Manman Brigitte is a venerated figure in the Haitian Vodou religion. Her fiery red hair and fair-skinned complexion hint at her Irish origins — historians believe she evolved from the Celtic goddess Brigid and the Catholic St. Brigid of Kildare. Today, she’s called upon by vodou practitioners for her healing powers, and she’s considered a protector of women against violence or unfaithful lovers.  For Further Reading:

• Maman Brigitte, Loa of the Dead in Voodoo Religion
• Spirits Born out of Blood: The Lwa of the Voodoo Pantheon
• Maman Brigitte Haitian Loa | New York Latin Culture Magazine
• The Black Religion That's Been Maligned for Centuries 

This month, we're talking about Goddesses: mythical figures who have shaped culture, history, and imagination around the world. History classes can get a bad rap, and sometimes for good reason. When we were students, we couldn’t help wondering... where were all the ladies at? Why were so many incredible stories missing from the typical curriculum? Enter, Womanica. On this Wonder Media Network podcast we explore the lives of inspiring women in history you may not know about, but definitely should. Every weekday, listeners explore the trials, tragedies, and triumphs of groundbreaking women throughout history who have dramatically shaped the world around us. In each 5 minute episode, we’ll dive into the story behind one woman listeners may or may not know–but definitely should. These diverse women from across space and time are grouped into easily accessible and engaging monthly themes like Educators, Villains, Indigenous Storytellers, Activists, and many more.  Womanica is hosted by WMN co-founder and award-winning journalist Jenny Kaplan. The bite-sized episodes pack painstakingly researched content into fun, entertaining, and addictive daily adventures.  Womanica was created by Liz Kaplan and Jenny Kaplan, executive produced by Jenny Kaplan, and produced by Grace Lynch, Maddy Foley, Brittany Martinez, Edie Allard, Lindsey Kratochwill, Adesuwa Agbonile, Carmen Borca-Carrillo, Taylor Williamson, Sara Schleede, Paloma Moreno Jimenez, and Abbey Delk. Special thanks to Shira Atkins. 

Original theme music composed by Miles Moran. Follow Wonder Media Network:

• Website
• Instagram
• Twitter

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.