Baron Kriminel
Baron Kriminel is a much feared spirit or Loa in the Haitian Vodou religion. He is envisioned as the first murderer who has been condemned to death, and is invoked to pronounce swift judgment. Baron Kriminel is syncretized with Saint Martin de Porres, perhaps because his feast day is November 3, the day after Fete Ghede. His colors are black, purple, white and deep blood red.
Baron Kriminel | |
|---|---|
| Loa of Death | |
| Venerated in | Haitian Vodou, Louisiana Voodoo, Folk Catholicism |
| Feast | November 3 |
| Attributes | Black tailcoat and top hat, cigar, bottle of wine |
| Patronage | Death, cemeteries, criminals |
Worship
A person possessed by Baron Kriminel shouts obscenities, spits libations to all past criminals and threatens to kill surrounding people who violate them. If, during possession, Baron Kriminel is presented with food he does not like, he will threaten to bite chunks out of the arms of the possessed person. He sometimes calls for sacrifices of black chickens to be doused in petrol and set alight. The shrieking of the chickens when being burned alive is said to appeal to the cruel nature of Baron Kriminel and appease him. Baron Kriminel is said to be one of Baron Samedi's many aspects.[1]
Baron Kriminel will often grant requests in lieu, he is said to return on Fete Ghede, the Voduns' "Festival of the Dead" (November 2), to claim payment.