assignment 5 a.

The anti-colonial or ‘Independence Period’ era of Latin America/Caribbean was said to be inspired by the Enlightenment. Future leaders of the Independence period studied and observed this European awakening. Then came the American Revolution and then the French Revolution which fueled the fire for independence. The Independence Period span from1807 to 1824, the Spanish American colonies went first after many years of Spain’s power decline. Spain was only able to hold on to Cuba and Puerto Rico (until 1898). The Portuguese finally lost power of Brazil in 1822 thanks to war in their own country. All that was left was a pesky prince. Haiti reached independence by a slave rebellion that put fear in the elites through out Latin America. Bolivar was in Venezuela and New Granada proclaiming himself, “El Libertador”, while Jose de San Martin was fixing things in Argentina and Chile. This region had shaken free from their oppressive rule, Spain and Portugal.

I have a love for religious iconic art. I’m not religious, I simply: love pretty things. If you combine that, with a fantastic story about a powerful woman who saves everyone…well then, you’ve got my attention. So, while looking over the list of research topic I went right to the Virgin. But then I remembered another female religious icon from our region of focus: Yemanja. She’s perfect. Like the Virgin, she a little bit catholic, and a little bit local.

Yemanja (Brazil) is originally Yemaja (Yoruba) but became prominent in many Afro-American religions. Oral traditions and many dialects transformed her name but never really changed her description. Africa, Brazil, Cuba, Haiti and the US all have a one or more names for her. She is the mother goddess, protector of pregnant women and children, the owner of all waters, protector of the sea and the fisherman.

In Vodou or Voodoo traditions, La Sirene(Haiti)/Yemalla(US), has 6 different personas, with that different colors are associated. Most intriguing being the “Okoto” this path is known as the underwater assassin. Her colors are indigo and blood red and her symbolism includes that of pirates. They seem to mirror the moods that a person might feel day to day. (I am hopeful tomorrow is not an underwater assassin day). Some of the others have a focus on the marketplace, beauty, health and old age.

My favorite part about Yemanja is when her patrons give thanks and worship. In most places and cases this involves floating resents and offerings out to sea (to her). Gifts range from delicious food to flower and perfume. Fireworks, which are my favorite thing in the world, are common. You could spend from Dec 8^th until Feb 2 traveling around to different festivals honoring the goddess of the sea. I hope to someday…

Now for the part that I always forget to do! My sources are:

Wikipedia.org

Infoplease.com

Encarta.msn.com

I believe my sources to be reliable. Wikipedia sited sources for the article, most came from texts…Encarta is a good tool and well known. I’m not too familiar with infoplease, but I liked what I read.