Marie Laveau

Australia
October 14, 2008 11:51pm CST
Does anyone know of her? She was a supposed voodoo woman who practised around New Orleans in the 1800s. She was also a hairdresser to the rich and many people confided in her and this is supposedly how she was able to fool people with her 'voodoo'. She was a devout Catholic and the church granted her permission to practise voodoo behind the St Louis church in New Orleans. In January I am visiting New Orleans and I hope to visit the Marie Laveau museum of voodoo and the crypt where she is said to be buried. It should be interesting! Has anyone else seen the Marie Laveau touristy hotspots?
9 people like this
11 responses
@cjgrooms (4456)
• United States
15 Oct 08
I didn't even relize that she was a real person. Of course i have known the name for many years because of the following song: Marie Laveau The most famous of the voodoo queens that ever existed Is Marie Laveau, down in Louisiana There's a lot of weird, ungodly tales about Marie, She's supposed to have a lot of magic potions, spells and curses.... Down in Louisiana, where the black trees grow Lives a voodoo lady named Marie Laveau Got a black cat's tooth and a Mojo bone And anyone who wouldn't leave her alone She'd go (growl) another man done gone. She lives in a swamp in a hollow log With a one-eyed snake and a three-legged dog She's got a bent, bony body and stringy hair If she ever seen y'all messin' 'round there She'd go (growl) another man done gone. And then one night when the moon was black Into the swamp come handsome Jack A no good man like you all know (TALK) He was lookin' around for Marie Laveau. He said Marie Laveau, you handsome witch Gimme a little a little charm that'll make me rich Gimme a million dollars and I tell you what I'll do This very night, I'm gonna marry you Then It'll be (growl) another man done gone. So Marie done some magic, and she shook a little sand Made a million dollars and she put it in his hand Then she giggled and she wiggled, and she said Hey, Hey I'm gettin' ready for my weddin' day. But old handsome Jack he said goodbye Marie You're too damned ugly for a rich man like me Then Marie started mumblin', her fangs started gnashin' Her body started tremblin', and her eyes started flashin' And she went (growl) another man done gone. So if you ever git down where the black trees grow And meet a voodoo lady named Marie Laveau If she ever asks you to make her your wife Man, you better stay with her for the rest of your life Or it'll be (growl) another man done gone. I thought this was such a cool song when i was younger i believe Dr. Hook and the medicine show sang it first then Bobby Bare put it out either way i liked both .
3 people like this
@slickcut (8141)
• United States
15 Oct 08
Oh yes you really did good on the song..Thank you cjgrooms
2 people like this
@drannhh (15219)
• United States
15 Oct 08
I've never been there, but have read about her and her snake Zombi. Didn't she have about 15 children, all illegitimate?
2 people like this
• Australia
16 Oct 08
Um.. I know she separated from her husband...I'm not sure how many kids she had but most of them disapproved of her lifestyle, except for the daughter known as Marie Laveau II who followed in her mother's footsteps.
@slickcut (8141)
• United States
15 Oct 08
I do remember Marie Laveau...They also have a song about her that i liked very much,i cannot for the life of me remember the person who sang it right now..I was born in Louisana and i know that their was a lot of ones like her down there...I love to go there,my Dad was buried there and a lot of my relatives,those are very fond memories...I am also a hairdresser..Funny how you meationed all of this...You will enjoy New Orleans...
@ElicBxn (63194)
• United States
15 Oct 08
I think many of us with any interest in fantasy, science fiction and some history have at least HEARD of the voodoo queen of New Orleans. My one trip to New Orleans was cut abrubtly short by my mom falling and spraining her ankle. If we had stayed there the entire 3 days something to do with her might've come up as part of the visit.
2 people like this
@moneyandgc (3428)
• United States
16 Oct 08
I have been to Marie Laveau's House of Voodoo shop in New Orleans quite a few times. There are shrines and stuff in there and no photography is allowed inside. It is right on Bourbon Street.
1 person likes this
@Munchkin547 (2778)
15 Oct 08
I have heard of her, i have watched some documentaries on voodoo and her name has been mentioned. I have never been to new orleans but i would love to go, i find all that sort of thing really interesting, i think voodoo as a religion is fascinating, i'd love to go there and soak up the atmoshpere, as well as visit the museum and learn more about it all! I hope you have a fantastic time there!!! xxx
1 person likes this
@zeeterman (1066)
• United States
18 Dec 08
I've been to the little museum there, bought some oils. Also been to her crypt.
• United States
15 Oct 08
I don't remember hearing of her. I think that's interesting. I think I'll have to look up some books about her. Does anyone know of any books that have been written about her? Intriguing.
1 person likes this
• United States
15 Oct 08
Having visited the museum and her crypt many times, and having spent a good deal of time behind a church which may or may not hvae had any connection with her, I undrstand your interest. I'm drawn to her whenever I'm in New Orleans, and I have no idea why. I won't question it, though, because I always leave our "visits" feeling great, and I sleep exceptionally well for several weeks after each visit. I find myself gaining insights I never expected, and some I don't understand. Those, too, are just part of life, so let'em come! There's a great deal off the touristy path, but Marie herself has to bring you thre, as nobody I've ever encountered admits to knowing anything about it! Out in the bayous, there are points of enlightenment she's drawn me to, and they've given me emotional and moral strength beyond anything I've felt anywhere else. Have a wonderful trip! Ignore the sticky weather and let the spirits take you where they may. Lessez les bons temps rouler!
1 person likes this
@ShellyB (5241)
• United States
15 Oct 08
I have not heard of her but after reading your discussion and the responses she seems to be a very interesting person. I wish I had been to New Orleans before Katrina, I am sure there are a lot of interesting places today and it will be great to visit, and good for the economy too. Please keep us posted if you go and post pics.
1 person likes this
• United States
15 Oct 08
I know about her crypt. Discovery Channel and Learning Channel have done specials on her, as well as the travel channel. You might check them out online. I know there are shows you can probably buy. People still make offerings at her crypt they say. I would love to go there.