Baoule
Spirit Lovers
Guest
Post by Christy Gissendaner
The
Baoule people of Africa’s Ivory Coast believe a parallel universe, called the
Blolo, exists where the spirits of newborns waiting to be born and the deceased
co-exist with the real world. Every spirit has a mate in the Blolo, who can be
enlisted to save their mate’s problems while in our world. Interesting? I
certainly thought so. Enough to write a Christmas novella centered on the
Baoule culture.
Romantic
problems, infertility, and general unhappiness in the real world can be cured
by commissioning figurines of spirit mates. Blolo bian (males) and Blolo bla
(females) are generally carved from wood and are created to the specifications
found most desirable in a spirit mate. Food, money, and attention can be given
to the spirit mate to keep them appeased, thus allowing a person to find
happiness in the real world.
Active
relationships are maintained between spirit mates, particularly in a dream
state. It is believed that nocturnal visits from a spirit mate will initiate
healthy interaction between a person and his or her physical mate.
Much
detail is given to these figurines - plump bottoms, elegant necks, thick legs.
All the attributes desirable in a proper Baoule mate. Social status and
individuality is acquired by use of adornment, costume, and hairstyle. Even
skin tone is considered when commissioning a spirit mate statue.
This
very primitive…yet romantic...practice provided the inspiration for Christmas
Spirits, a holiday themed novella set in modern-day Georgia. A chance reading
in an old encyclopedia and Tedros, the “spirit” of Christmas Spirits, was born!
The story is meant to portray the reality of spirit lovers, and I took a very
atypical approach to most romance novels.
Keep
reading to learn more about Kia’s quest for happiness and just what role Tedros
plays in her search for happiness.
CHRISTMAS SPIRITS: Kia Mays has little
time for anything as her lifelong dream of being a fashion designer comes to
fruition. For Christmas, she takes time out of her busy schedule to visit her
family in Georgia where her beloved grandmother, Naya, reveals a secret of her
Baoule heritage.
In Baoule, located on
the Ivory Coast of Africa, the people believe in spirit lovers, which you are
separated from at birth. Tedros, Kia’s lover from the spirit world, appears to
her and reveals that he is there to assist her in finding a mortal lover.
Elliot Melton, the
brother of Kia's new sister in law, is also invited to share the season with
the family. With the help of a meddling grandmother and an otherworldly spirit,
Elliot and Kia soon find out that Christmas is the best time to fall in love.
Buy Links:
