Bizango (Haitian Secret Society Spirits)

spirit · Haiti · Caribbean

Bizango refers to both a powerful class of Petwo lwa (spirits) in Haitian Vodou and the secret societies that serve them. These are the most feared and potent spirits in the Vodou pantheon -- considered maximum Petro -- associated with skulls, coffins, crosses, and crucifixes. The Bizango spirits include formidable entities such as Baron Kriminel and Ezili Zandor. The Bizango secret societies trace their origins to the Maroons -- escaped slaves who resisted colonial rule from Haiti mountains. Their colors are red and black. They are reputed to serve as social enforcers within Vodou communities

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