This blog series, “SPIRITUAL PRACTICES OF AFRICA, AND THE DIASPORA,” explores indigenous beliefs and religions in Sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on ancestral worship, Christianity, and Islam. It highlights the region’s cultural heritage through rituals and community gatherings that reinforce identity and facilitate cultural transmission. The series also examines how these traditions adapt within the diaspora, emphasizing storytelling in preserving oral histories and passing lessons to future generations. Ultimately, it aims to enhance understanding of faith, identity, and cultural resilience in the region.
In this installment, I’m typing about a revered figure in Haitian and American Vodou, Escena en donde Willie Brown es enviado por su amigo, Robert Johnson, a encontrarse con Legba en la Encrucijada para firmar el pacto en donde Legba le enseñará a Brown a tocar blues a cambio de su alma.
Often in popular culture, Papa Legba is confused with the devil, or satan, as illustrated in these scenes where Willie Brown is sent by his friend, Robert Johnson, to meet Legba at the Crossroads to sign the pact in which Legba will teach Brown to play blues in exchange for his soul.
However, nothing can be further from the truth; PAPA LEGBA IS NOT THE DEVIL. In fact, he serves as a guardian between the spiritual world and our own, overseeing the crossroads of fate and destiny, as you’ll read about later when you scroll down.
And he NEVER changed his name to Scratch.
This confusion likely stems from the legend of Robert Johnson’s deal at the crossroads, where some interpretations suggest he met with the Devil, a figure often depicted as a tempter of souls. However, others believe it was Papa Legba with whom Johnson actually encountered, as he is traditionally viewed as a facilitator of communication between the living and the spiritual realm. This blending of stories may lead many to wrongly associate Legba with malevolence, which is a misconception that overshadows his true role as a benevolent guide. (We’ll get into this legend another time.)
So, who is Papa Legba if he’s not the devil?
Well, in case you didn’t watch the video…
Papa Legba is a prominent spirit (or Loa) in Haitian Vodou and other West African-derived religions, revered as a crucial intermediary between the human and spirit worlds. His importance extends beyond mere symbolism, as he holds a significant role in the fabric of spiritual practices that honor ancestral lineage and community ties. He is often depicted as an old man with a wise demeanor, accompanied by his loyal dog, a smoking pipe, and a distinctive straw hat that signifies his connection to the journey between realms. Frequently seen with a crutch or cane, he embodies the wisdom that comes with age and experience. His appearance is not just a representation; it carries deep meaning and purpose in the traditions he oversees.
Papa Legba is not only the gatekeeper but also a guide, invoked at the beginning of rituals to open the way for clear communication with other spirits, allowing practitioners to seek guidance, blessings, and insights from the vast spiritual realm. His presence is considered essential for ensuring the flow of energy and establishing a sacred connection between the material and spiritual domains, and he is revered for his role in maintaining harmony and balance in the universe. At the end of the rituals, he is called upon once more to close the communication, ensuring that the gateway between the worlds remains secure until the next encounter, reflecting the deep respect that the practitioners hold for both him and the spiritual forces they engage with. This act of closure is not merely procedural; it serves to reinforce the bonds between the seen and unseen, honoring the sacredness of the rituals and the spirits viewed as central to their cultural identity. As a figure steeped in history and spirituality, Papa Legba continues to inspire devotion and reverence, representing a bridge connecting humanity to the divine.
Like I said, we’ll get into the legend of Robert Johnson, as well as the crossroads in future installments, for there is a lot of information about afro diasporic spiritual practices that intertwine with the history of blues music and its cultural significance. This exploration will delve into how these practices influenced not only the music of Johnson but also the broader context of African American folklore. We will examine how various spiritual beliefs and rituals shaped the narratives around the crossroads—a symbolic meeting point of choice, fate, and the supernatural. By uncovering the layers of this rich heritage, we aim to provide a deeper understanding of the profound impact these traditions have had on music and identity, and we’ll analyze their relevance in contemporary discussions of cultural memory.
Jogo Corpo Fechado 