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Encyclopedia > Culture of Haiti

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--216.232.225.31 21:36, 21 September 2007 (UTC)<math>Insert non-formatted text here</math>[[Media:[[Image:Example.ogg]] == [Headline text][[''Link title'''''hhhhh''']] == ]] </gallery> </gallery>]]The Culture of Haiti encompasses a variety of Haitian traditions, from native Taino customs to practices imported during French colonisation and Spanish imperialism. As in the cases of Cuba and the Dominican Republic (but to a much larger degree), Haiti is a Afro-Latin nation with strong African contributions to the culture as well as its language, music and religion. French, Spanish, and to a lesser extent (food, art, and folk religion) Taino and Arab customs are present in society. The Taíno are the pre-Hispanic Amerindian inhabitants of the Greater Antilles, which includes Cuba, Hispaniola (Haiti and the Dominican Republic), Puerto Rico, Jamaica and the Bahamas. ... For the French colonial postage stamps, see French Colonies. ...

Contents

Music

Haitian Méringue, a tropical musical genre very similar and considered the parent genre to the Merengue of the Dominian Republic, is popular in Haiti. The dance of the same name is considered by many to be the national dance of Haiti[1]; however, there is some controversy regarding its origins. Of the dance, one story alleges it originated with slaves who were chained together and, of necessity, were forced to drag one leg as they cut sugar to the beat of the drums; however, the most popular story relates that a great hero of the revolution who had been crippled in one leg was welcomed home with a victory celebration. It was known that he loved to dance but all he could do now, was step with one leg and drag the other to close. The imagery of both stories is important; both describe stepping side and dragging the other leg to close both. Méringue (also mereng) is a kind of Haïtian music related to twoubadou and the Dominican merengue. ... Merengue is a type of lively, joyful music and dance that comes from the Dominican Republic. ... Slave redirects here. ... Combatants Haiti France Commanders Toussaint LOuverture, Jean-Jacques Dessalines Charles Leclerc, vicomte de Rochambeau, Napoleon Bonaparte Strength Regular army: <55,000, Volunteers: <100,000 Regular army: 60,000, 86 warships and frigates Casualties Military deaths: unknown, Civilian deaths: <100,000 Military deaths: 57,000 (37,000 combat; 20,000...


Folklore often categorized into both European (Spanish & French mythology) and African folklore has become a part of Haitian culture. With it many musical styles have arisen due to its influences. However, The style of music most recognized in Haiti is the wildly popular Kompa or "Compas", a musical genre born of French and Spanish music combined with African-derived drumming and Haitian Creole-sung verses. Haiti's music (especially Compas) is very similar to its Spanish-speaking neighbors yet unique in its own right in that it is a mixed blend of African-derived cultural practices ranging from drumming to dance, and European rhythms as well as modern sound, however the lyrics and feel of the genre are different from that of their Spanish counterparts. Kompa (sometimes written Compas Direct, konpa direk, konpa or compa) is a musical genre as well as a dance that originates from Haïti. ...


Festivals

The most festive time of the year in Haiti is during Carnival (referred to as "Kanaval" in Creole or Mardi Gras). The festivities start a couple of days before Ash Wednesday. The days are filled with music, parade floats and people dancing and singing in the streets. The three-day Carnival that ends on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday is traditionally a time of all-night parties and escape from daily life. Rara is a festival celebrated by a significant number of the population as well and its celebration has led to it becoming a style of carnival music. Many of the youth also attend parties and enjoy themselves at nightclubs called discos, pronounced in local slang as "deece-ko" (not like the discos of the U.S, and attend Bal. This term derives from the word ballad, and these events are often celebrated by crowds of many. Mainstream dance music is played all throughout. This article describes the festival season. ... This article or section does not cite any references or sources. ... In the Western Christian calendar, Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent. ... Originating in Haiti, rara music mixes percussion instruments, saxophones, and bamboo trumpets, while weaving in funk and reggae basslines. ... Motto: (traditional) In God We Trust (official, 1956–present) Anthem: The Star-Spangled Banner Capital Washington, D.C. Largest city New York City Official language(s) None at the federal level; English de facto Government Federal Republic  - President George W. Bush (R)  - Vice President Dick Cheney (R) Independence - Declared - Recognized... Illustration by Arthur Rackham of the ballad The Twa Corbies A ballad is a story, usually a narrative or poem, in a song. ...


Religion of Haiti

The most widely practiced religion of Haiti is Christianity. Haiti is similar to the rest of Latin America in that it is a predominately Roman Catholic country with 80% professing Catholicism and approximately 20% professing Protestantism. A growing but small population of Muslims exist in the country; principally the capital of Port-au-Prince. Vodou, an African-based religion is also widely practiced. It is more widespread in the rural parts of the country. The exact number of Vodou practitioners is unknown however it is believed that a significant amount of the population practice it, often alongside their Christian faith. Strict Catholics in the country often see Vodou as a false religion used to scare people. The claim of the majority of Haitians practicing Vodou is frequently denied by the Haitian population both in the country and abroad. Topics in Christianity Movements · Denominations · Other religions Ecumenism · Preaching · Prayer Music · Liturgy · Calendar Symbols · Art · Criticism Important figures Apostle Paul · Church Fathers Constantine · Athanasius · Augustine Anselm · Aquinas · Palamas · Luther Calvin · Wesley Arius · Marcion of Sinope Archbishop of Canterbury · Catholic Pope Coptic Pope · Ecumenical Patriarch Christianity Portal This box:      Christianity is... The Roman Catholic Church, most often spoken of simply as the Catholic Church, is the largest Christian church, with over one billion members. ... Protestantism encompasses the forms of Christian faith and practice that originated with the doctrines of the Reformation. ... A Muslim is a believer in or follower of Islam. ... Categories: Caribbean geography stubs | Capitals in North America | Haiti ... Voodoo redirects here. ...


Cuisine

(see: Haitian cuisine) The cuisine of Haiti is influenced in a large part by French cuisine and to a lesser extent Spanish cuisine as well as some native staples such as cassava (kasav), yam, and maize (mayi). Haitian food, though unique in its own right, shares much in common with the rest of Latin America. Some popular dishes are: Haitian cuisine is a mixture of various cuisines, predominately of a similar nature with fellow Latin American countries. ... French cuisine is considered to be one of the worlds most refined and elegant styles of cooking. ... Spanish cuisine consists of a great variety of dishes which stem from differences in geography, culture and climate. ... Binomial name Crantz The cassava, casava, yuca or manioc (Manihot esculenta) is a woody shrub of the Euphorbiaceae (spurge family) native to South America that is extensively cultivated as an annual crop in tropical and subtropical regions for its edible starchy tuberous root, a major source of carbohydrates. ... Yam may refer to: Yam (vegetable), the common name for members of genus Dioscorea A colloquial name for the sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas), particularly in the United States The New Zealand name for the vegetable oca Yam (route), Genghis Khan and the Mongols supply point system Yam (god), the Levantine... This article is about the maize plant. ... Latin American cuisine is a phrase that refers to typical foods, beverages, and cooking styles common to many of the countries and cultures in Latin America. ...


Diri ak Pwa: Rice and Beans, Griyo: Fried Pork, Kabrit: Goat, Sos poul: Chicken in sauce, Mayi moulen: Cornmeal, Sòs pwa: a bean sauce, Legume: Vegetables (okra, eggplant, tomatoes, and more ingredients), Poisson: Fish, Diri ak Let: A dessert composed of sweetened milk and rice, Banann Fri/Peze: (Fried Plantains, also popular in the Dominican Republic)Soup, eggs, meat, and sandwiches are what most Haitians enjoy for breakfast.


A preferred seasoning known as Epis in Haiti is commonly referred to as Sofrito by the rest of the region, a basic recipe goes as following:


Scallion, Celery, Red peppers, Green peppers, Cilantro, Onion, Garlic Vegetable Oil, tomatoes. (Optional, but used in some provinces.) All of the ingredients are blended together and a dash of sugar or Adobo is added. Salt should not be included or substituted for this. This season is mainly used to condiment or prepare meats, cooked rice and/or stews. Chicken Adobo. ...


External links

  • Haiti Refugee Sheets From the Cultural Orientation Resource Center - Extensive articles on Haiti.
  • île en île (primarily in French) includes an extensive database of Haitian authors.
  • EchodHaiti.com A cultural website, with sections on Haitian people, Haitian history, Haitian music, and Haitian culture.The world's sexest girls live in haiti
  • HaitianDiaspora.com Site for the next generation of Haitians growing up primarily in America.

See also


  Results from FactBites:
 
kwabs.com/greater antilles/Haiti (5283 words)
Haiti occupies the western portion of the Island of Hispagnola which was named Kyskeya, Bohio (land, country, habitat) or Haiti (mountainous land) by its original Tainos/Arawaks inhabitants.
Haiti independence was the end of the colonial rule of St. Domingue and the beginning of a prolonged struggle for its affirmation as an independent nation which has the absolute control of its destiny.
Consequently, Haiti, the first fl republic of the world, could not achieve its natural destiny of giving to all its citizens the means to grow toward the full realization of their human potential while remaining true to their national and ethnogeographic identity.
Taking Haiti: Military Occupation and the Culture of U.S. Imperialism, 1915-1940, by Mary A. Renda. Introduction. (8523 words)
The operation of culture was integral to the military, political, and economic project of the occupation insofar as the success of that project depended on the successful cultural conscription of the troops sent to carry it out.
Culture may be understood, then, to refer to the processes of signification through which people -- consciously and unconsciously, intentionally and unintentionally -- structure both social relationships and the material world.
Haiti's proximity to the United States may have had something to do with this, as well as the fact that the occupation lasted a long nineteen years.
  More results at FactBites »


 

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