Introduction
Haitian culture has a unique history of shaping and development, first under the colonization of some European countries and then after gaining independence and going through many events. Most of the Haitian residents are African because back when slavery was flourishing in America, the island was adapted to the role of port and was often used during the trading. Due to these factors, the culture of Haiti, in addition to its native characteristics, gained some features from the Spanish and French traditions. Thus, this essay provides three main components of Haitian culture to explain its significance and importance to my identity.
Components of Haitian Culture
Since the Haitian way of living was evolving from certain conditions when the people were colonized, most suffered from its consequences, such as poverty and unethical labor; however, it created a foundation for the values and customs that the residents have nowadays. The traditional Haitian beliefs and practices include the deep dedication to their initial habits and the concept of communities. Therefore, the people demonstrate their openness and sociability, cherish their culture, honor the family and the elderly and cooperate for the collective work (Meleen, 2021). This style of living illustrates the Haitian’s ability to survive in the worst and poorest conditions by staying united and supporting each other. Those characteristics play a crucial role in my identity because they shaped my perspective on the importance of family. Moreover, they embraced the possibility of being a part of the group and working hard to achieve the goals.
Of all the traditional elements of Haiti, the most significant that comes first is family. Family is the key sphere of each resident’s life which, apart from cooperation and a strong sense of belonging to the community, guarantees the chances for survival. However, the lives of families residing in the urban and country area differ significantly. People from the more wealthy and prosperous part of the population live in modern houses, own personal vehicles, and have a tendency to contract formal marriages (Meleen, 2021). In turn, those who live in rural areas usually build their houses from the materials they can find in unsafe districts. They also have a tendency to live with extended families and take care of the household together. Although their living conditions are deficient, and sometimes, they do not have running water, they paint their homes with bright colors and embrace the traditions altogether (Meleen, 2021). In that way, the family values and customs serve as a fundament for maintaining joy and pleasure, even if not everyone has the privilege to live in abundance.
Religion is also an integral aspect of the Haitian residents, in addition to family and community values. They have several major religions, and still, it is allowed to have a choice of what faith to be devoted to. For instance, many inhabitants practice Catholicism and Protestantism, which were established during colonization and have been preserved until now (Meleen, 2021). However, there is also an aboriginal religious practice called Voodoo. Haitians use Voodoo to heal and cherish their ancestors, performing rituals that connect the spiritual and material worlds (Meleen, 2021). The residents’ flexibility allowed them to integrate the religions of the different nations while preserving the aboriginal features, which is significant for maintaining the origins of Haitians and encouraging diversity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Haitian culture has a versatile path that lies from the time of colonization by the European invaders, slavery, and the independence that the island has now. Throughout all of history, Haitians learned to value their family and communities, realizing the importance of mutual survival and productive work among loving and supporting surrounding. This also positively impacted my identity since I understand the importance of remembering and respecting my roots and community while embracing cultural and national differences.
Reference
Meleen, M. (2021). Haitian culture: Understanding family values and beliefs. Love to Know. Web.