Patchwork Designs > HISTORICALLY SPEAKING PATCH PROGRAM

HISTORICALLY SPEAKING HAITI PATCH PROGRAM
complete 3 requirements to earn this patch
you can print this page and share it with others

1. Haiti is a country in the Caribbean. It is part of Hispaniola, a small island in the Greater Antillean Archipelago, shared with the Dominican Republic. The motto of Haiti is “L’union fait la force” (“Union makes Strength”) Learn the capital and what the flag looks like. The Capital City of Haiti is Port-au-Prince. Haiti’s flag is red and blue striped with the Haitian coat of arms in the middle.

2. In Haiti there are two main languages. French is the main language that is written and used in schools, businesses, ceremonies and generally all aspects of life. However, Haitian Creole is also spoken by almost all Haitians. It is closely related to the French language and is influenced by African languages. Choose a language to learn how to speak a phrase or some words.

3. In Haiti, the cuisine derives from both French and African cuisines. It also is similar to that of Latin-Caribbean type foods as well. Popular food items include dishes with beans, fish, chicken, and other spicy foods. They also have a variety of fruit markets. Try some foods from Haiti or make a recipe from Haiti.

4. Many people in Haiti practice Voodoo rituals and festivals. One of the popular festivals that takes place in Haiti every year is Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras is the end of the 4 day celebration of Carnival. It is a fun and colorful celebration where the streets are filled with parade floats, people in wild costumes, and a lot of loud and lively music. Haiti has a lot of other fun and colorful celebrations. Visit a cultural celebration or re-creation of a holiday event OR learn the background of the celebrated holiday or festival. You may also create a drawing or art project, or prepare a food.

5. In Haiti, dance is a vital part of the activities that surround Haitian life. There are dances for all ceremonial events, secular or religious. Haitians view dance as a positive statement of life that creates forces within oneself and within the spirit world. Watch a dance or learn more information about a dance and try your own moves. Examples: Ibo, Nagi, Mayi, and Parigol.

6. In Haiti, Voodoo is a powerful influence on the people that reside there. Their legends are filled with gods and goddesses of the voodoo belief system. Voodoo is not like what is seen in Hollywood movies, but very spiritual and is taken seriously in Haiti. The stories are sometimes about people, animals or spirits. Read a story, legend, OR listen to a legend or play.

7. The “tap-tap” truck is the common type of transportation found in Haiti. Learn more about “tap-tap” truck, decorate or create a paper truck, OR play a game using a “tap-tap” truck theme.

8. Haiti is part of Hispaniola. Hispaniola is a major island in the Caribbean and also contains the Dominican Republic. The climate of Hispaniola is hot and humid and tropical. The land is mostly covered by forests and mountains. A major problem in both Haiti and The Dominican Republic is deforestation, however especially in Haiti. Learn more about the problems of deforestation and learn about ways it is destructing the environment, and how it can be suppressed OR create a community service project that assists the environment. Deforestation– Cutting down of trees in large quantities.

9. Haitian handicrafts are handmade and often very colorful. An example is called drapo art. It is very colorful and detailed with sequins and patterns. Create a craft or project using a traditional a skill OR representing Haiti, OR observe someone creating a handicraft OR view them on the internet or books.

10. In Haiti, the clothing is generally loose fitting, and light weight because of the heat. The ceremonial clothing for both men and women are colorful and bright and are made out of cotton. Draw a picture of the clothing, dress up in a Haiti themed costumes, create an accessory or complete our paper dolls OR view traditional clothing through books or the internet or our country manual.

11. There are a variety of games played in Haiti. Learn a traditional game OR play a game that symbolizes Haiti OR play a water game OR play a game in our manual.