Haitian Culture
Haitian Customs
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Haitian culture is a mix of French, African and native Taino elements, with some lesser influence from the colonial Spanish and Portuguese.
The customs are a blend of cultural beliefs derived from these various ethnic groups that have inhabited the island of Hispaniola.
Class and CastesThere is a marked level of different social status in Haiti's society, measured by the degree of French phrases and words, in western influenced dress, and the straightening of the hair.
There is a wide gap between the wealthy elite and the masses. The wealthier tend to have lighter skin, thought to be from intermarriages of the elite with white merchants. It is noted that darker skinned people have succeeded well in the military and many have been presidents.
Roles of Men and WomenMen tend to monopolize the job market in Haiti culture. Jobs such as jewelers, construction workers, general laborers, mechanics, chauffeurs, most doctors, teachers, pastors, and politicians are held only by men.
Men also dominate in areas of spiritual healing and herbal medicine. On a domestic level, men provide the care of livestock and the gardens.
Women look after cooking, housecleaning, and hand washing of clothes. Rural women and children would also bring in water and firewood and help at harvesting and planting times.
Women are thought of as the owners of the harvest and being the dominate marketers, they often have control of their husband's wages.
Women have some opportunities in nursing and teaching and have made some inroads into the medical field.
Haitian CustomsGreetings are very important to Haitian culture. When people meet on a path in rural areas, they will exchange 'hellos' several times before striking up conversation.
Men shake hands, both when they meet and depart, men and women exchange a kiss on the cheek, and women kiss each other on the cheek, and in rural areas women kiss female friends on the lips as an expression of friendship.
In public, a display of friendship is commonly expressed by holding hands by both women with women and men with men. There is no sexual intent to public hand holding.
When money is readily available and the price of something is already known and decided, Haitian people will still haggle. The higher class people are expected to treat the lower class people with impatience and contempt and arguments are heated, loud, and common.
Smoking and AlcoholWith the exception of festive occasions, young women do not smoke or drink alcohol. Men partake, not excessively, at festivities, funerals, and cockfights.
Older women who are active in marketing, begin to drink rum (kleren) and use snuff and tobacco in a pipe or cigar. It is less common for men to use snuff, but they do smoke tobacco, more in the form of cigarettes.
Haiti MusicThe music of Haitian culture is varied. Styles such as Rara, Voodoo drum, Racine (Roots/Rock), Kompa, Rap (Hip/Hop Kreyol), Twoubadou, Contre-danse, Cadence rampa, Kata and Meringue are all enjoyed.
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