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What is the real name of Haïti throughout history?Haïti
What is the real name of Haïti throughout history?
Haïti
  • January 13, 2025
  • | 1

What is the real name of Haïti throughout history?

Haiti, a land rich in history and culture, has had several names over the centuries, each reflecting a significant period in its evolution. These names reveal the changing identity of the island, from pre-Columbian times to today. Let’s discover together the different names that this emblematic territory has had and their meaning.

Ayiti: the original name of the Taino

Before the arrival of the Europeans, the indigenous inhabitants of the island, the Taino, called their land “Ayiti”, a word in their language meaning “land of high mountains” or “mountainous country”.

- A geographical description: This name reflected the topography of the island, marked by its imposing mountain ranges and lush nature.
- A rooted identity: For the Taino, “Ayiti” represented much more than a place; it was a symbol of their spiritual connection to the land and their way of life in harmony with nature.

This name, deeply rooted in the Taíno culture, is the first known name of the island.

Hispaniola: the era of Spanish colonization

In 1492, Christopher Columbus landed on the island and named it Hispaniola (or “La Española” in Spanish), which means “Little Spain”.

- A new chapter: This name reflected the Spanish intention of making the island an extension of their empire in America.
- A political division: Under Spanish rule, the island was divided into several territories, marking the beginning of a colonial control that would last for several centuries.

Hispaniola still remains the official name of the island in some international contexts, although each nation that composes it has its own identity.

Saint-Domingue: The French Legacy

In the 17th century, the French took control of the western part of the island, which they named Saint-Domingue.

- A symbol of prosperity: Saint-Domingue became one of the richest colonies of the French empire, thanks to the exploitation of sugar, coffee and indigo plantations.
- A place of suffering: This wealth was based on the forced labor of hundreds of thousands of African slaves, making Saint-Domingue a theater of struggles for freedom.

The name Saint-Domingue is associated with a period of economic greatness, but also of deep inequality and oppression.

Haiti: A return to roots after independence

On January 1, 1804, after a fierce struggle for freedom, the Republic of Haïti was proclaimed, marking a historic turning point.

- A tribute to ancestors: The name “Haiti” was chosen to honor the Tainos and their original name for the island, “Ayiti.”
- A symbol of freedom: By abandoning the colonial name, Haitian leaders affirmed their independence and their break with the oppressive past.

Today, Haïti remains the official name of the world’s first independent black republic.

A legacy of names, a wealth of identity

The different names that Haïti has borne over the centuries bear witness to its turbulent history and resilience.

- Ayiti: A land of mountains and spirituality.
- Hispaniola: A point of contact between the New and Old Worlds.
- Santo Domingo: A rich and tragic colony.
- Haiti: A free and proud nation.

Each name embodies a facet of Haiti’s history, which has preserved its identity despite challenges.

Haiti: An Inspiring History

Haiti’s evolving names reflect a constant quest for independence and dignity. Today, the word “Haiti” represents not only a country, but also a global symbol of resilience and freedom.

What is your connection to the name “Haiti” and the history it carries? Share your thoughts and celebrate with us this land with a unique past and promising future.

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About the Author
Appolon Guy Alain

Full Stack Developer, Créatif, expérimenté, passionné des nouvelles technologies et de l’art.

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Haïti Wonderland: How to Rewrite the Narrative of Haïti on the Web?

For the last three decades the internet has transformed the way people live, access information and promote worthy causes. Institutions that embrace this technology lead the way in their respective industries and last, while countries that embrace this technology and wisely implement it enable themselves to thrive and build sustainable economies. After decades of existence, the internet has been shared with mainly two groups of people; those who use it as a tool to build, and those who use it as a tool of destruction. Those who see the internet as a bridge to make a positive impact in the world and those who see it as the comfy bed to never leave, hence, the difference between the consumer and producer. Unfortunately our beloved home, Haiti, has been of the former mindset. Is it a lack of vision, lack of skills and competences or is it lack of hard working individuals? Regardless what it is or had been for decades, now is the time to change the paradigm on all fronts necessary and reshape the future. If the past decades have been ruled by non-production and negative press, now is the time to change the paradigm by producing and using the limitless of the web to sell the beauty, the culture and the greatness of Haïti to the rest of the world. If the past has been ruled with a selective truth and an effort to showcase the worst and by extension create the worst narrative, now, my fellow Haitian, regardless of where you are on this planet, is the time for us to undertake this mission, to take responsibility and recreate the narrative of our mother land. A narrative based on truth and transparency, a narrative that tells the story of who we are and certainly who we are not, a narrative to invite the world to explore and see for themselves. It is our duty. If not now, when? If not you and I, then, who? Our main mission at Haïti Wonderland is to rewrite the narrative of Haïti on the web. Then use the internet to bring Haïti back to the top of the touristic destination map once again. Those are what motivate us, the oxygen that we breath, they are the reason we wake up in the morning and fight. We didn’t choose this path because we know it will be easy but we choose it because: 1. It is a noble cause 2. It is necessary and 3. It must be done. But must importantly we take this path because we know you and every Haitian in this world, who knows the truth about Haïti are tired with what you see when typing Haïti on the web, and at the same time understand that something must change, and it must be done as soon as possible. We know you are ready for this, and together we will change the narrative of Haïti on the web and we will bring Haïti back to the top of the touristic destination map. This is a call of duty to you, regardless of your field of endeavor or where you’re located in this world. This is a call to join (http://haitiwonderland.com) to first see for yourself the movement you’re joining, then create your own account and start creating and sharing. Together we will rewrite the narrative of Haïti on the web. Thank you for joining this worthy cause. Let’s invite the world to discover the true face of Haiti.

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History

History

First black nation to free itself from slavery and gain independence from France in 1804 and influenced other liberation movements around the world, inspiring struggles for freedom and equality.

Natural beauty

Natural beauty

Haïti is blessed with spectacular natural landscapes, including white sand beaches, mountains and rich biodiversity.

Heritage

Heritage

Haïti has a rich historical heritage, including sites like the Citadelle Laferrière and the Sans-Souci Palace, listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Culture

Culture

Haïti has a rich and diverse culture, influenced by African, European and indigenous elements. Haitian music, dance, art and cuisine are celebrated around the world.