What's in a name: Ayiti
Ayiti was one of the names given to the island known today as Hispaniola by its native, the Taino people. Ayiti means Sacred High Land, and research has shown that the Tainos likely called it that due to the island's high mountain ranges- the highest mountain in the Caribbean is located in the Dominican Republic. The mountains of Ayiti have various colors, and the black mountains in Haiti were one of the most beautiful background structures I remember seeing as a kid. Today, we know that the black stuff is called iridium, a rare metal from outer space.
The island also has beautiful plains and long rivers. The second longest river in the region is the Artibonite River. In addition to mountains, rivers, and plains, some of the biggest caves in the Caribbean are located in Haiti. Important relics such as art and carvings from the Taino culture are found in these caves today.
Other names, such as Kiskeya (Quisqueya) or Bohio, were also used.
Today, the island's official name is Hispaniola; however, most Haitian and Dominican natives refer to it by its indigenous names.
Learn about the Tainos of Ayiti through fictional character Acanoa
