Barbados Folklore

Barbados is known for its vast and intricate history spanning a great number of years, from the historical Bussa rebellion to the islands independence in 1966. Over a period of time a number of interesting tales and folklore have developed through out the island, tales either used as humorous little anecdotes or to evoke fear in others. The island’s folklore has most of its roots linked to its African ancestry, where tales of evil spirits and magical beings are common. The more popular folklore stories include the gruesome tales of the Heartman, who kills little children and offers their hearts to the devil as a form of worship. Another tale is The Baccoo, a tiny spirit who lives in a bottle and decides the fate of others, usually those who have wronged the person who summoned the spirit. A third scary folklore tale includes the Chase Crypts - in this 1800 century tale a sealed family crypt was opened on numerous occasions after reports of strange sounds coming from the burial site. Each time the crypt was reopened the 6 solid lead coffins inside where found thrown around the room; the coffins would once again be arranged in an orderly fashion only to be found scattered once again a few months later. 

Not all of the folklore tales were as terrifying as those mentioned above, the more comical tales include those of the classic African folklore character Anansi the Spider; these were usually filled with witty anecdotes and enlightening proverbs. The most popular Barbadian folklore tales however, are the comical tales of Ossi Moore. Unlike most folklore characters who are usually mythical beings, Ossi Moore was indeed a real person known for having some very funny and “unusual moments” which brought fits of laughter to many. Throughout the years most of the original Ossi Moore tales have been distorted somewhat, however, the legend lives on and his name is now synonymous with Barbadian history.