This year marks the 208th year of independence for Haiti. Independence day is celebrated on New Year’s day (and the day after). It is undeniable that Haitians have seen more than their share of death, struggle, turmoil, hopelessness, poverty, <insert more struggles here>. The story of a powerless, beaten, and victimized culture overcoming oppression is easy for me to write but completely unimaginable and foreign to me when attempting to visualize it. Their story is a story of struggle yet victory, hopelessness yet endurance, poverty yet faith for tomorrow.
They are…
The first black-led nation in the world and the only country whose independence stemmed from a successful slave rebellion.
Wait, what?!… I need to process that statement…
- first black-led nation: Umm… really?! That is crazy… so in 1804 there was not a black-led nation up until Haiti?!
- Whose independence stemmed from a successful slave rebellion: Wikipedia says, “Haiti gained its independence from France in the first successful slave rebellion in the Americas”. To me, this says a lot about Haitians! They are strong, willing to fight for their freedom, fight for equality, willing to sacrifice today for a better tomorrow! Sounds like traits we talk about in America – freedom, equality, to be treated as a human. As I read it, the French displayed extraordinary cruelty. The 500,000 slaves taken by the French were flogged, starved, and buried alive for minor offenses.
What does this day have to do with pumpkin soup? Straight from a Haitian’s mouth, Everything! All throughout the French reign of terror, they forbade all Haitians from drinking pumpkin soup. It was considered a delicacy far too sophisticated for the palate of slaves. Therefore as a symbol of freedom, all Haitians, no matter where we are on the planet, drink pumpkin soup (soup joumou) every January first since 1804.
Today in honor of Haitian’s we had authentic pumpkin soup! It was fantastic! I am pretty sure my bowl included some goat intestines but I try not to think about it :-D.
2 responses to “Haitian New Year = Haitian Pumpkin Soup”
Oh that was great! Love the history. I love pumpkin soup, but our recipe is a creamy variety. I will enjoy it even more now, (without goat intestines) 😉 The Haitians seem to be a resilient people! Thanks for sharing!
The information throughout your Blogs about the Haitian people and your experience is insightful, rich and beautiful. A people who demonstrate depth, fortitude and ability to overcome, makes me rejoice in our Creator.
This day, I especially rejoice, as I celebrate with you, your thirty years of life. You were created by God and have Divine purpose.
I am proud of you, believe in you and am confident in your walk with our Savior. The road you have let God take you on is one of extreme growth, reward, and blessings as your heart is focused on Him. I thank God for you and everyday that you were in our care (from birth you were fully dedicated unto Him). You have been a blessing and are a blessing to many! Happy Birthday. Your Mom (and Dad)