Gede (Haitian Vodou)

The Gede (also spelled Guédé or Ghede) are a family of spirits (lwa) in Haitian Vodou who embody death, sexuality, humor, and rebirth. They are associated with cemeteries, the dead, and the transition between life and death. Unlike death itself, which is represented by other lwa, the Gede embody the spirits of the dead themselves. They are often seen as irreverent and boisterous, acting as tricksters and mediators between the living and the dead.

Key figures within the Gede family include Baron Samedi (Baron Saturday), Baron Cimetière (Baron Cemetery), Baron Kriminel (Baron Criminal), and Maman Brigitte (Mother Brigitte). Baron Samedi is perhaps the most well-known and is seen as the gatekeeper of the cemetery. He decides whether a person lives or dies, and he grants or denies access to the afterlife. Baron Cimetière is the guardian of the cemetery itself, while Baron Kriminel represents violent death. Maman Brigitte is Baron Samedi's wife and is the protectress of graves, particularly those marked with a cross.

The Gede are typically invoked during the Haitian festival of Gede, celebrated around November 1st and 2nd (All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day). During this time, followers dress in black, purple, and white, imitating the Gede's characteristic attire, which often includes dark glasses with one lens removed (to see both the world of the living and the dead). They also engage in dances, songs, and offerings of food and drink, particularly rum spiced with peppers (called clairin trempé).

The Gede are known for their provocative and often shocking behavior, which is seen as a way to challenge social norms and remind people of their mortality. Their humor is often dark and satirical, reflecting their intimate connection with death and decay. Despite their seemingly grim association, the Gede are also seen as protectors of children and are invoked for healing and protection. They represent the ongoing cycle of life, death, and rebirth, and are a vital part of Haitian Vodou cosmology.