Agwé facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Agwé |
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|---|---|
| Loa of the Sea | |
| Venerated in | Voodoo, Folk Catholicism |
| Attributes | Shells, fish, blue, white, green, brown, oars, boats, mirrors,telescope, fish hooks, net, sailors'iform |
| Patronage | Sea, river, fishermen, sailors, sea captains, pirates, Thursday, ships, boats, wind, waves, sea travelers |
Agwé (sometimes called Goue, Agoueh, or Agive) is a powerful spirit, or loa, in Voodoo. He is known as the ruler of the sea. Agwé looks after all sea creatures and plants. He is also seen as the special protector of fishermen and sailors.
Contents
Who is Agwé?
Agwé is a very important spirit in the Voodoo religion. People believe he controls the ocean, including its fish and plants. He helps those who work on the water, like fishermen and sailors. His special day is Thursday.
How is Agwé Worshipped?
People who follow Voodoo show respect to Agwé in many ways.
What are Agwé's Colors and Symbols?
Agwé is often linked with the colors blue and white. Sometimes, sea-green or brown are also used. His special symbol, called a veve, looks like a boat with sails. Other symbols for Agwé include painted shells and oars. Sea animals like seahorses and starfish also represent him.
What Offerings are Given to Agwé?
People give offerings to Agwé to show their respect and ask for his help.
How are Offerings Made?
Small gifts for Agwé are gently dropped into the deep ocean. Larger offerings are placed on special rafts. These rafts are called barques d'Agwe. The rafts are then floated out to sea. If the raft sinks, it means Agwé has accepted the gift. If it floats back to shore, the offering was not accepted.
What Kind of Gifts Does Agwé Receive?
Offerings to Agwé include many items related to the sea. People might offer mirrors or toy ships. Oars, paddles, and sea shells are also common gifts. For drinks, people offer sweet coffee or cane syrup. White cake and olive oil are also given. Sometimes, special animals like male ducks or white goats are prepared. These cooked offerings are placed on plates for Agwé.
Agwé in Popular Stories
Agwé appears in different forms of popular entertainment.
- In the Broadway musical Once On This Island, Agwé is one of the main gods. He guides the story's main character. He is shown as the god of water. He appears with other gods, like Asaka (Earth mother), Erzulie (love goddess), and Ghede (death spirit).
- Agwé is also a character in the book My Love, My Love, or The Peasant Girl. This novel was written by Rosa Guy.
- The spirit Agwé is featured in a story by Andrei Gusev. His 2020 story, Once in Malindi, includes Agwé and followers of Voodoo.
See also
In Spanish: Agwé para niños
