Our next deathstination is probably the most visited gravesite in Louisiana; the grave of Marie Laveau The Voodoo Queen. Anyone that has been following me on Instagram knows that 3 weeks ago I tried to feature this deathstination. Due to some spooky happenings, however, I was unable to share Marie's story. Let's see if the curse has been lifted.
Born on September 10th, 1794 (some records indicate she was born in 1801), Marie was born a free woman in New Orleans' French Quarter. Marie's Voodoo career took off after the death of her husband, Jacques Paris. Now known as the Widow Paris, Marie began hairdressing for the wealthy Whites and Creole of New Orleans. In the course of Maire's work, the wealthy women confessed their most intimate secrets. Seeing this as her opportunity to make Voodoo profitable, Marie began selling her Voodoo services, as well as her famous Gris-Gris.
Years earlier in 1817, Nola had passed an ordinance forbidding Blacks to gather and dance, with the exception of Sundays at designated, pre-approved spaces. This did not stop the Voodoo ceremonies, however, and practitioners of Voodoo continued to gather in secret at Lake Pontchartrain. With Marie's influence, the public started attending the lakeside Voodoo ceremonies. This both instilled fear in the White population as well as advertised Marie's services, solidifying Marie as The Voodoo Queen.
It has been said that Marie was also known to host secret orgies for wealthy White and Creole men who were seeking Black/Mulatto mistresses. During this time, Marie was in a romantic relationship with a gentleman by the name of, Louis Christopher Duminy de Clapion. While never married, Louis and Marie had 15 children. Due to Catholic naming practices, many of the women in Marie's family eventually took her name, including her daughter, Marie Laveau II. Marie Laveau II eventually began following in her mother's footsteps.
Around 1875, Marie retired and spent the rest of her days in her home at present day 1020 St. Ann Street (her original home was demolished in 1903).
Marie was the original Tupac, because following her death on June 16th, 1881, people claimed they saw her still wandering around town. Many believe the logical explanation to this is that Marie Laveau II was being mistaken for her mother. This confusion has also transferred over into Saint Louis Cemetery Number 1, where many graves have been mistakenly marked with the notorious 'XXX'. This confusion is attributed to the fact that so many women bore the name, Marie Laveau. Thankfully, I can assure you the real Voodoo Queen is resting in the center crypt of the above tomb, because while I was visiting Saint Louis Cemetery Number 1, I was informed that DNA had confirmed the identity of her remains.
Swarms of people visit Marie's final resting place every year to make wishes. An old rumor stated that one was supposed to mark Marie's tomb with a 'X', turn around 3 times, knock on the tomb, and yell out the wish. If the wish was granted, one must return with an offering and circle their 'X'. This is not necessary and illegal. If you get the chance to visit Marie and want to make a wish, simply touch her tomb and envision what you want. *No creepy baby figurines necessary*
Locating Marie's tomb isn't difficult at all. Simply enter Saint Louis Cemetery Number 1 and go to your left. Her tomb sticks out like a sore thumb.
HAPPY HUNTING!
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