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Voodooism arrived in the French colony of Louisiana via the West African slave trade in the early 1700s and began to flourish in the early 19th century. Contrary to popular belief, fueled by novels and motion pictures, the practice of Voodoo, a bastardization of the word Vudu meaning spirit, an invisible mysterious force that can intervene in human affairs, Voodooism is more steeped in Catholocism than in the occult. Hail Marys, Our Fathers, the sign of the cross and other Catholic practices were incorporated into the Voodoo Zombi or ritual. While the Vatican does not condone the Voodoo practice it welcomes its followers as members of the church. The Protestant community has not been as tolerant. The business of sticking pins in a doll representing someone’s enemy was pretty much the product of a screenwriter’s imagination. It is done today to satisfy the tourist trade. Voodoo should not be confused with the much more occult practice of Santaneria.
It was during the 1800s when Voodoo queens began to dominate the religion in this country, presiding over the Zombis and other ceremonies. Most famous of these was Marie LaVeau who lived on St. Ann Street in New Orleans. Marie was born on September 10, 1801, the daughter of a white plantation owner and a Creole mother. In 1819 she married a Haitian, Jacques Paris who suffered a mysterious death a year later. Marie took a lover with whom she had 15 children, including a daughter also named Marie and who also became a famous queen.
Queen Marie was a devout Catholic performing exorcisms and encouraging her followers to attend mass. She eventually overcame all other queens by curing ailments and granting wishes. She would conduct private rituals in her cottage to confound or destroy one’s enemies.
Marie LaVeau died on June 16,1881 and is believed to be interred in St. Louis cemetery in New Orleans. This is under dispute as is the date of her death. Some say she was seen walking the streets after her reported demise. Others claim it was her ghost which has reportedly been seen repeatly around the cemetery. Many invoke her name when wishing for good luck. To this day thousands visit her tomb to leave gifts and ask favors and there is a movement afoot to have her canonized as a saint.
Read more and see ghost photos at: http://www.MarieLaVeauVoodooQueen/
An article with lots of detailed information, thanks for the share.
Very interesting information!
fantastic write Ken.
Well done write on an unusual and interesting subject.
A voodoo Saint! Now theres something I’d like to see!
A great article as always Ken!! You seem to have a knack for interesting subjects. Ouch!! Did someone just stick a pin in a voodoo doll of me?…:)
Very interesting. Enjoyed reading and Learning abot Marie Laveau
Excellent historical write Ken by all standards! Very intriguing and interesting.I would like to visit her grave! I know I morbid lol
She was a fascinating woman. I remember reading about her many years ago. There was a great misconception about the practice of Voodoo, however I believe it’s caused by people that don’t have an open mind.
Ken, you know how to get my attention, I especially enjoy reading about these interesting people of he past.
Interesting personality. Well if St. Augustine was canonized, I bet she has all the right to be.
I had always wondered about voodoo. Informative article.
I can relate with this article out here.Extremely interesting.
I remember this woman from a song Bobby Bare did.
Very interesting read, i do believe there is something out there that cannot be explained away by science or religion, Great article.
Very interesting article.
Very good, Ken. We have taken several tours in New Orleans and they love Marie Laveau. She is a rich part of their history.
What a fascinating lady. And voodoo is certainly misunderstood.
This is a topic I knew Nothing about. Very interesting read.
I didn’t realize the Voodoo Woman was so well respected – I only knew of her by the song. Very interesting and informative article.
Fascinating article Ken. Interesting and informative. Thanks.
Once again you provide the feast for our picnic! Thank you so much for sharing.
Nadine
First time to read about her.
This was a fantastic write, Ken. You are a very good story teller and it is such a pleasure to read your stuff here.
Thanks ken…