The speeches over, the ceremony now began in earnest, and this is where my photographs take over:
- by Mac McKinney
The evening's ceremony began, and would end, with chanting in Creole. The chants greet, invite into our presence and ultimately dismiss the Loa.
- by Mac
These men's white robes signify their spiritual station in the ceremony. Several of them are holding ritual spears.
- by Mac
This is the Mambo, dressed in white, the high priestess of the Order.
- by Mac
After a period of chanting, several of the members began passing around shot glasses of consecrated spirits to the members, rum I believe.
- by Mac
As a prayer is recited, the glasses are raised.
- by Mac
The next phase included the consecration of yet more ceremonial implements, especially the machete, which has many symbolic meanings to the Haitians.
- by Mac
Spirits, rum or whiskey I believe, are poured on the concrete floor...
- by Mac
and lit!
- by Mac
This is a purification exercise.
- by Mac
Now dancing with chanting broke out in earnest in choreographed movements.
- by Mac
- by Mac
What I call the ceremonial sombrero is now
brought forth...
- by Mac
and blessed. Note the patterns and
symbolism embossed upon it.
- by Mac
More chanting begins and more spirits are dashed upon the floor.
- by Mac
And lit again! Now the machete is passed repeatedly back and forth through the glowing blue and bursting yellow flames.
