Loko is the first Hougan (priest); the priest of all priests and the guardian of the deepest secret in Voodoo: The initiation secrets. He is the one who personally conferred the Asson to all Hougans and Mambos. Needless to point out his importance in Voodoo and the level of respect accorded to him; not only by initiates, but all. No secret is unknown to him. Loko is so powerful that he never makes appearance through possession; he is too Supreme for us humans to face him. He is portray as the wind and usually shows himself as a butterfly. Offerings to Loko are put inside a djakout (straw bag), then hung in tree branches. Loko is ONLY served by Hougan and Mambos.
The image of St Joseph is used to represent Loko, in consideration of Joseph being the father figure of the most important figure in Catholicism; Jesus.
Alternatives: Loko Atissou, Loko Atissougwe, Papa Loko, Azagon Loko, Loko Miwa(Loko the mirror), Loko Dayifre, Loko Mayifado.
Colors: Green and Yellow.
Here is a song us initiate sing for Loko.
"Papa Loko se Ou ki Banm Asson
Le ou te ban mwen'l ou dim kenbe'l nan kè mwen
Ala'm tonbe mwen leve li nan kè mwen
Ala'm tonbe mwen leve li nan kè mwen
Pechè latè ki fè'l sèvi ponya yon jou l'ap ponyade yo."
"Papa Loko it is You who gave me the Asson
When you gave it to me, you told me to keep it in my heart.
I have fallen, I have gotten up, it is still in my heart
I have fallen, I have gotten up, it is still in my heart
Sinners of this earth who use it as a dagger , one day will be stabbed by it."
