Daily Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1828-1831, 1829-03-23
From Trcing's Life Of COLUMBUS.
OF HAYTI.


From bving's Life Of Columbus.
ABORIGINES OF HAYTI
Columbus had also at first INDUCED in the error
that the natives of Hayu were destitute of all no.
tons of religions; and he had consequently aattered
himself that it would be the easier to introduce into
their minds the doctrines of Christianity; aware
that il IS more difficult to light up the fire of devo-
ton In the cold heart of atheist, than divert the
fame to a new object when it is already enkndled
There are few beings, however, destitute of re-
Election, es not to be impressed with the conviction
of an overriding deity: nation of atheists never ex-
listed. II was soon discovered that these islanders
had their creed though of vague and simple nature.
They believed in one supreme being, who inhabited
the skies. who was immortal, omnpotent and invsi-
ble to whom they ascribcd an origin, having moth
er but no father. They never addressed their wor-
ship directly to him, but employed inferior deities
called Zemes, as messengers and mediators. Each
cacique had his tutear deity of this order, whom he
invoked ard pretended to consult in all his public
undertakings, and who reverenced by his peo-
pie. He had a house apart, as temple to this DEL
ty, In which was an image of his Zemi, carved of
wood. Of stone, shaped of clay or cotton and
generally of some monstrous and hideous FORM
Each family and each individual, had likewise n par
ticular Zcm, or protecting genius, like the Lares
and Penates OF the ancents. These were placed in
every part OF their houses, or carved their frn-
ture. Some had them of small size and bound
them about their forcheads when they went to battle
They believed their Zenes to be transferable with
altheir powers and often stole them from each 9th
or. When the Spaniards came among them, they
often hid their idols, lest they should be taken away
They believed that these ZeInes presided over every
object in nature, each havinga particular charge or
government. They influenced the seasons and the
clements; causing sterile abundant years stirring
up hurricanes and whirlwnds, and tenpests of rain
and thunder, or sending sweet and temperate airs
and fruitful showers They governed the seas and
forests, the springs and fountains; like the Mercedes
the Dryads, and the Satys of antiquity. They gave
success in hunting and fishing They guided the
waters of the mountains into safe channels and led
them down to wander through the plains, in gentle
brooks and peaceful rivers; or fincenscd they caus-
ed them burst forth into rushing torrents and over
whelmng floods, inundating and laying waste the
valleys.
The natives bad their Butios, or priests, who pre-
tended to hold communion with these Zemes. Thew
practsed rigorous fasts and ablutons and inhaled
the powder, drank the infusion of certain herb
which produced temporary intoxicaton or dellrum
In the course of this process, they protested to have
frances and visions, and that the Zemes revealed TO
them coming events, instructed them in the treat
ment Of maladies. Theywere in general great herba-
lists, well acquainted with the medicinal properties of
trees and vegetables. They cured diseases through
their knowledge of simples, hut always with MANY
mysterious rites and ceremonies and supposed charms
chanting, and burning light in the chamber of the
patient, and pretending to exercise the mulady 60
eXpel it from the mansion, and to send 10 the sea
or to the mountain. is
Their bodies we're painted or tattooed with figures
OF the Zemes, which were regarded with horror by
the SpRnIards, many representations of the de-
VII; and the butos esteemed a kind Of saints by
tle natives were abhorred by the former as necro-
Jnanccrs. These butios often assisted the cacuues
in practising receptions upon their Subjects speak
ing oraculary through the Zcmes, by means Of hol-
low tubes, insprating the Indians to battle by pre-
dieting success, dealing forth such promises or
mcnaces might suit the purposes Of the cheftain
There is but one OF their solemn religious cere-
ioonies, OF which any record exists. The cacioue
proclaimed day when a kind Of festival was TO be
held in honor Of his Zemes. His subjects assembled
from all parts, and formed solemn procession; the
married men and women decorated with their most
precious ornaments the young females entirely naked
J1e caclque, or the principal personage marched NJ
Tho head, beating kind of drum. In this wav thew
proceeded 20 the cOnsccTated house, or temnlo in
winch were set up the images Of tho Zemes. Arr-
we'd at the door, the caeque seated himself on Tic
outside, continuing TO beat his drum, whilcfhe pro
cession catered; the females carrying Baskets Of
cakes oTnamented with flowers, and singing az thew
advanced. These offerings were received by tho
butos or PRIESTS with loud cries or rather howlinps
Ihey broke the cakes after they had been offered TO
the Zones and distributed the morses TO the heads
~ families, who preserved them carefully throughout
the year, as preventive of all adverse Accidents
this done, Mt signal the females danced, singing
songs IN honor Of tho Zemes or in praise of the he.
role actions OF their ancient caciqHes The whole
ceremony finished by invoking the Zemes TO watch
over protect the nation.
Besides the ZeIncs each cncidue had three ;dols ~
ta,islans, which were mere stones, but which were
held IN eat reverence by themselves and their sub
scots. One they supp sed had the power TO pro-
luce abundant harvests another % remove all pain
from wcmen IN traval and the third 10 call forth rain
or sunshine, when either was required. Three of
these werc sent home bv Columbus 10 the soye-
reigns.