Vodou Mythology

The Gods and Spirits of Vodou

BARON SAMEDI

Haitian Death Spirit

Also known as Baron Saturday, Bawon Samedi

Stylish and sophisticated Spirit of the Dead

He is the Great Boss Loa, and probably the most infamously famous character in the Vodou pantheon.

Stylish and sinister, he wears a black tailcoat, glossy top hat and dark eyeglasses. You guessed it — he’s dressed like an undertaker.

But unlike most mortal undertakers, he smokes cigars on duty, twirls a cane and goes in for trance dancing. When not on the graveyard shift he likes to party — particularly on Saturday nights which is why he’s called Baron Saturday.

In his graveyard persona of Baron Cimetière, he watches over cemeteries. This isn’t just a passive role, what with body-snatchers on the look-out for zombie material.

As Baron La Croix, he also stands at the metaphysical crossroads of life and death and he may even be a manifestation of Ghede himself.

Of course he might just be a drinking buddy. There are those who claim to have seen them both together, but anything can happen when you drink vast quantities of rum and hot pepper and trance the night away. Not to mention the odd chicken sacrifice.

His wife is Maman Brigitte and he also has two colleagues, Baron La Croix and Baron Cimetière — who may or may not be aspects of his own grave personality.

Baron Samedi Facts and Figures

Name: Baron Samedi
Pronunciation: Coming soon
Alternative names: Baron Saturday, Bawon Samedi

Gender: Male
Type: Spirit
Area or people: Haiti
Celebration or Feast Day: Unknown at present

Role:
In charge of: Death
Area of expertise: Death

Good/Evil Rating: NOT OKAY, be careful
Popularity index: 39461

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Article last revised on May 20, 2019 by the Godchecker data dwarves.
Editors: Peter J. Allen, Chas Saunders

References: Coming soon.

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