Marie Laveau High Priestess of Louisiana Voodoo in New Orleans Date of Birth: 10.09.1794 Country: USA

Content:

1. Biography of Marie Laveau
2. Early Life and Marriage
3. Legends and Voodoo Practices
4. Later Generations and Legacy
5. Voodoo Practices and Influence
6. Legacy and Burial

Biography of Marie Laveau

The Influential Resident of 19th Century New Orleans

Marie Laveau, born on September 10, 1801, in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana, was an influential resident of 19th century New Orleans. She earned the title of the "Voodoo Queen" during her lifetime. Her daughter, Marie Laveau II, also practiced voodoo. After her death, Marie Laveau became the subject of numerous folklore legends and tales. In the television series "American Horror Story: Coven," the role of Marie Laveau was portrayed by Angela Bassett.

Early Life and Marriage

According to historical records, Marie Laveau was born to two free people of color in the French Quarter of New Orleans. One of her parents was a Creole. On August 4, 1819, Marie married Jacques Paris (also known as Santiago), an immigrant who arrived in Louisiana in 1809 after the Haitian Revolution. Their marriage certificate is kept at St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans. The wedding ceremony was officiated by Father Antonio de Sedella, a Capuchin priest also known as Pere Antoine. According to records, Jacques Paris died in 1820 under mysterious circumstances.

Legends and Voodoo Practices

Marie Laveau's life story is surrounded by legends, and very few verifiable facts about her biography remain. She worked as a hairdresser, which helped her gain the favor of wealthy clients whom she visited at their homes. It is believed that Marie named one of her daughters after herself, who is now known as Marie Laveau II. Marie Laveau was known for her powerful voodoo practices, while her daughter was known for performing rituals in front of large crowds. Marie Laveau II reportedly sent her three children to the Dominican Republic to protect them from potential enemies who could harm them. Her husband, Jose Weira, raised the children as his own, preserving the voodoo traditions in their family.

Later Generations and Legacy

The last known descendants mentioned in surviving documents from Marie Laveau's family were Victor Delgado-Weira, born in 1999, and Maleni Delgado-Weira, born in 2003. Victor and Maleni continue to practice voodoo, but they have not received any honorary titles. One of Marie Laveau's sons, Alexis Celestin Glapion, born in 1834, remained in New Orleans, where he married Emma Vigean and had eleven children. The latest known descendants of Alexis and Emma live in Detroit, Michigan, and Boston, Massachusetts.

Voodoo Practices and Influence

Marie Laveau was believed to possess mystical powers and was known for her voodoo practices. It is unknown whether she actually kept a snake named Zombie, named after an African god, or whether she truly blended African spirits with Roman Catholic saints in her modified voodoo cult. Some explanations suggest that Marie Laveau was skilled in divination because she had the talent for persuasion and had a network of informants. Her trusted individuals worked in the homes of influential white people, giving her access to information about city events. It is also believed that she owned a brothel, which served as a source of information.

Legacy and Burial

Marie Laveau crafted voodoo talismans known as Gris-Gris, using ingredients such as bones, nails, graveyard dust, horsehair, bird nests, colored stones, and oils. Her influence grew alongside her wealthy patrons who admired her ability to instill fear in their servants. Marie Laveau had control over slaves by either bribing them or curing them of mysterious illnesses. Some wealthy Creoles of New Orleans began worshipping Damballa, the oldest loa (invisible spirit) in voodoo religion, at Marie Laveau's suggestion.

On July 16, 1881, a death notice for Marie Laveau appeared in the "Daily Picayune" newspaper. She passed away on June 15, 1881, at the age of 86. According to Robert Tallant's book "Voodoo in New Orleans," Marie peacefully died in her home. However, there were later anonymous witnesses who claimed to have seen Marie Laveau alive in the city after her presumed death.

Many believe that Marie's remains are buried in the Glapion family tomb in St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 in New Orleans. Tourists still visit the alleged burial site of the "Voodoo Queen" to this day. Some leave three coins arranged in a row on her grave or draw three crosses on the tombstone, seeking her intercession in strange ways.

On December 17, 2013, the tomb was vandalized and painted with pink latex paint. It is believed to have been done by a "homeless, mentally unstable guy" who wanted to cover up all the crosses.

Marie Laveau has served as the inspiration for fictional characters as well. She is the main character in Jewell Parker Rhodes' 1993 novel "Voodoo Dreams: A Novel of Marie Laveau." She also appeared in the comic book "Dracula Lives #2" in 1973, portrayed as a powerful witch with immense magical abilities and a keeper of secret knowledge, remaining forever young and beautiful thanks to a potion made from vampire blood. Additionally, Marie Laveau's tomb is prominently featured in the adventure video game "Gabriel Knight: Sins of the Fathers" by Jane Jensen.

Religious figure

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