Introduction to Damballa
Damballa-Wèdo, often simply called Damballa, is a prominent figure among the loas of the Rada rite. He is the god of springs and rivers, and is represented as a serpent-loa who resides in the trees.
Damballa does not speak but communicates through whistles, and instead of walking, he moves by undulating on the earth. This characteristic causes people possessed by Damballa to adopt snake-like behaviors, climbing trees and crawling on the ground.
Damballa is married to Ayda, another important figure in Vodou. He also maintains a friendship with Agwé, the god of the sea.
Damballa correspondence chart
| Vévé |
 |
| Rite | Rada |
| Colors | White |
| Offerings | Eggs on a pile of flour, corn syrup, white hens |
| Celebration date | January 2 |
| Sacred places | Springs, rivers, trees |
| Planets | Mercury, Moon |
| Helpers | Protection, renewal, blessing, balance |
| Catholic equivalent | Saint Patrick |
Symbols and appearances of Damballa
Damballa is represented as a serpent, due to his association with this creature. He is symbolized as winding or coiled, reflecting his undulating movement on the earth.
