The mermaid Lasirn is a powerful water spirit popular in the Caribbean Islands and parts of the Americas.  Like European mermaids, and the African mermaid water spirit Mami Wata, Lasirn holds a mirror to admire herself and a comb for her long, straight hair.  Lasirn's underwater world is known as "the back of the mirror," and her mirror is a symbol of the boundary between the two worlds. Followers of Lasirn say she takes them below the water to her world, and they return with new powers.  Some women become Vodou priestesses this way.  A well-traveled mermaid ,the story of Lasirn blends African and European mermaid stories with Caribbean culture.  When African slaves were brought to the Caribbean, they took their stories with them.

In Haiti, Lasirn is part of the Vodou tradition, and her followers appeal to her for help in Vodou ceremonies, where the mermaid's spirit may enter the body of a female follower and bring good luck with work, health, money, and love From Village Artistique de Noailles in Croix-des-Bouquets, Haiti

This metal art is direct from the Village Artistique de Noailles in Croix-des-Bouquets, Haiti and is a beautiful representation of Lasirn. Artwork measures 12.5” wide x 18” tall. 

Exploring Haitian culture is part of every Haiti Nursing Foundation Trip to FSIL Nursing School. Find out more about upcoming graduation and volunteer trips here.