen (this is the specific order that the Lwa are sung to during a Haitian Vodou ceremony) once you have finished saluting the Lwa Kouzin, the Lwa Ossenye is the first of the Nago nation to be saluted, then come the others one after one.

Spirits: Saint Benito, Baron La Croix, Baron Cimetiere, Baron Criminel, Jean Simon Brutus, Jean Zombi, Joumalonge, Brave Gede, Saint Barbara, Saint Gerard Gede Nibo, Saint Pellegrine, Saint Charles, Saint Andre, Saint Martin de Poor, Saint Magdelaine.

[cassidystl]

Gotta love my Kouzins

“Do you think the universe fights for souls to be together? Some things are too strange and strong to be coincidences.”

— Emery Allen

[weworkrealestate]

Lou June-ya says he’s been ready to visit his #greatgranny #uncles n #kouzines in #haiti he’s so ready to enjoy all of the #beautifulscenery 🏝 & #deliciouscuisine 🥘 #ayiti has to offer so please #stoptheviolence🚫 !!! #haitinews 😢 #stopthehate - we got #familygoals 💪🏽 (at Henry County, Georgia) https://www.instagram.com/p/CRJMYqUMa0B/?utm_medium=tumblr

[rockofeye]

Join us for a virtual Fet Kouzen!

Sosyete Nago will once again be hosting a Zoom event while we celebrate Kouzen and his family. May 22 is the date, and the details will be at the link below....hope you'll join us!

Sosyete Nago's Fet Kouzen Zoom event invite and ticketing info

I personally wasn't super excited about the idea of a livestream happening during our fetes but I am happy to be proven wrong...it's really been nice, and I am kinda enjoying it.

[tavlepwmov]

PGB o neos vegan umnos mas

[kouzines]

[bmbrice]

Commission for @NotBaldEagle 24-8-14

Commission for @notbaldeagle 24-8-14 ft. Fangs from my comic! There's something real validating about being commissioned to draw my own characters in a "wow you really like'em!" sorta way haha

[heartmindalignedspirit]

Bon Zaka tout moun!

💙🌿👨🏾‍🌾🥑🍠🥬👩🏾‍🌾🌽🥕🌾💚

🎶M’ap redi ou bonjou…ALASO!

[vlphvwolph]

(Donny Fresca, the VlphV Wolph)

[beloved-judged]

My first fete

But before that, I found a bomb ass taqueria two blocks from my apartment. It's currently saving my sanity in this, a town of white retirees who find flavor personally offensive.

Thank you to all the Mexicans out there bringing the flavor to places like this. I'm eating a lot of business lunches that make me cry on the inside. If I see one more sushi roll with cream cheese in it, I might have to go play in traffic.

I had the chance to attend my first in-person fete recently--for Kouzin. It was small, even intimate. A double handful of us, celebrating a spiritual marriage (to Ezili Freda) and Kouzin.

The people were amazingly lovely, as a group, but it is the spirits that I found most ... well, like nothing I have ever experienced before.

Scattered impressions: the gimlet eye of my priest fixed on me, the spirit in him unblinkingly staring at me. Unnervingly staring at me.

And I was unable to prevent myself from staring back, fascinated by what I could not see with my eyes, fascinated.

And I was unable to be tactful, unable to be gentle, unable to do anything but answer. The rude answer, the naked answer, my own body shaking with a tension I did not know I still carried.

Papa Guede's sly remarks about our tension, the tension I did not realize so troubled me, his voice making me thirst as I haven't in so long I thought I had forgotten how.

I was more open than I meant to be when the ceremony was over, drinking in the intimacy of being known and knowing. I might have been asked anything, and was certainly asked a few questions about relationships.

Tremors, the bodies of the mambos shaking as the spirit took them where they stood, voices changing, the handkerchief over their faces as the spirit left, one spirit after another taking them, coming down quickly and staying to dispense advice.

Bodies, oh bodies, so visceral they came. No fine and abstract distinctions between spirit and body, they married themselves to us, spirit to spirit and spirit to flesh.

So visceral I felt, the need, my eyelids fluttering up during the prayers, drawn up, fighting to stay conscious, to pay attention.

The angry eyes of Papa Legba, his voice deep and husky, coming from the throat of a sweet-voiced mambo, his body bent over the cane, his lame legs dragging as he slowly walked.

The spirits calling me to come and be seen, to come stand so they could see and address me. Anaisa's demand, smoke trickling from her mouth: "are you done being a hermit?"

The family name she gave me was poetic.

Diala's advice. Her earthy reminder of how we advertise what we are, as women. The silent, imperious (exasperated) presence of Ezili Freda.

I burst into tears as Diala and Freda arrived, listening to Diala keen. I don't know why. I could not bear it. The sound of her tears pierced me through, instantly.

Coconut-head, Kouzin called me. So hard-headed, so stubborn.

How personal they are, how very not the impersonal spirits I imagined, I learned in Christian churches. It was like being upbraided by a supernaturally knowledgeable older sibling, if that sibling had a whole lot more power and authority than me.

They were gentle enough with me, but I ... well, let's call it culture shock.

They are not the gently emasculated presence of Jesus from the churches of my childhood.

They are not the toothless universal forgiveness so often mentioned, nor the abstract, impersonal god who does not interfere in the lives of people, leaving them to anything they want to do.

Their advice was quite pointed, and a few came angry. I was struck by both their humanity--their emotions, their desire to be seen and noticed, their desire to prosper--and their inhumanity. I could not lie in their presence. I could not get away from the eye that observed me within and without. Their eyes traveled to me in the small group and stuck. They demanded I come forward, and I came, unable to stop myself, to stand in my white skirt, my white blouse, my hands wringing in the head scarf I wore draped around my neck.

It frightened me. They... it frightened me.

We have you, they said.

Their humanity. Their inhumanity.

I wish it had been more reassuring. I feel horribly guilty that I knotted up harder, finally causing Papa Guede to explain to the room that no one had ever had me, I had everyone else. There was a collective sigh behind me. I stood riveted, at war with myself, part of me wanting to run away from that eye, from the sight in it and the strangeness and my own foolish inability to simply be in the moment, the morbid fear of doing wrong that I blurted out the moment they asked.

We have you, they said.

Some part of me had promised myself that there would be a more paternal or maternal presence, something I have never really had. I cried on the way home, too keyed up, too full of competing emotions.

I cried later. I wanted to be held, foolishly staking my feelings on it. Foolishly promising myself they would touch me, they would offer what I did not know, truly, how much I wanted.

And later I cried at their anger. I have been the child of angry people, the child struck down in anger who picks themselves up, wondering why they cannot be loved.

I want to love them. I want them to love me.

The chasm between us, I stood unable to move, my hands shaping fists over and over in the air, my mouth moving, tears streaming from my eyes but I could not sob or cry out, the eye of the spirit on me.

It's me. I cannot be loved closely yet. It's because of me.

Like nothing I've ever done before, like nothing I've known, I was only partially in control of myself, a collection of morbid fears and tension and emotions run rampant, an adult and a child or something less than adult, breathing as if in a marathon, jerking with the war in my self, in my limbs.

Every time I look at you, Anaisa said, you're frowning. Life is too short.

Hard on yourself, Kouzin said. So hard on yourself.

You make things too complicated, Legba said. Sometimes, it's very simple.

Do you know, said Diala.

No, I replied. But I believe.

Isn't it funny how we can want intimacy and be terrified by it?

These cultures of abstinence, these cultures of false feelings, of the straight face and the lionized emotional deadening that make it so much easier to frown.

Oh, I will be going back, fumbling toward that intimacy, so hungry, I am starving for a food I can barely believe I am allowed to eat.

[etiennelouisjuste]

5 premye siy ou sentom kansè nan ovè ke ou dwe konen pou pa pran sa al ala lejè: ABÒNE AK PAJ LA PATAJE! PATAJE! Konsa wap ede yon lòt fanm parèy ou swa sè ou, matant ou kouzine, ou mennaj ou, zanmi, manman ou , kondisip ou pou yo konn sentom yo pou yo pran sa bonè pou yo ka jwen solisyon. 1. Sik règ iregilye Anjeneral, fanm yo gen sik règ yo chak 28-30 jou epi chak sik dire anviwon 3-7 jou. Sepandan, sik règ iregilye se youn nan sentòm kansè nan ovè ki pi komen. Sa vle di ke yo manke yon sik, yo te an reta nan sik la, oswa gen yon senyen anòmal ki long, lou ak iregilye pandan sik règ la. ke gwo doulè pandan sik règ la asosye ak yon risk ogmante nan kansè nan ovè. Se konsa, asire w ke ou kontwole sik règ ou chak mwa. 2. vant anfle oswa gonfleman : Gonfle ak presyon menmen nan vant ou kapab tou sentòm kansè nan ovè. Vant ou ap vin pi gwo epi ou pral santi w konplètman gonfle ak gaz nan vant ou. Kondisyon sa a ka fasil detekte lè rad ou kòmanse santi yo pi sere nan ren ou ak ranch yo san yo pa pran pwa yon lòt kote. 3. Senyen nan vajen Senyen nan vajen se yon lòt sentòm komen yo wè nan fanm ki gen kansè nan ovè. Sepandan, pou chak fanm, san se pa yon sipriz, men gen yon diferans ant sik règ ak senyen nan vajen. Souvan san an pandan sik la gen yon konsistans epè ak yon koulè nwa, men senyen nan vajen pral gen yon konsistans diferan, ki gen ladan doulè grav. Tyeke doktè ou touswit si ou senyen deyò sik règ ou, sitou si san an sanble gen yon koulè diferan. 4. Pèt apeti Pèt apeti se yon sentòm komen nan kansè nan ovè ke anpil moun pa okouran de li . E sa a se rezon ki fè li trè difisil pou moun remake kansè san okenn sentòm. 5. Doulè ki gen rapò ak aktivite seksyèl : Sentòm li yo trè komen nan fanm ki gen kansè nan ovè. Kansè sa a lakòz kis nan òvèj yo ki ogmante tandrès nan vajen an ak nan kòl matris la. Finalman, li mennen nan doulè pandan wap fè sèks. Si ou santi doulè pandan aktivite seksyèl, ou ta dwe imedyatman kontakte doktè ou pou tretman apwopriye. Ou ta dwe toujou konsilte doktè si ou santi sentòm nòmal sa yo. #etiennelouisjuste https://www.instagram.com/p/Cl2FfOhLWNO/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[lalyarty]

Pour leur anniversaire, Papitch et Mamina ont emmené leurs deux petites-filles ainées à Venise. Laly a donc découvert la cité de doges en compagnie de sa Kouzine Kloé. Au programme : promenades sur les canaux, découvertes des palais, hôtel de luxe, dîners succulents et même soirée à la Fenice. Ca donne envie d'avoir 10 ans !

[rockofeye]

Bon fèt Kouzen!

I couldn't let Kouzen's fet go by without giving him something. It's been awhile since I've cooked for him and the reminder not that long ago that this is the weekend to do that was not lost.

So, Kouzen and his family got to eat:

Tchaka is one of Kouzen's most favorite foods, and so I made that for sure. It's a really thick and hearty stew with a couple types of beans, broken dried corn, vegetables, and beef. I also found goat at the market, so Kouzen got bouyon kabrit, too, which is a soup with more broth and dumplings called doumbrey/donbrey or boy.

The breadfruit I found got made into tomtom, which is pounded breadfruit and is essentially the Haitian version of African fufu, or pounded yam or sometimes cassava, and is eaten similarly. He also got yon ti lam bouyi, or a little boiled breadfruit made with the extra leftover from the tomtom.

And...I made tablet pistach, which is a Haitian-style peanut brittle with ginger, star anise, cinnamon, and nutmeg. I saw some pre-made at the store, but it was all crumbly and how hard could it really be? Certainly not harder than pounding breadfruit.

I prayed for continued blessings in all the areas Kouzen works for me, and for him to continue to accompany me wherever I go. Kouzen often gets overlooked or underestimated because he sometimes comes quietly and always comes plainly and without pretense. I can't overlook him and what he's done for me, so I'm happy to feed him!

Alaso Kouzen gwo neg m! Alaso Minis! Alaso Kouzin, epi tout fanmi Kouzen ak nasyon Djouba!!