Wk 13
This week I decided to write about a duppy. A duppy is within Caribbean folklore and refers to a spirit that usually has malevolent tendencies. It originates from West African Spiritual beliefs, specifically from Akan. When the enslaved Africans were brought to the Caribbean, they introduced their folklore and beliefs. Some of the names of duppies are called the rolling calf, old figure, and shadow people. The rolling calf is believed to be described as a fearsome duppy in the form of a bull or cow, often with chains clanking. It likes to roam at night and scare travelers. The old figure is a vampire-like duppy but is usually an old woman who removes her skin at night and sucks the blood of babies. Lastly, the shadow people are spirits that appear darker like a shadowy look. Duppies are believed to come out at night and in lonely places. Graveyards and cotton trees are believed to be their homes. Also, Duppies can possess people and give bad luck, and some ways of protecting yourself can be Sprinkling salt near your home, turning clothing inside out, Placing rice or sand at the doorstep, and Reading scriptures or prayers to scare them off. A piece of pop culture duppies are engraved in are in reggae/dancehall music. A good example of this would be seen in reggae music such as Duppy Conqueror by Bob Marley, which stands for having a victory over negative forces in life. Another pop culture reference would be in Drake's song “ Duppy Freestyle”.
I believe that Duppy may be real because I think negative forces and evil spirits exist. I already believe in African culture such as Vodoo. I believe that duppies are harmful spirits and we should take caution just like we should with any other evil force. I would be a little fearful, and try my best to protect by sprinkling salt or placing rice/sand.