What Is Voodoo? Breaking Down a New Orleans Religion

Voodoo's mysterious presence is among the most popular themes of New Orleans, especially in the movies and television shows. However, it's not just about divination, witchcraft, and creepy tourist attractions. Voodoo is a genuine significant, culturally significant religion that is based on the connection to spirits and the blending of the visible and the invisible worlds.

 Its roots are deep within Voodoo Cemetery Tour New Orleans from gatherings at Congo Square to the famous Voodooists who are buried in St. Louis Cemetery No. 1. Although it's often depicted as dark magic or even an evil force, the primary goal is to help people particularly those who are weak, sick and hungry.

At present, it is estimated that close to 15 percent of New Orleanians still practice Voodoo. Numerous temples, shops, and excursions around the city will assist you in getting a better understanding of this popular religion.

What is Voodoo?

Voodooists believe that rather than only one God being in charge of our life, the spirit of our predecessors watches over us and gives us advice. But, they believe in one god, the supreme power of Bondye, "the good god." In Voodoo the visible world people who are living and the invisible world - that of the dead are interspersed. This way, the people we once knew remain alive in the spirit.

Alongside our traditional spirit guides, there are Lwa lesser spirits that represent human beings. Voodooists develop relationships with specific Lwa to aid in personal growth and embody Lwa's ideals to assist those in the world. The believers often offer food or other gifts to the Lwa to get help. It is commonplace to find Lwa to be possessed by a Voodoo practitioner during rituals.

There are Voodoo priests and the priestesses that you've likely heard of or depicted in the media provide advice on a person's spiritual journey. People seek them out for assistance in dealing with stress, illness love, and financial concerns, in addition to many other things.

History of New Orleans Voodoo

 Over time, Voodoo has become synonymous with New Orleans, and it continues to be practiced. However, few people are aware of the roots of religion and its intriguing background.

Western slaves Africans and, in particular, people from the Yoruba group, have been believed to be responsible for the introduction of Voodoo in New Orleans in the 1700s. The dominant religion of that time was Catholicism and slaves were required to convert to Catholicism, a form of hybrid religion called Voodoo Catholicism became the standard. One illustration of this blend is the famous Voodoo queen Marie Laveau, who was in fact a fervent Catholic.

Voodoo was not allowed within New Orleans until the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. Following the time that Haitian slaves uprooted their governments in 1804, waves of new immigrants flooded into New Orleans, reviving the tradition of worship with their arrival. At the time when those who owned slaves were obliged to provide their slaves with their Sundays off and offer them a social location: Congo Square, located in Armstrong Park in the Treme neighborhood. In the park, they performed Voodoo in huge numbers, attracting many people of whites with their drumming and dancing rituals. With the increase in liberated people of color increased as did the Voodoo movement began to gain momentum and became an integral aspect of the city's culture.

Famous Voodoo Practitioners

Marie Laveau

Marie Laveau was the most well-known Voodoo queen who was a free woman of color who resided within the French Quarter on St. Ann Street. Throughout her entire existence (1794 between 1794 and 1881) she cared for sick people, fed hungry children she adopted, and embellished her house with altars, candles, and other sacred objects to guard herself against evil spirits. 

While she often attended the masses during the week at St. Louis Cathedral, she was a cult she was a Voodooist who was a consultant to every member of society, from slave servants to politicians. Laveau also was skilled in midwifery, and massage, as well as the use of herbs in salves, tinctures, and other salves to treat patients. She also operated an establishment for beauty services which was a hairdresser for wealthy New Orleans families.

Marie Laveau's grave in the renowned St. Louis Cemetery No. 1.

Dr. John

The most well-known Voodoo King in New Orleans, Dr. John was Marie Laveau's instructor and was also a highly skilled healer and fortune-teller. Born in Senegal and brought into Cuba in the form of a slave, eventually made his way into New Orleans as a cotton roller and being a member of the nearby Voodoo community. He constructed a home on Bayou Road and gained the name "Bayou John."

St. John's Eve, June 23rd, is celebrated all over the globe to mark the solstice of summer, a celebration started with Marie Laveau in the 1830s. Every year, the residents from New Orleans gather at Bayou St. John and other places throughout the city for an annual head-washing ritual as well as a celebration for the public.

New Orleans Voodoo Today

Voodoo is a complex religion that it's hard to understand without conducting your own study and immersing yourself in New Orleans culture. To get a basic understanding of the religion, go to the New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum.

 Although many Voodoo rituals are usually performed in private settings, there are places where you can get the opportunity to read or guide you to the ritual. Visit shops in the city, like Marie Laveau House of Voodoo or Voodoo Authentica. It is also possible to go to Voodoo Authentica, the Voodoo Spiritual Temple located across from Congo Square, or book a New Orleans Voodoo tour to get answers to all of your queries. Take a look at of the New Orleans ghost tours and cemetery tours Louisiana offers.