Laveau had many children but one of her daughters, Marie Laveau II, has often been confused with her. Some people believe that Marie Laveau II was the woman spotted walking the streets of New Orleans after her mother's death, but it is not certain.
It is still not known how powerful Marie Lauveau was. Some believe that she was merely very skilled in finding out people's personal information - an accusation held by many disbelievers of anything having to do with psychic powers.
Marie Laveau has been the subject of a lot of popular culture. Books, movies and television shows have characters based off of her. Perhaps the mystery surrounding her is what draws people in the most.
Laveau is said to be buried in Saint Louis Cemetery No. 1. This too, however, is up for debate. The reported tomb is one of the most recognizable in New Orleans though, because of the drawings that mark it. Many visitors have placed a series of X's on it's side. It is believed that doing this may earn you a granted wish.
Happy birthday, Marie Laveau!
I LOVE New Orleans and all its mystery and magic and voodoo. Just a super cool place to see ghosts and feel the mystic.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely a neat feeling! Although my hubby thought I was crazy when I told him I preferred Salem, MA better.
DeleteYes, Voodoo is very interesting. I went to a voodoo museum in New Orleans several years ago (one of many) What I remember the most was the python, the very very large python...
ReplyDeleteMarie Laveau owned a snake by the name of Zombi (after an African god). I'm not sure what kind of snake it was, but I believe snakes are important within Voodoo. My area of expertise does not extend to the practice. But it's my understanding that unless you are a practitioner, you aren't going to know much about Voodoo.
DeleteGreat post and good info. My next book Buried in New Orleans will have voodoo in it.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I'll lookout for your forthcoming book!
DeleteI'd never heard of her before. Thanks for the history and info. I"d love to see that tomb with all the "x"es on it!
ReplyDeleteYes, I've found a lot that people either don't know who I'm talking about when I say "Marie Laveau" and others get a bit frightened. No happy medium! I've been to New Orleans a couple of times, but I have yet to see her tomb.
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