The ceremony of Agwe
A sacrificial ram is dyed blue. A raft is constructed and painted with symbols of Agwe. Fishes, boats and shells etc. The symbol of La Sirene (the sea aspect of Erzulie) is painted there too, a mermaid accompanied by a dove. There are symbols of other Voodoo gods too and the raft is covered with offerings. There is a great feast prepared. The day is spent in prayer. In the evening songs are sung and a huge bed is prepared for Agwe and La Sirene (his consort). It is believed that this is where they spend the night.
In the morning, the whole group of priests and worshippers (hougouns - male worshippers and mambos - female worshippers) board a boat, taking with them the raft along with it's offerings, the ram, ceremonial drums, a seven tiered wedding cake, pigeons and chickens, food and drink etc.
The boat sets out to a place which is believed to be above the underwater home of Agwe 'Z'ile Minfort'. Once here, the chickens and pigeons are slaughtered and piled onto the raft with all the other gifts. The wedding cake sits at the centre of the raft surrounded by the offerings. Many of the worshippers become 'possessed' and need to be showered with water (Agwe must be kept wet).
The ram is thrown into the sea closely followed by the raft and all it's goods. The raft stays afloat for a while and then slowly sinks. The worshippers celebrate in song as Agwe accepts their offerings as they sink under the water's surface.
Adapted from 'A guide to the Gods' by Richard Carlyon
