I was having a conversation with a dear friend yesterday about this photo. I’ve titled it Sacred Water, which is related to symbols in the image, but ironic, I suppose, considering it’s location.
I shot this behind the San Fernando General Hospital. It is on the shore leading up to the San Fernando wharf. Hindus and those who practice Ifa (commonly called Shango Baptists in Trinidad & Tobago) plant flags as a part of the devotion ritual. Dotted around T&T are many homes with flags tied on bamboo posts. I’ve witnessed the practice before when I was younger, and I believe, if my memory serves me correctly, offerings are planted below the posts and then the flags are placed in the earth. These however, are in the water, or near enough to it. Dotted along Otaheite Bay, where a substantial Hindu community lives, and in the area where fishing boats are moored, people go to be baptised, and sometimes people go sea bathing, you can also see some flags planted in the sea.
You know its interesting to note how similar these practices are. Is this something that both faiths got from their continents? Or is this something Trinidad specific?
It is very interesting indeed. And a look across several religions there are other strikingly similar practices.
I looked at the picture and at first glance, I could have sworn that it was Point Sable, and I started to wonder when those flags were planted.
This is a very good idea you came up with, and I am sure that we will have a great deal to learn, from viewers’ perspective and comments.
Do you know, or perhaps I should say, that I heard that within the Baptist faith, there is an Indian category.