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Corpus Christi, known as "Fête-Dieu" in Haiti, is a Christian feast that celebrates the real presence of the body and blood of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. It falls on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday, which is itself eight weeks after Easter.
The observance of Corpus Christi originated in the 13th century and was extended to the whole Church by Pope Urban IV in 1264. In Haiti, a country with deep Catholic roots due to French colonial influence, Corpus Christi has been infused with local traditions and sometimes syncretized with Vodou practices.
Religious processions are a key tradition on this day. These are often led by clergy and followed by congregants who carry sacred items such as crosses, statues, and relics through the streets. Flowers, particularly those with symbolic significance like lilies, are used to decorate churches and altars representing purity and holiness.
On Corpus Christi:
Church Services: Many Haitians attend Mass or special church services where the Eucharist is celebrated with heightened reverence.
Public Processions: Religious processions through towns and villages are common; participants may sing hymns and pray.
Community Gatherings: Families and communities often come together for shared meals or fellowship following religious observances.
Artistic Expressions: In some places, intricate designs called "sawdust carpets" might be created on streets for the procession to walk over, showcasing an integration of art into spiritual practice.
While Corpus Christi is predominantly a religious observance, it also reflects Haiti's cultural diversity by incorporating elements from various cultural practices within its commemoration.
