in background.
With my interview subject unavailable for the next two days and completely stumped by writers block I turned to my editor for any suggestion on a potential article topic.
“Well, you could write about the ‘Bolom’ in Jacmel,” he offered. Supposedly in the Sarrot Community, a man found an unwanted intruder in his selfie. But this was no ordinary photo bomber. The interloper is believed to be a ‘Bolom’. According to the gentleman’s daughter the unidentified guest was not part of the trio present in the house that day. The family is convinced that he has set up camp at their Bexon home.
“Absolutely not!” was my immediate response complete with exaggerated eye roll. First of all I don’t even know what a Bolom really is? Is it even a proper noun? Should I capitalize it?
One of my colleagues shared her limited insight on the situation.
“Yeah there was one around election time in 2011. You didn’t hear that? Yes, apparently SLP had a Bolom,” she explained conspiratorially, nodding her head.
Intrigued, I had to ask. “So did you see it?”
I am going to assume by her blank stare that’s a negative.
I decided to take the matter to my treasure trove of information: my grandmother. She laughed in surprise at the question but still gave it her best shot.
“Well I know it’s something evil. Yo dit c’est un bagai tous petit qui bas a terre.”
Interesting. He is a midget.
Another friend, after some slight ribbing about my ignorance of local parlance (Weh you grow up gassa?), provided a few more details.
“A bolom is a mini costo demon.” Evidently, the bolom makes great use of his gym membership.
“He acts as a servant for the caster.” The caster?
“Yeah, caster, as in the person who summons the bolom.” Like, duh people.
It appears I am not the only one on the hunt for the true identity of this folklore fixture. In 2011, Victor Marquis delved into the demonic depths and came up with this Oxford worth definition.
“A bolom (according to all those “smart, knowledgeable” persons who are versed in the occult arts, the obeah) is supposed to be a two or two and a half foot tall man, brought into being on a Good Friday by someone who with evil intent, wishes to do harm to his fellow man. The bolom sallies out , at his master/creator’s bidding and gladly performs whatever dastardly deeds the latter desires him to carry out. He is a destroyer.”
And it seems that he is also a carnivore because he exists purely on raw meat which his master has to feed him otherwise he becomes dinner himself. Gory stuff.
But how did he come about? Does he have parents? Can a bolom be female?
Well, according to my trusty editor, a bolom is created by taking the first egg of a chicken on Good Friday, and placing it under your arm for a few days.
Or so his mother says. Not exactly sure how that affects your hygiene though. Can you bathe with the egg? Can you transfer it to an equally warm place while doing so? Does deodorant affect the bolom?
So there you have it folks. He is fond of red meat, a pisces, and currently resides in Bexon. Ladies, if you can get over the short thing, should be a great date.
Please take pictures.
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