Christianity in Haiti
Encyclopedia
Haiti saw the introduction of Christianity when Europeans arrived to colonize the island. It was first introduced by the Spanish, later followed by French colonialists. The primary brand of Christianity was Catholicism, and this has intermingled with the religions of other peoples, particularly African derived religions introduced by slaves from West Africa. In recent years, some Protestant denominations have made an increased number of converts in Haiti, continuing early work done by a small number of Protestant missions since the independence of the island.
was first colonized by the Spanish, who later abandoned the island's western portion. That region came under French influence after 1630, and was formally recognized as the French colony of Saint-Domingue
in 1697. Under French rule, Roman Catholicism was the sole legal religion, though African slaves frequently practiced voodoo. Slaves revolted in 1791 and managed to achieve independence in 1804. Three years later Protestant missionary activity begun. Political control of the island shifted frequently during the 19th century with different European governments, the Dominican republic, Columbia and Haiti itself alternating in power.
ran aground near Mole St. Nicolas on the northwest of the island. Some evangelization efforts were extended to the natives, though this population was soon nearly wiped out through disease and slavery. African slaves, brought to work in their place, were introduced to Christianity.
During Spanish rule, religion was one of the most important aspects of life on the island. Catholic missionaries traveled inland and spread Christianity to most of the island inhabitants. In 1511, three bishoprics formed and the inhabitants appeared entheusiastic. However, missionary work among such impoverished people and on an tropical and was challenging. Diseases such as 'yellow fever' and malaria killed many missionaries and their converts.
Under French rule, Capuchins
and Jesuits did most of the missionary work in the 18th century. From 1804, when independence was declared, until 1860, the country was in schism
. Relations were regularized by a concordat concluded in 1860, when an archdiocese and four dioceses were established. Most of the population of Haiti adheres to the Catholic faith, though some combine this with elements of voodoo.
Protestantism was introduced to the newly independent nation in 1807, and missionary efforts have been ongoing ever since. Today, approximately 15% of the Christians in Haiti are Protestant evangelicals.
is the yearly festival in Haiti that the peasants and urban poor celebrate. On the eve of Lent
, Rara processions build for six weeks until Easter week
starts. Processions include walking for miles through local territory, performing new and traditional songs, and attracting fans. The belief in this celebration is that they are conducting the spiritual work that becomes necessary when the angels and saints along with Jesus, disappear into the Underworld on Good Friday.
Overview
The island of HaitiHaiti
Haiti , officially the Republic of Haiti , is a Caribbean country. It occupies the western, smaller portion of the island of Hispaniola, in the Greater Antillean archipelago, which it shares with the Dominican Republic. Ayiti was the indigenous Taíno or Amerindian name for the island...
was first colonized by the Spanish, who later abandoned the island's western portion. That region came under French influence after 1630, and was formally recognized as the French colony of Saint-Domingue
Saint-Domingue
The labour for these plantations was provided by an estimated 790,000 African slaves . Between 1764 and 1771, the average annual importation of slaves varied between 10,000-15,000; by 1786 it was about 28,000, and from 1787 onward, the colony received more than 40,000 slaves a year...
in 1697. Under French rule, Roman Catholicism was the sole legal religion, though African slaves frequently practiced voodoo. Slaves revolted in 1791 and managed to achieve independence in 1804. Three years later Protestant missionary activity begun. Political control of the island shifted frequently during the 19th century with different European governments, the Dominican republic, Columbia and Haiti itself alternating in power.
Ecumenical relations
Protestant churches and sects have frequently attempted to so-ordinate their activities through organisations like the Council Churches in Haiti and the Protestant Federation. The Roman Catholic Church later participated in the Ecumenical Research group of 1968. The practice of voodoo is strong in Haiti and some voodoo practitioners advocate being included in any ecumenical gatherings.History of the development of Christianity in Haiti
The Spanish first brought Catholicism to the island. The first European to set foot on Haiti, Christopher Columbus]] landed on December 6, 1492, by way of San Salvador, with three ships. His own ship, the Santa MariaSanta María (ship)
La Santa María de la Inmaculada Concepción , was the largest of the three ships used by Christopher Columbus in his first voyage. Her master and owner was Juan de la Cosa.-History:...
ran aground near Mole St. Nicolas on the northwest of the island. Some evangelization efforts were extended to the natives, though this population was soon nearly wiped out through disease and slavery. African slaves, brought to work in their place, were introduced to Christianity.
During Spanish rule, religion was one of the most important aspects of life on the island. Catholic missionaries traveled inland and spread Christianity to most of the island inhabitants. In 1511, three bishoprics formed and the inhabitants appeared entheusiastic. However, missionary work among such impoverished people and on an tropical and was challenging. Diseases such as 'yellow fever' and malaria killed many missionaries and their converts.
Under French rule, Capuchins
Order of Friars Minor Capuchin
The Order of Friars Minor Capuchin is an Order of friars in the Catholic Church, among the chief offshoots of the Franciscans. The worldwide head of the Order, called the Minister General, is currently Father Mauro Jöhri.-Origins :...
and Jesuits did most of the missionary work in the 18th century. From 1804, when independence was declared, until 1860, the country was in schism
Schism (religion)
A schism , from Greek σχίσμα, skhísma , is a division between people, usually belonging to an organization or movement religious denomination. The word is most frequently applied to a break of communion between two sections of Christianity that were previously a single body, or to a division within...
. Relations were regularized by a concordat concluded in 1860, when an archdiocese and four dioceses were established. Most of the population of Haiti adheres to the Catholic faith, though some combine this with elements of voodoo.
Protestantism was introduced to the newly independent nation in 1807, and missionary efforts have been ongoing ever since. Today, approximately 15% of the Christians in Haiti are Protestant evangelicals.
Christian festivals in Haiti
RaraRara
Originating in Haïti, rara is a form of festival music used for street processions, typically during Easter Week. The music centers on a set of cylindrical bamboo trumpets called vaksen , but also features drums, maracas, güiras or güiros , and metal bells, as well as sometimes also cylindrical...
is the yearly festival in Haiti that the peasants and urban poor celebrate. On the eve of Lent
Lent
In the Christian tradition, Lent is the period of the liturgical year from Ash Wednesday to Easter. The traditional purpose of Lent is the preparation of the believer – through prayer, repentance, almsgiving and self-denial – for the annual commemoration during Holy Week of the Death and...
, Rara processions build for six weeks until Easter week
Easter Week
Easter Week is the period of seven days from Easter Sunday through the Saturday following.-Western Church:In the Latin Rite of Roman Catholicism, Anglican and other Western churches, Easter Week is the week beginning with the Christian feast of Easter and ending a week later on Easter Saturday...
starts. Processions include walking for miles through local territory, performing new and traditional songs, and attracting fans. The belief in this celebration is that they are conducting the spiritual work that becomes necessary when the angels and saints along with Jesus, disappear into the Underworld on Good Friday.