Petwo
The Petwo (also Pethro, Petro loa) are a family of loa (spirits) in
Haitian Voodoo mythology. The story is that they originated in
Haiti, under the harsh conditions of slavery. The term petwo can also refer to a drum used in the music of Haiti.
Story
Their rites feature whip cracking, whistles and ignited gunpowder. In addition, Petwo drumbeats are swifter and more syncopated than the Rada rhythms. Danto is considered the "mother" of the Petwo nation and is one of the most important Petwo lwa. Where Her sister Freda (a Rada lwa) is known for Her softness and gentleness, Danto is known for Her strength. When faced with harsh reality Freda breaks down in tears; Danto's response is an inarticulate shuddering tantrum.
Hierarchy
Haitian spirits, or lwa, are divided into several "nations." Two of the major nations are the Rada and Petwo. The Rada lwa spirits like Danbala, Ezili Freda and Papa Legba -- are said to come from Africa, from the former Dahomean empire. Many scholars believe that the name "Rada" is a corruption of "Arara," an African port from whence many slave ships were launched. Rada spirits are typically thought to be peaceful or benign.
Some mistakenly refer to the Rada lwa as "good" and the Petwo as "evil." This is misleading; the Rada lwa can be used to make malevolent magic, while the Petwo can heal and do beneficial workings. They are more accurately referred to as "cool" and "hot," respectively.
Rites
The Petwo rites are an integral part of the initiation ceremony (Kanzo), the rite by which serviteurs are initiated as priests and priestesses (houngans and mambos) of Haitian Vodou. The Bat Ge, the ceremony that precedes the Kanzo, is dedicated to the Petwo lwa, and the paket kongo created by and for new initiates are made under the watch of the Petwo spirits.
References
- "Ezili Danto: Single Mother with a Knife" by Kevin Filan (with permission from the author) http://www.widdershins.org/vol9iss5/06.htm
| Afro-American Religions | ||
|---|---|---|
| Religions | Candomblé · Hoodoo · Kumina · Obeah · Palo · Quimbanda · Santería (Lukumí) · Spiritual Baptist · Umbanda · Vodou/Voodoo · Winti |  |
| Deities | Babalu Aye · Eshu · Iansan · Mami Wata · Obàtálá · Ogun · Ọlọrun · Orunmila · Ọṣun · Shango · Yemaja | |
| Roots | Ifá, Oriṣa (Yorùbá) · Lwa (Dahomey) · Nkisi (Kongo) · Catholicism (Portugal, Spain) | |
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