This painting is the image most often associated withfamed Voodoo (Voudou) Queen Marie Leveau. The original painting can
be seen in the Cabildo in New Orleans, LA.
Marie Leveau was born sometime between 1790 and 1801 in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Lousiana. The exact date of her birth is unknown as the documentation of such things was rather casual during this period, often taking several days for someone to jot down a birth or death date (thus resulting in conflicting records of both). It is believed that Marie was born to a wealthy white planter and free creole woman. The rest of her life is shrouded in mystery, and what we do know is sporadic and fascinating.
From all accounts it appears that our dear Marie Leveau, soon to be Voodoo Queen, was raised a devout Roman Catholic. She never really let go of her Catholic roots, as Voodoo is a syncretic religion blending traditional African religions with Roman Catholicism to create something that reflects varying aspects of two seemingly unconnected spiritual paths. So our cajun Voodoo Queen was also devoutly Catholic.
It also seems that Marie married twice and had a total of 15 children between her two husbands. Her daughter, also named Marie Leveau, is often confused with her mother, making the history of this fascinating woman even harder to nail down. Her first husband, Jacques Paris, died sometime around 1820 under unexplained circumstances. Some accounts actually say he disappeared and was never found. In any case Leveau became involved with another man, Christophe Glapion, and bore him children as well.
Leveau became a hairdresser for affluent white families after her first husband's disappearance/death. She made powerful connections and many historians believe that she exploited these connections to create her own power in New Orlean's society. Some claim she had a vast network of spies within her wealthy clients' homes and these spies fed her information about her clients.
White and Black, rich and poor, came to Marie Leveau with their problems. They bought her potions and charms, and according to most accounts those potions and charms worked. People held Leveau in awe and many feared her. She is best known for her St. John's Day rituals on the banks of the Bayou St. John. Thousands flocked to see Marie Leveau, Voodoo Queen, dance with her powerful snake Zombi and perform Voodoo "magic" in celebration of the holiday.
It is recorded that Leveau cared for injured soldiers following the Battle of New Orleans, and again during the Yellow Fever epidemic of the 1850's. She owned a house in New Orleans. Some claim she also owned a brothel. She prayed with rosary beads, danced with a snake named for the African God Zombi, revived Voodoo in America, gained a following of thousands, was loved and feared, and had powerful white allies. She died in 1881. Followers of Voodoo still visit her tomb in St. Louis Cemetery, leaving her gifts and tokens of appreciation. She is revered in death as she was revered in life. Her "magic" still echoes today.
From all accounts it appears that our dear Marie Leveau, soon to be Voodoo Queen, was raised a devout Roman Catholic. She never really let go of her Catholic roots, as Voodoo is a syncretic religion blending traditional African religions with Roman Catholicism to create something that reflects varying aspects of two seemingly unconnected spiritual paths. So our cajun Voodoo Queen was also devoutly Catholic.
It also seems that Marie married twice and had a total of 15 children between her two husbands. Her daughter, also named Marie Leveau, is often confused with her mother, making the history of this fascinating woman even harder to nail down. Her first husband, Jacques Paris, died sometime around 1820 under unexplained circumstances. Some accounts actually say he disappeared and was never found. In any case Leveau became involved with another man, Christophe Glapion, and bore him children as well.
Leveau became a hairdresser for affluent white families after her first husband's disappearance/death. She made powerful connections and many historians believe that she exploited these connections to create her own power in New Orlean's society. Some claim she had a vast network of spies within her wealthy clients' homes and these spies fed her information about her clients.
White and Black, rich and poor, came to Marie Leveau with their problems. They bought her potions and charms, and according to most accounts those potions and charms worked. People held Leveau in awe and many feared her. She is best known for her St. John's Day rituals on the banks of the Bayou St. John. Thousands flocked to see Marie Leveau, Voodoo Queen, dance with her powerful snake Zombi and perform Voodoo "magic" in celebration of the holiday.
It is recorded that Leveau cared for injured soldiers following the Battle of New Orleans, and again during the Yellow Fever epidemic of the 1850's. She owned a house in New Orleans. Some claim she also owned a brothel. She prayed with rosary beads, danced with a snake named for the African God Zombi, revived Voodoo in America, gained a following of thousands, was loved and feared, and had powerful white allies. She died in 1881. Followers of Voodoo still visit her tomb in St. Louis Cemetery, leaving her gifts and tokens of appreciation. She is revered in death as she was revered in life. Her "magic" still echoes today.
Many women's studies scholars believe that Rosie the Riveter forever changed gender norms in the U.S., finally opening the door for women to join the workforce. Other disagree. Whatever you think, you have to admire the real life "Rosies" who were forced to forgo nylon stockings for the war effort and instead painted their legs with pancake batter and drew a seam down their calves with eyeliner, who slapped overalls over their skirts and dresses, and wielded heavy machinery in a grueling factory for hours on end all to play their part in the world's greatest war. Below is an image of a real life "Rosie". Enjoy!
