26887: Skamarock: (reply) answer on Haitian customs (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: Anne Skamarock <anne@coloradohaitiproject.org>



Subject: answer on Haitian customs


My name is Anny Frederique and I am a displaced Haitian--sorry for taking so
long to reply to your questions-- I don't check my e-mail as I should
(displaced but caught up in the busy American way!).

1) Haiti is a Christian country and celebrates Christmas.  There is  a
strong emphasis on gifting or  zetren.  New Year's Eve is celebrated with
family or dancing out.

2)  The traditional pumpkin soup is a must on the first day of the year.
The "gold" color of the soup symbolized to the slaves hope or prosperity.
January 2nd is Independence day!  and a national holiday: more celebration.
The season ends on Jan.6th, Fete des Rois, or King's day.   Christmas trees
are common, though more and more plastic evergreens or cotton covered white
branches are used.

3) Haitian parents go out of their way to give  gifts  to their children and
extended family.

4) In addition to pumpkin (soup jiroumou) soup, chicken, turkey, even pork
are traditionally served.    Rice (with black mushroom  is a specialty),
Russian Salad  (a potatoe salad with beets)  is a must!  Desserts include
Baba o-Rum, upside down pineaple cake or marquise au chocolat or "douce"
with coconuts, etc.  I imagine if varies per region.

5) Regardless of the socio-economic class of Haitian, Christmas (Noel) is
widely celebrated and enjoyed.  Most Catholic Haitians will attend Midnight
Mass on Dec 24th and will celebrate a Reveillon (New Years Eve ) on the 31st
of December, to harold in the New Year.

Hope this has been helpful.  Joyeux Noel et Bonne Annee!

Anny Frederique