Haiti Culture

Haiti is located in the Western Hemisphere and is surrounded by the Caribbean Sea, the Golfe De la Gonave and the Atlantic Ocean. It is believed that the first known settlers were the Ciboneys who occupied the country in 450 AD. Later in 900 AD, Arawak Indians settled in the large villages of Haiti and called this nation Ayiti, meaning the "Land of Mountains".

On December 5, 1492, Christopher Columbus discovered this nation during his voyage. The Spaniards of Christopher Columbus killed the Arawaks, and for many years, this island had no human population. Towards the mid-17th century, the French colonized Haiti, and during the reign of France, Haiti was one of the most popular islands of the Western Hemisphere. The main source of wealth came from coffee, cocoa, sugarcane and cotton. The French brought the Afrikaans to work as slaves on these plantations.

In 1791, the slaves revolted against the French rule and attained freedom in 1804. Haiti became the first independent black nation and was headed by General Jean-Jacques Dessalines. In 1884, Haiti was divided into Haiti and Dominican Republic. During World War II, Americans occupied Haiti. Here we look at the rich "Haiti Culture".

Haiti Culture

The culture of Haiti is the fusion of the African, West Indian and the French cultures. The national language of Haiti is "Creole" and this language is widely used in arts, literature, drama, music and dance. The people of Haiti are known as Haitians and they are very creative and artistic people. Works of art of Haiti are recognized world wide because of their unique features and colorful portrayal.

Music is a part of Haitian culture and is influenced by French, Spanish and American music. Drum is the most important musical instrument. The famous and world-renowned music of Haiti is the Haitian Compas or Konpa Direk. Compas is a Spanish word meaning "rhythm" or "tones". Did you know that Haiti did not have any recorded music until 1937? A Haitian Jazz musician Guignard, first recorded the music in 1937. The music of Haiti is very unique and is taken from Vodou ceremony and traditions. The music of Haiti involves medium-to-fast tempo beats accompanied by electric guitars, saxophone, synthesizers and a horn. Some of the popular music forms of Haiti are Rara, Mizik Rasin, Mini-Jazz, Zouk and Haitian Rap.

Festivities of Haiti begin in the month of February and are known as Carnival or Kanaval in Creole. At the time of festivities, people get away from their daily routine and are on streets dancing and singing. There are parade floats accompanied by music during the festival season. A musical festival known as Rara is celebrated before Easter with great pomp and show.

The religion practiced by the Haitians is Christianity and most of the natives are Roman Catholics. An ancient religion known as Vodou, is still practiced in many parts of the nation. This religion has many traditions and customs that is a fusion of Central and Western Africa, Europe and Taino religions.

The information of Haiti culture would be incomplete without mentioning the cuisine of Haiti. Like its arts and religion, the cuisine is also widely influenced by the cuisines of Africa, Taino and Europe. The staple food of Haitians is rice and beans. The other dishes are Griyo: fried pork, Mayi moulen: cornmeal, Sòs pwa: bean sauce, Sos poul: chicken in sauce and Poisson: fish. The popular Haitian dessert consists of sweetened milk and rice and banana fried in butter.

The arts and crafts of Haiti are very much in demand in the international market. The art works of Haitian artists are colorful and world famous. Some of the craft works include needlework, embroidery, leather goods, paper-mache, pottery, sequin flag-making and metal crafts. Haiti is, indeed, a magic land that is rich in culture. Read the historical profile of Haiti - the magical land.