Where are the Moko Jumbies in St Croix?
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Where are the Moko Jumbies in St Croix?
Today, Moko Jumbies have become an integral part of St. Croix’s events and cultural scene. You can find the Moko Jumbies welcoming cruise ship passengers at the Frederiksted Pier, leading parades, dancing at jump ups, and as the premier entertainment at many island celebrations.
What does the Moko Jumbie represent?
In Central Africa, the word ‘moko’ means healer, while most English speaking people interpret moko as ‘mock’. Simple, huh? ‘Jumbie’ would be slang for ghost, or spirit. West Africans view a Moko Jumbie as a seeker or a protector and that their tallness is symbolic to the power of God.
How tall is a Moko Jumbie?
10 to 15 feet
The “Moko” is an Orisha (God) of Retribution. The term “Jumbie” was added post-slavery. The Moko Jumbie was regarded as a protector whose towering height made it easier to see evil before ordinary men. As a masquerade, these characters make long strides balanced on stilts that can be from 10 to 15 feet in height.
Where did Moko Jumbie originate?
Moko Jumbies originated in Africa but have been a part of the Virgin Islands heritage for over 200 years. Today they are a staple for many celebrations on island. You’ll be sure to find them in most parades, the quarterly “Jump Up” events in Christiansted and even at weddings.
How do I get rid of Jumbie?
If a jumbee chases a person, crossing a river may stop them. It is believed that jumbees cannot follow over water. Leaving a rope with many knots outside the door step will distract them. Jumbees love to try to untie knots; in doing so, they may forget about the house occupants.
What is the vengeance of moko?
Moko’ is a diviner in the Kongo language, and ‘jumbie’ is a spirit or ghost; but here the word Moko is also used to refer to a vengeful African God. Notice the saying, “The vengeance of Moko will fall on you.” So Moko Jumbie may also mean, “The spirit of the God Moko”.
What does a Bacoo look like?
The Bacoo closely resembles a leprechaun from Celtic Mythology. It is a dwarf like character that rewards its owner with wishes, and not just three. A Bacoo is recognized by it’s distinctive large eyes, long arms and legs. The Bacoo lives on bananas and milk.
What is a moon gazer?
He is described as a very tall man that comes out at night and motionlessly stares at the moon. Back in the mid 1900s, electricity was not common in Guyana and villagers would gather at night and frequently speak about seeing this tall mystical figure.
What is a Moko Jumbie Trinidad?
The Moko Jumbie is a stilt dancer that is known throughout the West Indies as a feature of John Canoe and other Christmas and Carnival fetes.
How hard is stilt walking?
They do take more balance and more time to learn the basics of walking, but they are highly impractical because the foot of the stilt is a very small area. Because of this, the stilt walker is required to constantly stay in motion, teetering back from foot to foot.
What is a still walker?
(stĭlt) n. 1. Either of a pair of long, slender poles each equipped with a raised footrest to enable the user to walk elevated above the ground.
What does the Dame Lorraine do?
The Dame Lorraine or Dame Lorine was a mas character played by the 18th and early 19th century French planters, who would dress up in elegant costumes of the French aristocracy and parade in groups at private homes/yards and Carnival Sunday night.
How do I get rid of a Bacoo?
Once the previous owner dies, another family member will inherit the bacoo and they are responsible for feeding it. To get rid of a bacoo, it’s recommended that you lure it into a bottle with milk and bananas. When the spirit is inside, put a stopper on the bottle and then toss it into the ocean or bury it.
How do I get rid of old Higue?
To destroy her, coarse salt and pepper must be placed in the mortar containing her skin so that she perishes, unable to put the skin back on.
What is a person on stilts called?
A moko jumbie (also known as “moko jumbi” or “mocko jumbie”) is a stilts walker or dancer.
