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Although Grenada is predominantly Roman Catholic, many Grenadians
belong to other churches, including Anglican, Baptist, Presbyterian, Pentecostal, Christian
Scientist, Seventh-Day Adventist, Jehovah's Witness and Church of Christ. There are also
some Ba'hai and Muslim Grenadians.
Some Grenadians follow a tradition known as Shango, which has its
origins in the religion of the Yoruba people of West Africa. Followers of Shango honour
Olodumare as the creator god, but rather than worshipping him directly, they worship individual
spirits such as Osun (god of the river) or Shango (god of thunder). |
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Followers of Shango dress in blue to pay homage to the sea and throw
food into lakes, rivers and the sea as an offering to the spirits. According to Shango
mythology, men were placed on the earth first and women were sent afterwards to deal with
the defects created by, and in, men. From 1917 to 1951, the British banned the practices
of Shango. |
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Did you know?
Some Grenadians believe that the interpretation of dreams can provide a way to understand
the world and people's actions. It is a way of expressing their spirituality.
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A few Grenadians still celebrate Saracca (or Salacca).
This is a traditional ceremony in which people feast, dance and offer food to their ancestors.
This ceremony gives thanks for a good harvest, a little like the North American celebration
of Thanksgiving. On the Sunday night during the celebration of Saracca, food and drink
are left for the ancestors. The food is given to the children of the household in the
morning. |
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A few Grenadians are Rastafarians, whose way of life has its roots
in Coptic Orthodox Christian beliefs from Ethiopia. Reggae music is part of their culture,
along with smoking marijuana, which Rastafarians believe allows them to move to a higher
spiritual plane.
Mama Maladi appear in many Grenadian myths and folk-lore.
Mama Maladi are believed to be women who died in pregnancy and who have come back
to take revenge. The Loup Garoo and its female equivalent, the Soucoyant, as well as
La Diablesse (meaning she-devil), are other evil spirits, much feared in Grenada. |
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