Trinidad Haunted Solomon Hochoy Highway Ghost Woman
This post is about Trinidad's Haunted Solomon Hochoy Highway Ghost Woman.
Trinidad's Haunted Solomon Hochoy Highway Ghost Woman
Have you ever heard of Trinidad's Haunted Solomon Hochoy Highway Ghost Woman? According to this haunting legend in Trinidad, a young Spanish woman was in love with an Indian indentured labourer on the Forres Park Sugar Estate. In 1909, her father was the overseer of the Estate. Indian indentured servitude was a system in Trinidad from 1845-1920.
Her father found out about their relationship and was furious. Some say that he caught them in a compromising situation. The young man was forced to leave while Maria was scolded by her father. He wanted her to end the relationship immediately.
She told her father that she did not want to end the relationship and rather die than be without her love. Her father then allegedly devised a plan with other workers to have the Indian man killed. His influential position led him to finding men to carry out his plan.
One of these men told Maria about the plan to kill her love. She immediately left her home and went to warn him.
As she was running, she was bitten by a snake. She tried to continue on her journey nevertheless. The venom ultimately weakened her and she fell to her death next to the highway.
According to locals, her ghost has been seen at night running across the highway, maybe trying to warn her love.
Statue of the Girl in Claxton Bay Trinidad
Maria’s father was overcome by grief and thus erected a statue of the Virgin Mary in her memory.
The statute was placed on the highest hill in the Estate. The father continuously prayed to the Statute for forgiveness.
The estate was sold several times. The statute remained intact until a woman cut off the head with a cutlass for failure to respond to her questions. The woman was said to have a mental illness.
Harry Seedas, a former Forres Park Sugar Estate, was the last living person to witness the events surrounding Maria’s death.
Solomon Hochoy Highway
Solomon Hochoy was born on April 20, 1905. His family emigrated to Trinidad from China when he was two years old. He was the first Caribbean-born governor of Trinidad and the first Governor-General of Trinidad and Tobago.
He spent his early years and later life in Blanchisseuse.
The highway was named in his honor. It connects Chaguanas with Debe.
Frequently Asked Questions: Trinidad's Folklore Characters
Who is Papa Bois?
Papa Bois (Father of the Woods) is considered the protector of the forest and its animals. Often depicted as an elderly man with leaves for hair and bark-like skin, he may appear as half-man, half-deer with cloven hooves. Hunters particularly fear him, as he fiercely protects wildlife from those who hunt wastefully or cruelly.
What is a Douens?
Douens are the spirits of children who died before being baptized. They are recognized by their backwards-facing feet and wear large straw hats that hide their faceless heads. According to legend, they wander near forests and rivers, calling children's names to lure them away from their homes.
What is La Diablesse?
La Diablesse is considered one of Trinidad's most dangerous folkloric characters. She appears as a beautiful woman in a long dress and wide-brimmed hat, but conceals her true nature - one normal foot and one cow's hoof. She is known to lead men astray in the forest, often to their doom.
What is a Soucouyant?
A Soucouyant is Trinidad's version of a vampire, but with a unique twist. By day, she appears as an ordinary old woman, but at night, she sheds her skin (which she carefully stores in a mortar), transforms into a ball of fire, and flies through the night seeking victims whose blood she sucks, leaving telltale blue marks.
What is a Lagahoo?
The Lagahoo is Trinidad's version of a shapeshifter/werewolf who roams at night carrying chains. Protection methods include:
- Spreading rice or salt at your doorstep (they must count every grain before entering)
- Keeping a pair of scissors under your pillow
- Having holy water or religious symbols nearby
What is Mama D'Leau?
Mama D'Leau (Mother of the Waters) is a powerful water spirit who rules over rivers and waterfalls. She's often described as a beautiful woman with long flowing hair who can be both benevolent and dangerous. Fishermen sometimes leave her offerings for good luck and safe journeys.
What are Jumbies and Silk Cotton Trees?
Jumbie is a general term for malevolent spirits in Trinidad folklore. They're believed to be the souls of the dead who return to harm the living. They're known to:
- Hide in silk cotton trees
- Fear crossing water
- Become confused by rice or salt scattered in their path
- Dislike loud noises and strong scents like garlic
How do you identify a La Diablesse encounter?
Signs you might be dealing with La Diablesse include:
- A beautiful woman wearing a long dress in remote areas
- The sound of chains or clicking when she walks
- She always keeps one foot hidden
- She tends to appear at crossroads or lonely roads at night
Are these characters still relevant in modern Trinidad culture?
While fewer people may literally believe in these entities today, they remain:
- Important cultural touchstones
- Popular subjects in local art and literature
- Part of Trinidad's oral tradition and storytelling
- Featured in Carnival costumes and performances
- Used by parents to teach children moral lessons
Where did these folklore characters originate?
Trinidad's folklore characters represent a rich blend of influences from:
- Indigenous Caribbean peoples
- African traditions brought by enslaved people
- European colonial influences
- East Indian cultural elements
- Creole adaptations unique to Trinidad
How are these stories traditionally passed down?
These folklore tales are typically shared through:
- Oral storytelling, especially from grandparents to grandchildren
- Community gatherings and festivals
- Local literature and children's books
- School cultural programs
- Modern digital media and social platforms
Note: This FAQ provides general information about Trinidad's folklore characters as commonly told in stories and legends. Different regions and families may have varying versions of these tales.
Main References
https://highwaysoftrinidad.wordpress.com/highway-folklore/
This post was about Trinidad's Haunted Solomon Hochoy Highway Ghost Woman.
By Melissa R. | This content is copyright of West Indian Diplomacy, LLC and may not be reproduced without permission.
She runs West Indian Diplomacy, a Caribbean blog aimed at promoting West Indian history and business in the global marketplace. Melissa has been an attorney for over 10 years. She currently focuses on trademark registration, trademark searches, and office actions. She also has extensive legal experience in the areas of trademarks, copyrights, contracts, and business formations. She owns her own Trademark Law Firm that is virtually based in Florida.
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