Candles, oils, incense, herbs, food, drink, laughter, tears… there is a lot that goes into the creation of an ancestor feast. Here is a visual peek at behind the scenes, behind the veil, if you will of the life and death of an ancestor feast. In Haitian Vodou the days surrounding November 1st and 2nd are reserved for Fete Gede, or feasts and celebrations for the ancestors. The wider world reserve this time for ancestors too, with modern celebrations like Halloween. One of the most beautiful things about the ancestors is that we all have them. Everyone can connect through their blood, through the earth, through their souls. Here at Voodoo Universe we have been having a yearly Gede Celebration and Ancestor feast for over a decade. We gather to share stories, songs, and prayers for
those who have passed. Talk about the time Shaun was piloting the bathtub, Cayne swam in the fountain, or Nia used a chinese food pancake to blow her nose. The ancestor feast is for all the stories- the ones that make us smile, and the ones that teach us who we are, where we were, and where we are headed.There are some elements we are unable to photograph, but there are some visions that are permitted.
The food is high on the list of priorities for an Ancestor Feast, both traditional favorites and more modern additions are present. Here the cooking starts days in advance, with collards, and plum pork being simmered and slow cooked. This year there’s Corn Macque Choux, sweet and spicy. You can find the recipe here.
There are ancestor shrines that are set up and blessed with offerings both traditional and specific to those being remembered. Often there are people who leave money, alcohol, cotton, tobacco, and the like. Music is played and voices are raised in honor and connection.
Whatever your choice of celebration this sacred time we wish you the sincerest of blessings to you and your ancestors. And if you have enjoyed what you read here today and throughout the year please do us a favor and share, share, share !
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