Why do Haitians eat soup joumou on Independence day?
During slavery, only the French colonial masters and plantation owners were allowed to enjoy this delicacy, a delicacy prepared by slaves. After the revolution, the free Haitians were finally able to eat this meal. The soup came to represent freedom, emancipation and independence.
What is the history of soup joumou?
The Haitian New Year’s Day tradition of soup joumou or pumpkin soup is said to date back to January 1, 1804, the day Haitian slave and revolutionary leader Jean-Jacques Dessalines declared Haiti’s independence from its French colonizers. To celebrate Haiti’s liberation, the soup became a symbol for freedom.
What do Haitians eat on Independence day?
Soup Joumou
In my family every January 1st, it is a Haitian tradition to eat soup joumou to celebrate our Independence Day. In English this translates to pumpkin soup. This soup is made up of yellow squash, beef, pasta, potatoes, cabbage, and many other vegetables.
Why do Haitians eat pumpkin soup on January 1st?
Soup Joumou, also known as the Haitian Independence Soup, is a hearty pumpkin (or squash) soup that is traditionally served on January 1 to commemorate the day of Haiti’s liberation from France in 1804.
What are Haitian traditions?
Haiti’s culture encompasses aspects of the original indigenous inhabitants, the African freed slaves, French Roman Catholicism, and the folklore of voodoo. The most important Haiti holiday is Carnival, a flamboyant display of pageantry similar to the Mardi Gras of deep-south American cities like New Orleans.
How do Haitian celebrate?
Like New Orleans’ Mardi Gras celebration, Haiti’s Carnival involves parades, costumes, local music and dancing in the streets to herald holy season. Fat Tuesday falls before Easter and has families dining on banquets at home. Meanwhile, in the streets, the festivities continue far into the night.
Why do Haitians drink soup?
It’s a celebration of their country’s independence, and a squash-based soup called soup joumou is a symbol of that freedom. So, every January 1, Haitians prepare and eat soup joumou to commemorate Haiti’s independence. Haitians are so proud of their culture and their independence.
What is marriage like in Haiti?
In Haiti, the matron/maid of honor and the best man usually take prominent positions together with the bride and the groom. They can escort them down the aisle, and they sit along with them. They even sign the marriage license. The bride and the groom must also have their witnesses who also sign the marriage license.
Why is soup joumou the national soup of Haiti?
The Soup That Symbolizes Haitian Freedom. On January 1—the country’s independence day—Haitians prepare soup joumou, a rich pumpkin soup with an even richer history. Haiti became free on January 1, 1804, and on that day it acquired a new name too.
Who is making joumou for Haitian Independence Day?
Wesly Jean Simon is one of several Haitian cooks and chefs across the country who will make and serve soup joumou — safely — this Haitian Independence Day. Credit… For Haitians, liberation and soup joumou go hand in hand.
Why do Haitians eat soup on Independence Day?
Haitian Independence Day is celebrated by many via meals including soup joumou which had long been the forbidden soup of its masters, now embraced by free independent Haitians and a symbol of their strength, resolve, and yes freedom. It is as much about looking to the future as it is about celebrating the past.
What kind of soup do they eat in Haiti?
The dish is a staple of Haitian cuisine and has a long and meaningful history. Soup joumou is a hearty squash-based soup. Joumou is a type of squash found in Haiti.