Erzulie facts for kids

The Black Madonna of Częstochowa, an image often linked to Erzulie.

Erzulie (sometimes spelled Erzili or Ezili) is a group of important spirits called loa in Voodoo. These spirits are like guides or helpers in the Voodoo religion. Erzulie is often linked to things like love, beauty, and water.

Who is Erzulie?

The Erzulie spirits are a family of loa who are often connected to water and qualities seen as feminine. They represent different parts of love, beauty, and life.

Erzulie Fréda

Erzulie Fréda is a well-known Erzulie spirit. She is the spirit of love, beauty, jewelry, dancing, and luxury. People often think of her when they want to feel good or look beautiful.

She is said to wear three wedding rings. Each ring is for one of her husbands: Damballa, Agwe, and Ogun. Her special symbol is a heart. Her favorite colors are pink, blue, white, and gold. People who honor her might offer her gifts like jewelry, perfume, sweet cakes, and nice drinks.

Erzulie Dantor

Erzulie Dantor is another important Erzulie spirit. She is a powerful loa in a different part of Voodoo called the Petro family. She is often shown as a strong and brave Black woman.

Her favorite offerings include jewels and golden rings. People also offer her rum and, for her birthday, a black pig. She is known for her strength and protection.

Erzulie in Books and Shows

Erzulie, along with other loa like Damballa, Baron Samedi, and Papa Legba, has appeared in many stories.

• They are in the WildCats comic series.
• They also show up in Terry Pratchett's book Witches Abroad (1991). In this book, a powerful Voodoo woman is named Erzulie Gogol.
• In the Broadway musical Once On This Island, Erzulie is one of four main gods. These gods guide and help the main character throughout the story.
• Erzulie is also mentioned in Zadie Smith's 2005 novel On Beauty.

See also

In Spanish: Erzulie para niños