| Marie held rituals on Bayou St. John that were open to the public. Eventually she even charged a fee to attend. At the rituals Marie and her followers put on a spectacular show, dancing, drums, the drinking of a rooster's blood, the worship of Zombi, Marie's giant pet snake. The shows were sensual and sexual with 1/2 naked dancers moving in exotic ways to the beating of drums, preforming sesnually explicit acts. Many whites came to watch and they were never disappointed, the show was thrilling and alluring. These 'ritual' shows helped bring more people to Marie, adding to her clients and spreading her name. The Congo Square dances were mostly Marie's as well. She would arrive early, and by the time any other dancers arrived all apectators in attendance were already entranced by Marie. People came from all over to watch her dance, to see her rituals and to ask for her assistance. Of course the rituals at Bayou St. John were not the true rituals. They were held in private homes of worshippers and in Marie's home on Rue Ste Anne, which was filled with Voodoo paraphernalia. It is also said that Marie arranged for 'meetings' between wealthy white men and beautiful mulatto and black women, for a fee, at her Maison Blanche home. It has even been said that there were quite a few politicians that enjoyed this service. Marie added much to Voodoo in New Orleans. She always offered her Voodoo to God. She was raised and remained a Catholic. She intertwined that belief system with her Voodoo. She is credited with bringing many Saints and their icons into Voodoo, as well as holy water and incense. She is also credited with bringing the Virgin Mary to Voodoo. Marie was also well known for her charity work, especially in her later years. During the Yellow Fever epidemic of the 1850's Marie was called on and offered to nurse and heal the afflicted. Marie also visited many prisoners on deathrow. She would bring them food and comfort. It has been hinted at that Marie's Gumbo helped some men avoid the horror of a public hanging. Marie Laveau gave her last preformance and retired in 1869. This is when her daughter Marie Glapion (Marie II) took over as Queen. It isn't known exactly when Marie II began Voodoo, if she choose it, or her mother choose her. When Marie I retired he daughter slipped easily into her role, it was as if Marie I never did retire. There was a striking resemblance between the two, which may explain why there were reports of Marie being in two different places at one time. (Some think that this also explains why Marie never seemed to age, but Marie II wasn't born until 1827 and was only in her early 40's at the time of her Mother's retirement, so Marie I must have looked VERY good for her age.) It is thought that Marie II often 'stood in' for rituals, dancing and other things for Marie I during the later years, without anyone noticing. Marie II carried on her mother's practices, and was even a hair dresser for a while, like her mother. Some say she was colder than her mother, lacking much of Marie I's warmth and compassion, but many must not have noticed, if it was true. The daughter had her mother's knowledge of spells, gris gris, curing, and ritual. Sick people often sought her help. She also carried on, and increased the activities at Maison Blanche. Bringing more clients & more beautiful women together. There were lavish parties with fine food, wine and champagne.It was said that for a price, she could find a way to fulfill any man's desires. On June 16, 1881 the papers announced that Marie Laveau had died. The papers spoke of her charity and nursing, not mentioning Voodoo at all. The death of her mother had an adverse effect on Marie II. She still ran the activities at Maison Blanche, where she lived, and held rituals, but her time as Voodoo Queen came to an end with the death of her mother since most people considered them 1 person. There are conflicting reprts as to the death of Marie II. The most accepted theory is that she died in a storm (possibly drowning in Lake Pontchartrain) in the 1890's, but others claim to have seen and known her as late as 1918. It seems fitting that while her mother's early years are shrouded in mystery, Marie II's eanding is shrouded as well. Death, though, could not take the crown fully from the Laveau name. Even today the crypts that are believed to hold Marie's body are marked with X's from faithful followers and those looking for her help. Offerings are placed there often, still with love and respect. Sightings of Marie are still reported., especially at the grave sites and the sites of her old homes. The legacy and memory of these two women carries on in Voodoo. Marie is also remembered for her strength. She, a black woman, ruled New Orleans during a time of slavery and oppression in America. That is as impressive as all the spells, healings and gris gris she performed. An act of magic in itself. |
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| Marie Laveau Page 2 |
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| The second story involves a prominent New Orleans citizen, J.B. Langrast, that accused Marie and her followers of crimes (such as theft & murder) through Voodoo. Even though he had no evidence or proof, some began to believe his claims and whispers of these things and others (including the sacrifice of children) began to circulate. Very soon gris gris bags began to show up on Langrat's doorstep. The man began to change. He became nervous and upset constantly. His personality changed and he seemed unstable. He left New Orleans quickly. Some think that it was simply the power of suggestion, others believe that the Voodoo magic worked, driving the man to the brink of insanity and ill-health, and out of New Orleans. Either way, the gris gris did it's job. Langrast was no longer a problem. |