Scope
They include older, beneficent spirits who can be directly traced to Dahomey Vudus of West Africa.
Etymology
"Rada" is a cognate of Arará, and also Yoruba orishas.
Function
Rada loas are guardians of morals and principles, related to Africa, whereas Petro loas are connected to the New World of the West, and are considered more aggressive. Some loas (such as Erzulie) have both Rada and Petro manifestations.
Identities
Some Rada loa are: Legba, Loco, Ayizan, Anaisa Pye, Damballa, Ayida-Weddo, Erzulie, and Agwé.
References
Rada loa Wikipedia(Text) CC BY-SA