Erzulie Freda
More than you think she is.
Mambo Samantha Corfield
Last Update vor 6 Monaten
PLEASE NOTE: For the people who are complaining that we portray Erzulie Freda as white, that is exactly what I was taught, in Haiti, by Black people. Peristyles in Haiti have pictures of Erzulie Freda portrayed as a white woman. I didn't make this up. I have noticed that in the last few years there are lots of portrayals of Erzulie Freda as a dark-skinned Black woman. I am not trying to dispute that depiction. But that is not how I personally was taught, in Haiti, by Black Houngans. Even in the Vodou songs from Haiti, she is called white.
Ezili she is fresh, she is cool, she is FredaEzili she is fresh, she is cool, she is FredaEzili O, she doesn't eat people anymore*God beholds her as innocenEzili she is fresh, she is cool, she is a beautiful woman
She is fresh, she is cool, she is a white woman*(Erzulie never ate people. It means in the metaphorical sense such as "someone is getting eaten alive" by someone else.)
There are a lot of considerations in how Erzulie is/was depicted.
Colonial Influence and Syncretism: Vodou developed in Haiti and other countries among enslaved Africans, who were forced to adapt their beliefs under colonial oppression. Erzulie Freda became syncretized with Catholic figures like the Virgin Mary, who is often depicted with lighter skin. This syncretism allowed enslaved people to maintain their practices under the guise of Christianity, influencing the visual representation of Erzulie Freda.
Representation of Beauty and Wealth: Erzulie Freda is associated with love, luxury, beauty, and wealth—qualities that, under colonial and Eurocentric ideals, were often symbolized by a white or light-skinned woman. As a spirit embodying refinement and beauty, her portrayal was shaped by the dominant standards of the time, which equated these attributes with European features.
Erzulie’s Complex Identity: Vodou spirits (lwa) often transcend simple racial or physical categories, and Erzulie Freda’s portrayal can vary. While she is commonly depicted as light-skinned or white in most traditions, she is also understood to embody an array of identities and expressions. This complexity is reflected in the diversity of her visual representations across different Vodou houses and practitioners.
I will choose to stand by my depiction of her. Many of the lovely people who taught me are now passed on. I will always honor them by adhering as closely as I can to what they taught me.
Thanks, Mambo Sam
Erzulie Freda: The Lwa of Love, Beauty, and Elegance
Erzulie Freda is the Vodou spirit (lwa) of love, beauty, luxury, and romance. She embodies the essence of femininity, charm, and grace, often associated with refinement and elegance. However, her realm extends beyond just romantic love—she also represents the love of luxury, material wealth, and all things beautiful in life. She is not selfish. She doesn't want those things just for herself, she wants them for everyone. Erzulie Freda is one of the most beloved lwa in the Vodou pantheon, and she is known for her delicate nature, high standards, and her desire for pure, true love.
Erzulie Freda is usually depicted as a beautiful white woman dressed in luxurious clothes, often in shades of pink, white, and gold. She is known to enjoy fine things—perfume, jewelry, and high-end fashion—and she represents the idea that love and beauty should be present in all aspects of life. Her energy is soft and feminine, reflecting her desire for purity and perfection in love and relationships.
Some of her key attributes include:
- Romantic and Sensual Love: Erzulie Freda is the lwa of love in all its romantic and sensual forms. She is called upon by those seeking to deepen their love relationships or find true love.
- Wealth and Luxury: Freda also governs over material wealth and the finer things in life. She appreciates luxury and can help those who wish to attract abundance in the form of wealth, luxury, or material beauty.
- Grace and Beauty: She epitomizes elegance, charm, and beauty. Her followers may call upon her for assistance in enhancing their attractiveness or in bringing beauty and refinement into their lives.
- Emotional Depth: While Erzulie Freda seeks love, she also feels deeply and can be prone to sadness when love is unfulfilled or imperfect. She will always want you to have the best love for your life. When she sees that things aren't perfect for you (and the world) she will weep uncontrollably. It is often said that she cries so you don't have to.
Erzulie Freda has refined tastes and expects offerings that reflect her love of beauty and luxury. She enjoys offerings that are elegant, fragrant, and beautiful, such as:
- Roses, especially pink or white, as symbols of her beauty and love.
- Champagne or fine wines, which reflect her love for luxury and the finer things in life.
- Perfume or scented oils, especially those with floral or romantic scents.
- Jewelry and fine fabrics, such as silk or lace, as a tribute to her refined tastes.
- Pink, white, and gold candles, representing her favorite colors.
- Pastries or delicate sweets, symbolizing indulgence and the sweetness of life.
- However: Erzulie Freda is grateful for whatever you can give her. She knows and understands that not everything everyone has is built from wealth. Don't be afraid to call on her because you don't have money for expensive gifts. Erzulie is not shallow. She wants to help. She isn't stupid. She understands all that is given with a good heart is wonderful.She knows not everyone is rich; she just wishes they were.
Calling Upon Erzulie Freda
When invoking Erzulie Freda, it’s important to approach her with love, respect, and beauty. She values refinement and sincerity, so those who seek her help must do so from a place of genuine desire for love, beauty, or abundance in their lives.
Erzulie Freda is often called upon for:
- Love and Romance: Whether to enhance an existing relationship or to find a new love, Freda helps those who are searching for true love.
- Attraction and Beauty: She assists in boosting personal charm, grace, and physical attractiveness, whether for romantic purposes or to enhance one’s own sense of self-worth.
- Emotional Healing: Freda can also heal emotional wounds related to love and help individuals recover from heartache or emotional trauma.
- Material Wealth: While she is primarily associated with love, Freda also enjoys luxury and can help bring wealth and material comforts to those who invoke her.
Erzulie Freda is selective in matters of love and relationships. She does not settle for just any love—she desires pure, true love that is meaningful and profound. When called upon for matters of the heart, Freda seeks to bring not only romance but also depth and honesty to relationships. Her followers may ask her for help in finding a partner who is not only loving but also genuine and sincere.
However, Freda can also experience deep sadness when love is imperfect or unattainable. Practitioners must be aware of her emotional depth and sensitivity, and treat her with the utmost respect and sincerity. She is much more complex than one is lead to believe. Yes, she wants the perfection. But she knows in her heart that is often impossible. Thus she weeps for you, the world, and herself. She isn't crying because she is unable to be pleased; she is crying because the world will always be imperfect.
To honor Erzulie Freda and seek her blessings, the following prayer can be spoken. This entreaty opens the heart to love, beauty, and the grace she bestows upon her followers:
"Erzulie Freda, beautiful spirit of love and luxury, I call upon you. Surround me with your grace, elegance, and charm. Bring love into my life that is pure, true, and profound. Help me to see the beauty within myself and in the world around me. I offer this gift to you as a token of my love and respect. May your presence be felt in my heart, and may your blessings bring me the joy and abundance I seek. Erzulie Freda, I thank you for your kindness, your beauty, and your endless love. Mesi anpil, Erzulie Freda."
This entreaty can be spoken when seeking Freda’s blessings for love, attraction, or emotional healing. It can also be used during offerings to honor her beauty and grace.
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Copyright, ©2000, Mambo Samantha Corfield
