Damballa

For the computer security firm, see Damballa (company).

Veve of Damballa

In Vodou, Damballah is one of the most important of all the loa (also spelled lwa). Damballah is the Sky God and considered the primordial creator of all life. The veve of Damballah comprises two serpents prominent among other emblems.

Family

He is both a member of the Rada family and a root, or racine Loa. In New Orleans and Haiti he is often depicted as a serpent and is closely associated with snakes. He is considered the father of all the loa as all Spirits are aspects of Damballah. His wife/companion Ayida Weddo, the rainbow serpent – he is also married to Erzulie Freda – is also a Loa of creation.

Symbols and offerings

Common altar symbols used to represent the Sky God include white cloth, owls, bones, ivory, cotton, and chameleons. As a loa of the Rada nation he is associated with the color white and white is his particular color. His day of the week is Thursday.

Some of his ritual songs indicate that he "carries the ancestors"^[1] on his back to Guinea (spiritual home of the Loa, and the afterlife.) . Damballah's offerings are very simple and he prefers an egg on a mound of flour or salt, but loves everything white. Toni Costonie relates to us ^[2] that Priestess Miriam Chamani recommends cold water, milk, coconut, and coconut milk, honey, shea butter, rice, mild cigars, bread, and cookies. Some houses also serve him with anisette and corn syrup while kola nuts are also acceptable.

Function and presentation

Damballah rules the mind, intellect, and cosmic equilibrium. Damballah is the patron protector of the handicapped, deformed, cripples, albinos, and young children. When he presents himself in possession, he does not talk, but makes hissing and whistling noises^[3] like a snake in Rada rite. But in Haitian Petro loa he is known as "Dumballah Nan Flambo," and it is believed he can be heard "speaking through a flame" in parallel with the Old Testament biblical event of God speaking to Moses in the burning bush^[4].

He is syncretised with the Catholic figures of St. Patrick who drove snakes out of Ireland, Christ the Redeemer, Our Lady of Mercy, and, sometimes, with Moses whose staff turned into a serpent ^[5].

Names

Alternative names include Damballa Weddo (son of Odan Wedo), Danbala, Danbala Wedo, Damballah Weddo, Danbhala Weddo, Obatala^[6]. He is usually addressed respectfully as "Papa Damballah".

In popular culture

Damballah is worshipped by voodoo practitioners in the Southern Gothic horror stories "Black Canaan" and "Pigeons from Hell" by Robert E. Howard.

The "Heart of Damballah;" an amulet, is also referenced in the movies Child's Play and Bride of Chucky.

The musician Exuma recorded a song "Dambala" for the album "Exuma I" in 1970. This song has also been recorded by Nina Simone.

He is also mentioned in the movie Dr. Terror's House of Horrors.

References

1. ^ http://altreligion.about.com/od/symbols/ig/Vodoun-Veves/Damballah-Wedo.htm About.com article Damballah-Wedo Vodou Lwa and His Veve
2. ^ Toni Costonie, biography Priestess Miriam and the Voodoo Spiritual Temple
3. ^ http://altreligion.about.com/od/symbols/ig/Vodoun-Veves/Damballah-Wedo.htm About.com article Damballah-Wedo Vodou Lwa and His Veve
4. ^ Book of Exodus 3:1-21
5. ^ Book of Exodus 4:1-17
6. ^ http://altreligion.about.com/od/symbols/ig/Vodoun-Veves/Damballah-Wedo.htm About.com article Damballah-Wedo Vodou Lwa and His Veve