How to Voodoo Big Easy Style

Marie Laveau's Tomb 1

New Orleans is known for its music, diverse culture and Mardi Gras but below the surface of this vibrant city lies a totally unique religion created from African, Haitian and Western cultures.

NEW ORLEANS HISTORY

Founded in 1718 by the French Mississippi Company, New Orleans was named Nouvelle Orleans for Phillipe II, Duke of Orléans. In 1763, New Orleans was claimed by the Spanish Empire and remained so for the next 40 years until, in 1801, the French gained control again. Then, two years later, Napoleon sold it to the United States in the Louisiana Purchase. At this point, the city's French, American and Creole populations swelled.

New Orleans was a main port for the United States and, therefore, played a substantial role in the slave trade. It was due to this influx of immigrants that Voodoo became a part of its rich and unique culture.

	Voodoo Altar 2

VOODOO

Louisiana Voodoo is often confused with the Haitian Vodou and Hoodoo, when in fact it is a combination of the two. It shares the same spirits as Vodou, though Voodoo puts more emphasis on the magical elements like the Hoodoo, which is an African form of traditional folk magic. This focus on the magical side is a noticeable marker of Francophone Louisiana Voodoo, and it was through this that the term voodoo doll was introduced to the American language.

History
Voodoo developed within the French and Creole African American populations of Louisiana when the Roman Catholic and African cultures collided during the slave trade. Slaves were forced to convert to Catholicism under penalty of death, so to appease the slave owners, elements of West African, native Caribbean and Catholic beliefs were combined in an attempt to reconcile the differences. This resulted in many of the Loa, the spirits of the Voodoo religion, resembling Roman Catholic saints. Often one will see figures of saints on Voodoo altars and the Catholic influence can also be seen in the use of candles, bells, crosses, prayers and the practice of baptism.

Beliefs
Followers of Voodoo believe in one supreme God, more abstract than most religions, and below this God the Loa, which are best described as spirits, rule over the world and all the happenings within it, from family issues to legal justice. Offerings are made to the Loa to ensure issues in life are taken care of. Each individual Loa has a different fruit, color, number and natural element, such as lightening, associated with it. It has been said that the word Loa comes from the French word Loi, meaning law, though there is no direct proof of this. These spirits help humans end bad luck, assist with marriages and help with healing.

Rituals
Voodoo rituals occur to make contact with a Loa and to gain their favor or help with a problem. A priest, houngan, or a priestess, called a mambo, is usually involved. Before the ceremony begins a feast is shared, then a pattern made out of flour is sprinkled on the floor specific to the Loa. To invoke the Loa, worshippers dance, drum, and chant. As the event starts to peak the Loa will take possession of a dancer, usually a hounsis, a student studying Voodoo. This possession results in a trance-like state enabling the possessed to perform cures as well as give advice.

Voodoo Misconceptions
Hollywood has twisted Voodoo into an evil and dark religion when, in fact, it is relatively peaceful with its main purpose being healing, whether it is one's self or others. Though there are some Voodoo beliefs that are hard to comprehend, like the belief that zombies are real, the best way for curious travelers to learn more is to head to New Orleans and see for themselves.

St. Louis Cathedral 3

VOODOO TOURS AND PLACES OF INTEREST

The Big Easy is full of tour companies and operators willing to take visitors into the realm of true Louisiana Voodoo. One should remember that these tours should be taken with a grain of salt, as the best stories are the most embellished ones.

The New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum offers a few different Voodoo tours. The Voodoo/Cemetery Walking Tour takes visitors through the French Quarter's haunted houses, a Voodoo pharmacy and the oldest cemetery in New Orleans. The spooky Tour of the Undead winds through the city at nightfall taking in the nocturnal Voodoo culture which is sure to send a few shivers through spines.

When a tour departs from Reverend Zombie's Voodoo Shop, one realizes that they are in for a bit of a giggle. Many of the offered tours from Haunted History Tours start at this local shop. They explore the mysterious, hidden and humorous side of Voodoo. A slew of other tour options are also offered by this company.

Bloody Mary Tours provides insight into Voodoo as well as New Orleans' history and folklore. Run by a native New Orleans woman, known as Bloody Mary, guests can partake in numerous tours with this ordained Voodoo mambo. The Voodoo Tour offered covers some historical monuments important to the religion.

Congo Square, now Armstrong Park and known as the birthplace of jazz, was a gathering place for the slaves. It was here that they would perform traditional dances and songs. There is no evidence that Voodoo rituals actually took place here but it definitely provided a place where they could freely express their culture. Many longstanding Voodoo practitioners see the square as a spiritual base.

	St. Louis Cemetery One 4

Marie Laveau was a free person of color and is famous for her involvement in Voodoo even though she was notoriously private. Legends say that she was so feared by the Church that she was given permission to practice rituals behind the St. Louis Cathedral. Referred to as a “Voodoo Queen” she passed away in 1881, though there are arguments about when the actual date was. No trip to New Orleans is complete without visiting her house, which is located on Bourbon Street, and her tomb which is located in St. Louis Cemetery One. Apparently, her tomb is the second most visited grave next to Elvis Presley's. Visitors should be wary, it is rumored that Marie's spirit hasn't left her building and haunts the surrounding area.

The Voodoo Spiritual Temple, a non-profit organization, may offer a more insightful view of Voodoo. Priestess Miriam Chamani opened the temple with her late husband in 1990 and it continues on today. The temple is dedicated to truth as well as developing powers, both spiritual and mental.

WHERE TO STAY

Voodooing visitors need a place to stay close to all the action. Fortunately, New Orleans has numerous accommodations to suit all budgets.

A number of the upscale chain hotels are located downtown. Visitors can choose from recognizable hotels like the The Westin Canal Place, Hilton Garden Inn French Quarter and the Royal Sonesta Hotel.

The French Quarter District in New Orleans 5

Mid-range hotels, such as the Holiday Inn New Orleans-French Quarter, are close to shops, restaurants and Big Easy nightlife. The Hampton Inn and Suites and The Clarion, also located in the French Quarter provide all the expected amenities of their chains.

Those interested in staying closer to the residents of New Orleans should try a bed and breakfast for an intimate and quiet escape from the crowded streets. The French Quarter Hotel is housed in a building that dates back to 1897 and it offers guests four-poster beds, fireplaces and a continental breakfast. The Avenue Inn Bed and Breakfast is located in the Garden District with a streetcar stop conveniently out front. The tastefully decorated rooms, friendly owners and accommodating menu make this a great place for travelers to rest.

There are also a couple of hostel options to choose from. India House offers dorm rooms and private cabins, but is known as a party haven for college co-eds so those looking for a quiet break should be warned. The Marquette House International Hostel is the other option for those looking for less expensive accommodation. Amenities are basic but they provide the use of the kitchen as well as a washing machine for long-term guests.

WHERE TO EAT

New Orleans has more than its fair share of great restaurants. Known for Cajun cuisine, visitors can try jambalaya or crawfish étouffée, some of Louisiana's unique dishes. Mulate's Restaurant offers visitors a taste of Cajun cooking. Creole, often considered a classier version of Cajun, is an interesting mix of European and African flavors with a New Orleans twist. Some favorite dishes include shrimp creole, grits and the well-known gumbo, which can be sampled at the Gumbo Shop. For those who want to try a taste of regional Louisiana cuisine there are restaurants around every corner.

Of course there are lots of local American and international eateries in this city. Travelers have their choice of French, Japanese, Mediterranean, and Mexican among the many dining options.

Regardless of what tours one takes or where one chooses to stay and eat, visitors are sure to leave with an appreciation of the city's history, Cajun flavor and unique Voodoo culture.

1. Marie Laveau's Tomb; New Orleans, LA, USA
2. Voodoo Altar; Africa
3. St. Louis Cathedral; New Orleans, LA, USA
4. St. Louis Cemetery Number One; New Orleans, LA, USA
5. The French Quarter District; New Orleans, LA, USA