2 PARABLES
*A story or tale that teaches a moral or spiritual lesson.*
“For over two thousand years, our people have foretold of the birth of the white buffalo. This was to mark a rising in the native nations. Not only was the white buffalo born, she also birthed four white calves which were given to other clans. Now many tribes have risen, reclaiming our ancestral lands…building casinos and other businesses that are thriving. This has allowed native tribes to pour thousands of dollars into education, medicine, and social programs to help our people. Was this a prophecy, a prognostication, or a predetermination of events that would come about? My people believe it was a prophecy,” Joseph concluded.
Gregory nodded, sipping the native tea made from valerian roots that calmed nerves and gave one a feeling of wellbeing.
“Yes I know the tale of the white buffalo and the long due compensation for the loss of your lands,” Gregory responded. “We have a similar determination among our Haitian French Creole forefathers.”
“Please continue Asogwe. We have gathered here to tell of prophecies,” Joseph said, pouring tea into Gregory’s mug. Annie Tahoma nodded, smiling softly. She was relieved that the priest had come to their village.
“I will start from the origin of our religion, so that you may fully understand,” Gregory stated.
“As was foreseen by the Kabye people of West Africa and handed down as our legacy, they foretold the legend of our people’s enslavement. Around the sixteenth century, slaves were brought from West Africa to the region of the Haitian Islands. Most of these people originated from West Africa and practiced a unique religion. When they were taken to Haiti, the slave owners forced them to convert to their religion…Catholic Christianity. The slaves mixed their own beliefs with that of Christians, and that is when Haitian Voodoo came to be. There are many different beliefs, practices, and rituals associated with Voodoo. Different religious denominations do not understand the components of Voodoo, so they contrived that the practice was evil. In spite of this prevalence in people’s minds, Voodoo is spiritual, although some aspects are dark and mystical. According to Voodoo tradition, there is one supreme God, the Bondye…the good God. Regardless of what name we call, we believe in one powerful deity, the Creator of all. We believe the Bondye is beyond reach of our communication, so we invoke the lesser Gods, the Saints or Loa as we call them. There are thousands of these spirits that exist in a hierarchy, and they demand their own celebrations, rituals, and holidays. The Loa receive their power from the Bondye, and communicate with God on behalf of the followers. You have witnessed such a ritual and you were upset by the prophecy that the Loa delivered, Soaring Eagle. Now I will tell you of a prophecy that only the most devout Voodoo priests and followers know!”
