Voodoo in New Orleans - Origin and Beliefs
Characteristics of African Influence on American Culture
May 25, 2009
The word Voodoo means, "spirit" or "deity" in the Fon (a West African tribe) language. New Orleans is considered the birthplace of Voodoo in America. The Louisiana colony received Africans as slaves from the French colonies of Martinique, Guadeloupe and Santa Domingo, which were the hotbed of voodoo.
Origins of New Orleans Voodoo
In Haiti, voodoo played an integral role in slave rebellions that led to Haitian independence in the late 18th century. At that time, some Haitian landowners fled Haiti to settle in New Orleans, Louisiana. Liberated Black Haitians also fled to New Orleans.
The Haitian influx, Africans from French colonies and slaves directly from Africa laid the foundation for voodoo in New Orleans. Voodoo fused with catholic beliefs meant that saints and deities became interchangeable for followers of both religions.
Differences between Haitian Vodou and New Orleans Voodoo
New Orleans Voodoo is different from Haitian Vodou.
- New Orleans voodoo has more emphasis on magic than on religion.
- Live snakes were used in New Orleans Voodoo.
- Voodoo was not suppressed in the United States like in Haiti, though it was officially forbidden during the early voodoo days.
- The priests and priestesses in New Orleans are called kings and queens.
- There was more emphasis on magical charms, gris-gris bags, voodoo dolls in New Orleans.
- A succession of highly revered queens ruled the voodoo community in New Orleans.
What is Gris-gris in Voodoo?
Gris-gris comes from the french word for grey. It is used to symbolize a combination of white and black magic. In New Orleans, white charms are called juju and black charms are called mojo. Gris-gris are considered the most powerful and are the most expensive of charms. The Gris-gris amulets consist of a combination of potions of herbs and ingredients like, hair, pepper, and animal skin in a small leather bag.
John Montenet or Dr.John - Voodoo King of New Orleans
One of the most powerful of voodoo doctors in New Orleans was Dr. John. He practiced in Congo Square, a legal meeting place. He could read the future, read minds, cast spells, concoct gris-gris and even cure illnesses.
He was an African priest and a freed slave, whose voodoo skills made him wealthy. Dr. John was honored in New Orleans as an ancestral spirit after his death.
Marie Laveau - Voodoo Queen of New Orleans
Many people equate voodoo with Marie Laveau. She is remembered as a powerful and charismatic woman whose voodoo rituals at Congo Square captured the attention and awe of the entire community in the mid 19th century. She is said to have remained a Catholic, and her healing methods often involved a prayer at St. Louis Cathedral.
The first half of the 19th century is the golden age of voodoo. After the Civil War, voodoo went into obscurity, but has re-emerged in the recent times. The voodoo history of New Orleans continues to fascinate visitors to the city, to this day.
Related Reading
Readers may also enjoy Haitian Voodoo - Origin and Basic Beliefs.
Sources:
- New Orleans by Tom Downs, John T Edge.
- Africanisms in American Culture, Joseph E Holloway.
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