Depiction of Baron Samedi

Veve of Baron Samedi

In Vodun or voodoo, Baron Samedi (Baron Saturday, also Baron Samdi, Bawon Samedi, or Bawon Sanmdi) is one of the aspects of Baron, one of the loa. He is a loa of the dead, along with Baron's other incarnations Baron Cimetière, and Baron La Croix. Baron Samedi is usually depicted with a white top hat, black tuxedo, dark glasses, and cotton plugs in the nostrils, as if to resemble a corpse dressed and prepared for burial in Haitian style. He has a white, frequently skull-like face (or actually has a skull for a face) and speaks in a nasal voice. He is one of the Guédé, or an aspect of them, or possibly their spiritual father. His wife is the loa Maman Brigitte. His usual name may be a corruption of or euphemisation for "Baron Zombi", though 'Samedi' also means 'Saturday' in French, which influenced the names of much of voodoo folklore. Samedi actually is sam' di which in creole means 'what I say' in other words, do as I say; remember Baron Samedi is the head of the Baron family. Image File history File links Samedi. ... Image File history File links Samedi. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... A Veve is a religious symbol for a voodoo loa and serves as a representation during rituals. ... Voodoo (Vodou, Vodoun, Vudu, or Vudun in Benin, Togo, southeastern Ghana, Burkina Faso, and Senegal; also Vodou in Haiti) is a name attributed to a traditionally uten West African spiritual system of faith and ritual practices. ... LOA could stand for: Library of America, a famous American publisher Length Over All, commonly used to indicate maximum hull length of a vessel. ... In Vodun, Baron Cimetière (Baron Cemetery) is one of the Guédé, a spirit of the dead, along with Baron Samedi and Baron La Croix. ... In Vodun, Baron La Croix (Baron of the Cross) was one of the Guédé, a spirit of the dead, along with Baron Samedi and Baron Cimetière. ... In Haitian Vodun, the Guédé (also spelled Gede or Ghede, pronounced GAY-DAY in french) are the family of spirits that embody the powers of death and fertility. ... LOA could stand for: Library of America, a famous American publisher Length Over All, commonly used to indicate maximum hull length of a vessel. ... Veve for Maman Brigitte In Vodun, Maman Brigitte (Grann Brigitte, Manman, Manman Brigit, Manman Brijit) is a death loa, the wife of Baron Samedi. ...

Baron Samedi stands at the crossroads, where the souls of dead humans pass on their way to Guinee. As well as being the all-knowing loa of death, he is a sexual loa, frequently represented by phallic symbols and noted for disruption, obscenity, debauchery, and having a particular fondness for tobacco and rum. Additionally, he is the loa of sex and resurrection.

He is New World in origin, not African. The Haitian dictator François “Papa Doc” Duvalier was infamous for taking on the guise of Baron Samedi, a persona which helped the tyrant oppress the rural populace of the island. It is said that Papa Doc looked exactly like the classic representation of the Baron and used this much to his advantage^{[citation needed]}. Dr. François Duvalier, known as Papa Doc (April 14, 1907 – April 21, 1971[1]), was the President of Haiti from 1957 and later dictator (President for Life) from 1964 until his death. ...

Appearances in popular culture

Literature

• The character of Samedi in the Jesse Ball novel Samedi the Deafness has direct ties to Baron Samedi. ^[1]
• He has a few brief cameos in the 2001 novel American Gods by Neil Gaiman both as himself and while he possesses a goth girl, presumably due to her ownership of a silk top-hat.
• "Baron Saturday" is a featured character in the Terry Pratchett novel Witches Abroad, and fairly direct references are made to the mythos of the Baron near the end of the novel. Another allusion is made in the joint effort of Pratchett and Gaiman, Good Omens, in which a racist witchhunter mentions voodoo priests who worship a 'Baron Saturday'.
• In Grant Morrison's The Invisibles series, the spirit of Baron Samedi is housed in the body of one of the Invisible Agents, Jim Crow
• In Russell Banks's 1985 Novel Continental Drift, the Voodun religion and the Loas play an important role. The loas of Ghede are personified as Baron Cimetière. He plays a crucial role in the novel's climax.
• In Richard Morgan's sci-fi novel Broken Angels, Baron Samedi haunts the main character during hallucinations.
• In William Gibson's Sprawl trilogy, The structure of Voudun are used by several 'free entities' in the Matrix to communicate with a group of African-American arcology dwellers. It is implied that at the climax of Count Zero, Bobby Newmark is 'possessed' by one such agent (or aspect of a single multifacted agent) calling itself 'Baron Samedi', although the method by which this happens is not explained.
• In Walter Mosley's novel Gone Fishin', he's mentioned by Easy Rawlins, as the characters walk into bayou land.
• In the comic book Miracleman, a postmodern take on superhero lore by Alan Moore, the sapphire-toothed government assassin Evelyn Cream begins to have visions and nightmares about Baron Samedi, his grandfather's patron, after seeing Miracleman wade through a group of SAS troops. These visions continue until his death, at which time the Baron taps him on the shoulder and tips his hat to him.
• In Philip Pullman's The Broken Bridge
• Baron Samedi appears as a guide in the hell-like underworld of Philip Jose Farmers's Sci-Fi/Fantasy novels set in "The Dungeon."
• Baron Sunday is the spirit guide of the character Marcia in the play A Moutoverful of Birds by Caryl Churchill and David Lan.
• Appears as Blackbeard's loa in Tim Powers' novel On Stranger Tides.
• The character Papa Ghuede/Jim Crow in Grant Morrison's 'The Invisibles' is clearly based on Baron Samedi. See http://www.barbelith.com/bomb/1_10.htm
• Monty Kipps in Zadie Smith's "On Beauty" is an expert on Caribbean "Primitives" and his daughter feels a little overwhelmed by his personal collection.
• In passing in John Brunner's "The Shockwave Rider", 1975.
• Baron Samedi appears as a main character in the online comic The Modern Edda
• Baron Samedi is mentioned in Graham Greene's "The Comedians"
• Baron Samedi is mentioned in Will Self's "How the Dead Live", 2000
• Baron Samedi competes in the 'Pantheon Games', in the fictional comic series Brathalla.
• Baron Samedi is mentioned in the James Bond Novel Live and Let Die.

Jesse Ball is an American poet. ... American Gods is a novel by Neil Gaiman. ... Neil Richard Gaiman () (born November 10, 1960) is an English author of science fiction and fantasy short stories and novels, graphic novels, comics, and films. ... This article is about the late 20th / early 21st century subculture. ... Terence David John Pratchett OBE (born April 28, 1948, in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, England[1]) is an English fantasy author, best known for his Discworld series. ... Witches Abroad is a Discworld novel by Terry Pratchett, originally published in 1991. ... Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch (1990) is a fantasy novel written in collaboration between Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman. ... The Invisibles is an adult comic book series that was published by the Vertigo imprint of DC Comics from 1994 to 2000. ... Broken Angels Broken Angels (2003) is a military science fiction novel by Richard Morgan. ... For other persons named William Gibson, see William Gibson (disambiguation). ... The Sprawl-trilogy, of which Neuromancer is the first part. ... The Sprawl trilogy, of which Count Zero is the second part Count Zero (ISBN 0441117732) is a science fiction novel written by William Gibson, originally published in 1986. ... Miracleman, originally known as Marvelman in his native United Kingdom, is a fictional character, a comic book superhero created in 1954 by writer-artist Mick Anglo for publisher L. Miller & Son. ... For other persons named Alan Moore, see Alan Moore (disambiguation). ... Caryl Churchill (born September 3, 1938) is an English writer of stage plays known for her use of non-realistic techniques and feminist themes. ... David Lan is an English playwright, filmmaker, theatre director and social anthropologist. ... On Stranger Tides (Ace Books, 1987, ISBN 0441626831) is a fantasy novel written by Tim Powers. ... John Brunner John Kilian Houston Brunner (September 24, 1934 – August 26, 1995) was a prolific British author of science fiction novels and stories. ... The Shockwave Rider is a science fiction novel by John Brunner, originally published in 1975, notable for its heros use of computer cracking skills to escape pursuit in a dystopian future, and for the coining of the word worm to describe a program that propagates itself through a computer... The Comedians is a novel by Graham Greene, first published in 1966. ... How the Dead Live is a novel by Will Self. ... “007” redirects here. ... 2002 Penguin Books paperback edition Live and Let Die is the second James Bond novel by Ian Fleming, first published in 1954. ...

Film, TV and entertainment

• An unnamed character leading a nightly funeral procession while firing gunshots is dressed in the attire of Baron Samedi at the beginning of the horror film Serpent and the Rainbow.
• Baron Samedi appears as a character in the James Bond novel and film Live and Let Die.
• Baron Samedi appears in the blaxploitation film Sugar Hill (1974).
• Baron Samedi appears as a character in the 2007 film Cadavarella
• Baron Samedi also appears in MacGyver episode 131, "The Walking Dead."
• He is a character in the 1985 Miami Vice episode "Tale of the Goat"
• The WWE wrestler "Papa Shango" (Charles Wright) was obviously inspired by Baron Samedi.
• Appeared as an old man & a young boy in the "Deptford Voodoo" episode of british cult TV series Urban Gothic.

The Serpent and the Rainbow is a 1988 American horror film, directed by Wes Craven and starring Bill Pullman. ... Baron Samedi is a popular fictional character from the James Bond novel and film, Live and Let Die. ... “007” redirects here. ... For other uses, see Live and Let Die. ... Live and Let Die is the 8th film in the British James Bond series and the first to star Roger Moore as MI6 agent James Bond. ... 2002 Penguin Books paperback edition Live and Let Die is the second James Bond novel by Ian Fleming, first published in 1954. ... Sugar Hill is a 1974 zombie film released by AIP, who had previously combined the horror and blaxploitation genres with Blacula and its sequel, Scream Blacula Scream. ... MacGyver is an American adventure television series, produced in Canada, about a laid-back, extremely resourceful secret agent, played by Richard Dean Anderson. ... For the 2006 movie, see Miami Vice (film). ... Charles Wright[1] (born May 16, 1961) is an American businessman and retired professional wrestler. ...

Music

• Baron Saturday was also an important character in The Pretty Things' rock opera S.F. Sorrow.
• He is also a character in the King Diamond's album Voodoo. King Diamond's appearance bears a marked resemblance to that of Baron Samedi.
• A painting of Baron Samedi is on the cover of the Dr. John album Creole Moon.
• Appears in the lyrics of the song "Lover of the Bayou" by the Byrds on the double album "Untitled," first released in 1970: "Baron Samedi is on your tail."
• Appears in the lyrics of the song "Pariah" by Danielle Dax: "Baron Samedi as only saviour, disturbed from slumber to walk alone."
• The rock band 10cc released a song called Baron Samedi on their album Sheet Music
• The metal band Ghoul introduced a character named Baron Samedi, a self-described "Houngan Priest" on their 2006 album Splatterthrash
• Italian metal band Death SS has a song called Baron Samedi in the album Do What Thou Wilt
• Baron Samedi is the inspiration behind a dancehall/dub/jungle night called 'The Samedi Lodge' out of which arose the mashup sounds of "Samedi Sound System"
• Baron Samedi is a nickname of a famous British rapper (lps - Spit Happens, Ripping Yarns)
• A figure resembling the classic Haitian representation of Baron Samedi appears in the music video for the song "Voodoo" by the band Godsmack.
• Mentioned in the lyrics to "Lover of the Bayou" by The Byrds.
• German band Kante features an instrumental track called Baron Samedi on their 2004 album Zombi.
• American composer Donald Grantham has written a work for wind ensemble based on the Baron Samedi mythos entitled Baron Samedi's Sarabande and Softshoe.
• A Baron Samedi-esque character features in the video for the song "Who Do You Love?" by The Meteors.
• Samedi is referenced in the Blue Oyster Cult rock opera 'Imaginos'

The Pretty Things is a 1960s and 1970s rock and roll band from London. ... The Whos Tommy, the first album explicitly billed as a rock opera A rock opera is a rock music album or stage production that resembles the form of an opera. ... S.F. Sorrow is the title of a 1968 LP by British rock group The Pretty Things. ... King Diamond (born Kim Bendix Petersen, June 14, 1956, Copenhagen, Denmark) is a heavy metal musician known for his shock rock image. ... Voodoo is a concept album by King Diamond. ... Dr. John is the stage name of Malcolm John Rebennack Jr. ... Danielle Dax, 1990 Danielle Gardner (born 23 September 1958) is better known as Danielle Dax a experimental musician and producer from the late 1970s to the early 1990s. ... 10cc was a British pop band which achieved its greatest commercial success during the 1970s. ... Sheet Music is the second album by Manchester rock band 10cc. ... Ghoul is an extreme metal band from the fictional hamlet of Creepsylvania, with members claiming to be mutants and monsters, recording thrash metal onto wax cylinders provided by the towns Curio Shoppe owner, the mysterious Mr. ... Houngan is the term for a voodoo priest, usually used in Haiti. ... An album released June of 2006 by Ghoul. ... This article is about metallic materials. ... Death SS (In Death of Steve Sylvester) is an Italian horror/gothic metal band. ... For the Alice in Chains song, see God Smack (song). ... Zombi may refer to: A zombie is traditionally an undead person in the Caribbean spiritual belief system of voodoo. ... Donald Grantham (1947- ) is an American composer and music educator. ... A wind band, also called concert band, symphonic band, or wind ensemble, is a performing ensemble consisting of woodwind, brass, percussion instruments, and often string bass. ... In music, the sarabande (It. ... Man tap dancing. ...

Games

• Baron Samedi is a featured character in the 1991 video board game Nightmare, which was known as Atmosfear in the UK. He is played by Atmosfear veteran Wenanty Nosul ^{[citation needed]}, who also portrayed the infamous 'Gatekeeper'.
• Baron Samedi appears in the 1999 PC Game Nocturne, as a Voodoo Loa who shares the body with the character Scat Dazzle. He resurrects his "host" using the man's own blood after being given rum and a cigar.
• He makes an appearance as a boss and playable character in the James Bond-based videogames Goldeneye 007, Nightfire, and Everything or Nothing.
• The character Jaunty of the voodoo-themed survival horror game Shadowman is visually based on Baron Samedi, bearing both a skull face and a top hat.
• Baron Samedi appears in the 1998 game 'Akuji the Heartless'. He guides the main character through the vestibules of the underworld.
• He appears as a demonic being which can be summoned by the Sprawlers in the game Dark Reign 2.
• Baron Samedi is a figure for the Goblin Pirate army in the fantasy table top miniature games by Rackham.
• Baron Samedi also appears as a supervillain in the Freedom City, a superhero campaign setting for the role playing game Mutants & Masterminds Here, he is said to be bonded to a Haitian drug dealer named Simon DuLac.
• There is a Vampire: The Masquerade vampire clan known as the Samedi, with Baron Samedi thought to be the creator of this clan. They dress as he does, very regally, have deathly, coprse-like countenances (as opposed to many other vampires in the game), and base their operations out of Haiti.
• The Baron appears in Scion, a pen and paper RPG from White Wolf, Inc. as a God in the Loa pantheon.

Promotional Shot of Atmosfear The DVD Board Game. ... Nocturne is also the name of a role-playing game for the PlayStation 2. ... For the film, see GoldenEye. ... Nightfire is a first-person shooter video game based on Ian Flemings British secret agent James Bond. ... Everything or Nothing is a third-person shooter video game, where the player controls the famous spy James Bond. ... Three enemies from Silent Hill 4: The Room, a survival horror title released by Konami in 2004. ... Shadow people (also known as shadow men or shadow beings) are a supernatural phenomenon reported by some individuals. ... Akuji the Heartless is an action-adventure video game, released in December, 1998 on the PlayStation. ... Dark Reign 2 is a 3D real-time strategy PC game released on June 30, 2000 by Activision and Pandemic Studios. ... Rackham (Euronext: MLRAC) is a French miniature and role-playing games production company established in 1997. ... Doctor Doom, one of the most archetypal supervillains and his arch-enemies The Fantastic Four (in background). ... Freedom City is a fictional, city-based campaign setting for the roleplaying game Mutants and Masterminds. ... For other uses, see Superhero (disambiguation). ... A campaign setting is usually a fictional world which serves as a setting for a role-playing game or wargame campaign. ... This article is about traditional role-playing games. ... Mutants and Masterminds (abbreviated M&M or MnM) is a superhero tabletop role-playing game by Green Ronin Publishing based on the d20 System by Wizards of the Coast. ... Vampire: The Masquerade (Revised Edition) cover. ... Samedi Clan Symbol The Samedi are a fictional minor independent bloodline of vampires from White Wolf Game Studios Vampire: The Masquerade books and role-playing games, native to the Caribbean. ... Scion is a trilogy of role-playing games published by White Wolf, Inc. ...

References

• Voodoo: Search for the Spirit. Laennec Hurbon. Harry N. Abrams, Inc. 1995. "Ghede"
• A Dictionary of World Mythology. Arthur Cotterell. Oxford University Press, 1997. "Vodun".
• Baron Samedi was used in Vampire The Masquerade Roleplaying game as the founder of the bloodline Samedi.

1. ^ http://reviews.armchairinterviews.com/reviews/samedi-the-deafness-a-novel

Harry N. Abrams, Inc. ... Oxford University Press (OUP) is a highly-respected publishing house and a department of the University of Oxford in England. ...

External links

• - A Virtual Vodou Altar
• - Haitian Vodoun Culture
• - The Dead: Baron, Brijit and Gede

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