Baron Saturday, also Baron Samdi, Bawon Samedi, or Bawon Sanmdi is one of the Guédés, or spirits of Death, related to Baron Cimitère, Baron La Croix and Baron Kriminel. He is also known as one of the loa of the dead. He is also said to be the Lord of the Zombies. 'Samedi' means 'Saturday' in French, though there are alternate etymologies offered. Stylish and sinister, he wears a black tailcoat, glossy top hat and dark eyeglasses. Yep!— he's dressed like an undertaker.
When necromancy is performed, the Baron Samedi is invoked in a cemetery. Three people must be present. They dress the cross on the grave with Baron Samedi's traditional clothes and burn incense and herbs. Then they request his help. They know the Baron has arrived when the clothes on the cross flap as if disturbed by the wind. Some actually claim to see him - a tall black man with a white beard and eyeless sockets in his head, though he can see very well.
The participants ask the corpse various questions. If it answers them, the corpse is rewarded by a limited time as a zombie. The zombie acts as the servant of the people who raised him and performs tasks for them.
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