Caribbean folklore dictionary

ananci

A lead character in folk tales. He is depicted as a trickster and cultural hero. He is based largely on the spider gods of African lore, particularly

ananci story

Folk tale with the trickster Ananci as the lead character.

asema

A ghost or spirit that lives as an old woman by day, but turns into a blood sucking monster by night. According to some legends, she is able to to tak

ba bwa

Stilt dancers in an African tradition carried over into carnival. Their costumes represent beings from the realm of the dead

bacoos

A small, mostly nocturnal, dwarf-like, forest creature with long arms and legs. They love milk and bananas and will bond with a family upon entering t

bageede

Ghost or spirit of a dead person or animal

balm

To provide spiritual or physical healing in an obeah ritual.

balm oil

Any of several oils used for physical healing, spiritual healing, or other purposes as part of an obeah ritual.

birth tree

The tree under which one's umbilical cord is buried at birth

bolom

A miniature man, roughly 2 feet tall, brought into being on Good Friday to do the evil bidding of his summoner. According to legend, the man must be c

bonu

To use witchcraft on someone

bredda ananci

A lead character in folk tales. He is depicted as a trickster and cultural hero. He is based largely on the spider gods of African lore, particularly

brugadung

A loud explosion

buru

A variant of jonkunnu

bush bath

A ritual bath of herbs prescribed or administered by a obeah practicioner. It is usually intended to ward off illness or bad luck

churail

The evil spirit of a woman who died during childbirth

chwal

One who is possessed by a loa (spirit) during a Vodou ritual.

cow foot woman

A mythical half woman, half cow being used to scare children into behaving themselves

cumfa

A ritual ceremony involving dance and drumming to summon spirits which then possess the participants.

cumina

An indigenous Jamaican cultural form comprising religion, dance, and music based on African traditions. It is known for lively worship, spirit possess

dai dai

A short, squat forest spirit that protects treasures of gold.

dayghost

A day walking duppy or spirit

dealarance

An occult practice in which participants make deals with evil supernatural entities in order to achieve financial or other forms of life successes.

dinky mini

A folk song and dance ritual of African origins. The ritual is traditionally performed for the families of a recently deceased person.

fayarass

A ghost or spirit that lives as an old woman by day, but turns into a blood sucking monster by night. According to some legends, she is able to to tak