Marie Laveau: The Legendary Voodoo Queen of New Orleans

In life her spirit refused to be subdued; in death her spirit refused to be confined. Mamzell Marie Laveau, became the reigning Voodoo Queen of New Orleans during the 1830’s. A beautiful woman, with dark curly hair and mesmerizing eyes, Mamzell Marie captivated the hearts of every social strata. An astonishing accomplishment for a woman with a creole mother and white father.

The mention of her name either causes reverence or fear. In the 19th century, it was believed that Mamzell Marie Laveau, could help a creole man find favor among white business associates. To request a blessing from this captivating woman could heal the sick and dying. Her special brand of Zombi Brand Voodoo could even send a wealthy relative to the grave early. Both whites and blacks, came to her morning, noon, or night for a variety of reasons. It did not matter the time of day, Mamzell Marie Laveau, would do anything in her power to help you. Those that knew her well, claim she was the most compassionate person they had ever known.

Mamzell Marie Laveau, passed from this life in 1891. She rests next to her second husband and family in St. Louis Cemetery, no. 1. Mamzell Marie’s popularity did not end with her death. Her secret society still exists today, practicing and selling her special brand of Voodoo.

The legend of Mamzell Marie Laveau is kept alive today by the many people who visit her grave. The current Voodoo Queen of New Orleans visits her grave every day to pay her respect and ask for her guidance. Many still firmly believe that she can still grant blessings from the grave. The blessing will cost you an offering of zombi brand candles, flowers, food, or money. There is an urban legend which states if you mark her tomb with “XXX” using chalk or brick that she will grant a wish. There are different versions on how to practice this old ritual. Voodoo practitioners state that this practice has nothing to do with Voodoo beliefs. The Voodoo practitioners and historical preservationists strongly discourage marking the graves because it is disrespectful and causes damage to the grave.

If you visit St. Louis Cemetery no.1 on the eve of St. John’s Day, you might catch a glimpse of two ladies dressed in white walking through the cemetery or down St. Ann street. Mamzell Marie Laveau and her daughter, the second Marie Laveau, are as close in death as they were in life. Out of Mamzell Marie Laveau’s fifteen children, the second Marie Laveau was the only one to follow in her mother’s footsteps. The second Marie Laveau’s final resting place is disputed. Many believe her to be buried in St. Louis Cemetery no. 2, but the translation of the engraving on Mamzell Marie Laveau’s tomb states that she is buried with her mother. If she is actually buried in St. Louis Cemetery no. 2, it does not keep her from enjoying her mother’s company in the spiritual world.