22”X28” Mixed Media painting on Bristol Paper done by Haitian Artist Richard Vedly Paul.
January 1st mark for Haitians a triple celebration; the new year, the independence of Haiti and the yearly making and sharing of Soup Joumou ( pumpkin stew/soup). Vodou and subsequently the Ogou played a central role in Haiti’s Independence. The Ogou lwa did not merely symbolize the Haitian Revolution—they organized its spirit, discipline, and fire. They were living principles embodied by generals, soldiers, healers, strategists, diplomats, and visionaries, fighting slavery on both physical and spiritual planes. Popular tales tell that Dessalines was possessed by Ogou when he cut the French flag to create Haiti’s flag, a moment that symbolized both divine guidance and revolutionary fire.
22”X28” Mixed Media painting on Bristol Paper done by Haitian Artist Richard Vedly Paul.
January 1st mark for Haitians a triple celebration; the new year, the independence of Haiti and the yearly making and sharing of Soup Joumou ( pumpkin stew/soup). Vodou and subsequently the Ogou played a central role in Haiti’s Independence. The Ogou lwa did not merely symbolize the Haitian Revolution—they organized its spirit, discipline, and fire. They were living principles embodied by generals, soldiers, healers, strategists, diplomats, and visionaries, fighting slavery on both physical and spiritual planes. Popular tales tell that Dessalines was possessed by Ogou when he cut the French flag to create Haiti’s flag, a moment that symbolized both divine guidance and revolutionary fire.
