MARIE LAVEAU

 

Franco is the copyright holder of this work

In modern times, Voodoo has faced substantial derision from some segments of the Protestant Christian contingent of southern Louisiana's African-American and White populations, as voodoo and folk magic have been portrayed as both evil and Satanic.

Survivals of Haitian and West African-influenced Vodou religion in the southern US are claimed by some to be found within the African-American Spiritual Churches of New Orleans, a city with a large Catholic population. New Orleans locals and voodoo's debate the variations of Voodoo, how they have survived, how much they have changed, and to what extent Christianity in general or Catholicism in particular were used as covers to enable the survival of Voodoo. Many popular songs of the Delta Blues tradition (circa 1900 to 1941) referenced voodoo or its derivative Hoodoo explicitly. Robert Johnson sang of "hot foot powder sprinkled all round my door" and Muddy Water(s) referenced "the gypsy woman", "seventh son", and the "mojo hand".

The Catholic syncretism contribution to Haitian Vodou is quite noticeable. However, in the United States the story may be a little different, depending upon which scholarship you read. Some scholars believe confusion about Voodoo in the USA arises because there is a widespread system of African American folk belief and practice known as Hudu or more popularly as hoodoo. The similarity of the words hoodoo and Voodoo notwithstanding, hoodoo may have tenuous connections to Vodou, but may be an integral part of the Vodoun religion in West Africa and arguably throughout all of Africa. Many New Orleans aspects of hoodoo may be derived primarily from Congo and Angolan practices of Central Africa, and may retain elements of the traditions and practices that arose among Bantu language speakers.

Very little is known with any certainty about the life of Marie Laveau. One must keep in mind that her surviving daughter had the same name, so the two were confused in later years in most recalled accounts. However it is thought, the mother was more powerful and the daughter was more elaborate in encouraging the public events (including inviting attendees to the St. John's Eve rituals on Bayou St. John) and financial response to their efforts. It is not known to which (if not both) the voodoo queen reputation refers in most respects. Marie I is supposed to have been born in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana around 1801, the daughter of a white planter and a free Creole of Color. She married Jacques (or Santiago, in other records) Paris, also a free Creole of color, on August 4, 1819; her marriage certificate is preserved in Saint Louis Cathedral in New Orleans.

She is said to be buried in Saint Louis Cemetery #1 in New Orleans in the Glapion family crypt, although even this is in dispute, according to Robert Tallant, one of her biographers. Still the tomb continues to attract visitors who draw three crosses (XXX) on its side, hoping that her spirit will grant them a wish. Others state she is buried in other tombs but may be confusing the resting place of other voodoo priestess of New Orleans.

Portrait of Marie Laveau, after a painting by Frank Schneider, in turn after George Catlin; the original hangs in the Cabildo in New Orleans.
Marie Laveau By artist Ricardo Pustanio
The mausoleum where Marie Laveau is buried, in Saint Louis Cemetery #1. MARIE LAVEAU ALTAR, A tiered altar is set up against the railing on one side of the old foot bridge that has for years crossed the Bayou in front of Cabrini High School. The altar is decorated with candles, flowers, incense, food offerings and other items; a worn and obviously much-loved statue of Marie Laveau stands proudly on the highest tier. By the end of the ceremony, the statue will be almost entirely obscured by offerings too numerous to name, placed there by devotees of Voodoo and of the woman who made this island religion – and her hometown of New Orleans – famous for generations.

The Stories of Marie Laveau or more of an oral tradition in the city of New Orleans. Few truths have been written of her in books or in any accounts of all that she had done or still does from beyond the grave.

Each year Voodoo Priestess Sallie Ann Glassman And her Voodoo Society holds a June 23rd Head washing ritual on Bayou St. John.