Bonjou!  This week we will be looking at damou, love, in the developing country of Haiti and how relationships and love are viewed there now and in the past.  The culture in Haiti is very traditional compared to those of the United States.

 A visitor to the household never leaves the house empty handed or without a cup of coffee.  Hospitality is very important to keep up a good appearance amongst the community.

The people of Haiti feel very strongly about greeting each other properly, particularly in rural areas.  Often before people even begin a conversation, they say hello several times then engage in further conversation.  Men Shake hands with other men, men and women typically kiss on the cheek and women kiss other women on the cheek also to display friendship. 

Women and men commonly hold hands in public as a display of friendship with the same sex.  Very seldom to men and women in relationships show public affection toward each other, but show affection in private with each other.

Before a relationship begins, young women do not smoke or drink alcohol of any kind, with the exception of festive occasions with family members.  Men typically smoke and drink more often and especially at festivities in the community.  And continue to throughout the relationship. 

 Marriage is expected among the elite and middle classes in Haiti.  Because of the high cost of formal marriage ceremonies, couples regularly live together as man and wife until they are financially able to make their marriage official in either a Christian religious ceremony or in a court of jurisdiction.

In a marriage, the couple works together to become successful as one working body.  Each of the individuals in the relationship takes on different roles that complement each other and that work towards a common goal of success economically and socially. 

Although formal monogamous marital relationships are the norm, in rural Haiti, polygamy is still practiced.  The first wife is the only one that is recognized by government as the legitimate wife and the others are regarded as the man’s mistresses. 

Haitian love and relationships are still much different than countries like the United States but have the respect that is often lacking.  Find that special someone in Haiti may be difficult with the traditions, but definitely not impossible.

"m'swete'w tout bon bagay"