Erzulie

Erzulie, sometimes Ezili or Erzuli, is a family of female loa (spirits) in Haitian Vodou and related Afro-Caribbean religious traditions. They are associated with love, beauty, femininity, and relationships, and are commonly called upon to bless romance, affection, motherhood, and emotional well-being. The Erzulie are not a single spirit but distinct figures within a shared feminine domain, each with its own character, offerings, and rituals.

The best known among them are Erzulie Freda and Erzulie Dantor. Erzulie Freda represents romantic love, beauty, and refined luxury. She is typically described as gracious and affectionate, though occasionally vain, and is often depicted in fine dress with jewelry. Offerings for Freda commonly include roses, perfume, and jewelry, and prayers emphasize harmony and sentiment. She is frequently associated with pink and white.

Erzulie Dantor embodies protective, maternal love and fierce defense of children and the vulnerable. She is usually portrayed as a strong, dark-skinned woman and is invoked for protection, justice, and resilience in crisis. Her ritual colors are often red and blue, and offerings may include red candles, rum, and symbolic foods. Dantor is known for a direct, uncompromising energy in ritual practice.

Other manifestations exist within the Erzulie lineage, including Erzulie La Sirène, the sea goddess who embodies wealth, beauty, and mystery, among regional variants. In practice, loa are honored on altars through songs, drumming, dancing, and offerings to evoke their presence.

In Haitian Vodou, Erzulie figures are frequently syncretized with Catholic imagery, with associations varying by community.