Maman Brigitte

Maman Brigitte (English: Mother Brigitte) also written Gran Brigitte, Grann Brigitte, Manman, Manman Brigit, and Maman Brijit, is a death loa and the consort of Baron Samedi in Haitian Vodou. She drinks rum infused with hot peppers and is symbolized by a black rooster.[1] Like Samedi and the Ghede, she is foul-mouthed.[2] She is also the adoptive mother of Ghede Nibo.[1]

Maman Brigitte
Goddess of life, death, justice, motherhood, fertility, cemeteries, crosses, gravestones, women, souls of deceased relatives, obscenities, passion
Member of Ghede
Veve for Maman Brigitte
Other names	Grandma Brigitte, Manman, Maman Brijit, Grann (or Gran) Brigitte, Brigitte, Manman Brijit
Abode	Voodoo underworld
Mantra	Banda
Animals	Black rooster, horse
Symbol	Rum, hot peppers, fire, gravestones, crosses
Tree	Elm, weeping willow
Color	Purple, black, green
Gender	Female
Consort	Baron Samedi
Offspring	Ghede Nibo (adopted)
Equivalents
Christian equivalent	Brigid of Kildare Mary Magdalene
Yoruba equivalent	Oya
Celtic equivalent	Brigid

Due to the religious persecution of slaves in Haiti and the Americas, Maman Brigitte has been syncretized and represented by various saints, usually those depicted with fire or snakes, including Brigid of Kildare and Mary Magdalene, although she is usually syncretized with Saint Brigid.[1]

Inspired by many Irish myths and legends, Maman Brigitte originates from Ireland and is the only loa said to be inspired by Irish myth compared to other gods which all originate strictly from Africa. Maman Brigitte is the goddess of death who cares for the dead more than they were ever loved while living. As she wants to send a message to not forget the dead, Brigitte always respects those who respect the dead. Being a mother, she helps lost souls and spirits that are trapped and helps them find their way.[3]

Maman Brigette is mentioned in the novel Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward.[4]