Sugaring of the Piton
The following information was taken from Dwight Logan's book 'The Socio - Cultural History of Petite Martinique A fishing island Community'.
The sugaring of the piton is another sacrificial event that takes place on the morning of Saint Patrick's Day March 17th. Saint Patrick's Day is a break in the Roman Catholic Church's Lenten season or pre Easter activities. That date is traditionall the day on which the sugaring of the piton is held, accomppanied by a maroon. It is organized mainly for rain. The Piton is the highest hill on the island rising some 756 feet above sea level. The participants would assemble at the bottom of the Piton where they would call on the spirits of their ancestors to intercede to God on their behalf , beseeching him to send an early rainy season. The Spirits are invoked by pouring rum and water on the spot on which the participants are gathered. It is believed that the foot of the Piton is the home of Petite Kanga, ancestral spirits of children.
The group would then make their way up to the summit. On their way up, individuals would scatter sugar or rice and in the process, call on their ancestors. The scattering of sugar signify giving back to their ancestors a product made from sugar cane. Many had died on the plantation from the hard work of growing sugar cane and have never tasted the product which made thir masters wealthy.
At the summit there is a majestic view of the entire island. Individuals would then scatter sugar and pour rum and water in the direction of every estate or village asking their ancestors to look over them during the upcoming season so that they would realise a bumper crop. Members of the group will then share drinks or snacks which they brough along hymns and poced downhill to prepare for the grand maroon.
The sugaring of the piton had died out for a number of years. It was re-introduced/revitalized by Ms. Cecelia St.Ignac and members of the Petite Martinique New Women Organisation in 1997.