Tales, Chants, Koudmen and Bush Doctors

I've spent time in the libraries researching Saint Lucia's past. It is rich in oral history, but thin on written information. These are just a few of the things I have picked up during visits to the library over the past year. I've saved a few others for a future post.

TALES

Tim-Tim Tales is oral literature told by a Konte. The Konte tells the tale with movements, acting, singing, and comedy. It’s an interactive tale where the audience gets involved. Many times the tales have moral lessons. A typical tale would center on good vs. evil. There are both animal tales and human tales. The tales are told in Kweyol.


A character in the animal tale is Konpe Lapin (rabbit). Depending on the tale he can be a thief, a schemer, a wise fellow, or a knowledgeable leader.


An example of a human tale follows. The three main characters in the human tale are brothers; Gros Jean who is strong, Mi Jean who is smart, and Ti Jean who possesses common sense. The devil sends servants to challenge the brothers. Gros Jean, who is exceptionally strong for a human, is no match for the devil’s strength. Mi Jean who is smart doesn’t understand the environment and is no match for the cleverness of the devil. Ti Jean who possesses common sense, enlists all the animals in the forest to fight with him. The devil gets very angry and he uses his devilish strength to fight back. Ti Jean knows that all the animals and his own strength combined are no match for the devil. Ti Jean prays. He uses common sense and shows his love for all creatures as well as his faith to defend against the devil. Ti Jean prevails.

CHANTS

Music is important on the island. Traditional music includes folk songs, lullabies, and chants. The chants are adaptations of Gregorian Chants. Today’s music is mainly composed of Country Western and Reggae, but it’s common to hear traditional music on the island.

KOUDMEN

A Koudmen is usually organized on a Sunday. Friends and helpers provide free labor for those that need an extra hand. Music is incorporated. If help is needed in the fields, musicians will come with tanbou (drum), bamboo, iron, or bottles which are struck to create motivating rhythm. Songs with work chants are sung. The Koudmen creates a sense of reciprocity in the community.

BUSH DOCTORS

Evil spirits can be a concern. The Gadi, a bush doctor, is enlisted. He places special things in gardens and performs rituals. The Gadi is also a spiritual advisor.