"La Sirène, meaning "the Siren" or "the Mermaid," is the enchanting lwa (spirit) of the sea and the treasures hidden within it. She is known for her long, beautiful black hair, her wealth, and the haunting beauty of her voice. La Sirène is often depicted holding a mirror in one hand and a comb in the other.
In Haitian Vodou, La Sirène symbolises both support and the depths of the ocean, representing both the clear and the hidden aspects of life. She is considered Haiti's lwa of the sea, beauty, love, musical arts, dreams, and wealth.
La Sirène is the wife of Agwe, the lwa who rules over the sea and everything associated with it. They reside on the zilet en bas de l'eau, which translates to "the island below the sea." At times, La Sirène may take those she desires"beneath the waves" to a mystical realm under the sea, where they might stay for years or perhaps never return.
La Sirène is also a facet of Erzulie Freda, the lwa of love, beauty, and purity. Additionally, she is connected to La Baleine, or the "whale," who serves as her shadow self and is a mysterious lwa invoked for protection, prosperity, and fertility.
Though often compared, La Sirène and the deity Yemaya share similarities as both are linked to water and femininity. However, La Sirène leans more towards sensuality and allure, while Yemaya embodies motherhood, protection, and nurturing.
