What is Voodoo in New Orleans: The Paranormal Mystery Revealed

In New Orleans, Voodoo is a rich, spiritually-based tradition of religious practice that predates the Spanish and French settlements of the city. To this day, many residents of the Crescent City pay homage to Voodoo in some capacity, whether it’s through divining rituals, animal sacrifices, elaborate ceremonies or the use of religion artifacts. But what is Voodoo exactly? In this article, we’ll attempt to answer this question by examining the historical roots and present-day practices of Voodoo in New Orleans.

The Ancient Origins of Voodoo in New Orleans

Voodoo originated in the Kingdom of Dahomey in the 18th century (modern day Benin) and became popular among the African diaspora, who carried it with them wherever their forced migrations took them. Fused with Christianity and Catholicism, marinated in a delectable gumbo of European traditions, Voodoo took on a special flavor when it arrived in New Orleans. The mayor of the city from 1820 to 1822 was a Voodoo Priestess named Madame John who was entrusted with ensuring that the city’s economy, law enforcement, and many other aspects of civic life ran smoothly.

Today, it’s estimated that New Orleans is home to over 15,000 followers and practitioners of Voodoo which is still primarily practiced by the African American community. Tourists are often taken aback by the prevalence of the religion, which is mostly made up of a diverse assortment of spiritual observances and traditions pertaining to the natural world. Any given visit to New Orleans will yield attractions, shops, and ceremonies all paying homage to this mystical faith.

Voodoo Explained: What Makes It Unique?

Voodoo as practiced in New Orleans retains many of its roots in West African religions, but has been heavily adapted for a modern audience. It is a distinctly holistic religion, where all parts or elements of the universe are inherently connected, and is often practiced in conjunction with Catholicism and Spanish Folk Magic. This varied religious landscape has resulted in an eclectic mix of beliefs and practices.

At its core, Voodoo stresses the importance of self-knowledge, healing and growth through spiritual means. Followers strive to become “pure’ on their spiritual path; they value knowledge, free will and respect for authority figures within their tradition. Voodoo is also unique because it doesn’t have the same hierarchical structure as other faiths and denominations; rather, each line or “house’ (a standardized set of beliefs and practices) will have its own priest or priestess, or vodouisant as they’re known.

Common Practices & Rituals

The most common practice in Voodoo is the use of “gris-gris’ (also known as “mojo bags’) that are filled with herbs, bones and other elements and hung around the neck for protection or luck. Other esoteric aims can be met via charms, dolls or other objects that are given names and then prayed over or addressed during rituals. Many vodouisants gather to practice their faith on special occasions such as Saint John’s Eve (June 23rd) or Salles des Mariés (a ritual involving ancestral communication).

Outside of these occasions, many practitioners choose to take part in more personal rituals such as the Tobler-Marassa ceremony which involves dressing up as Iwa – spirits of ancestors – in order to commune with them. One popular ritual takes place at Congo Square in Louis Armstrong park on Sunday afternoons when people come together to dance and showcase their spirituality.

Voodoo Today: Beyond Stereotypes & Misconceptions

Over the years, Voodoo has unfortunately been subject to a great deal of misunderstanding and misrepresentation. Movies, books and television shows often portray it as a sort of dark magic or witchcraft that can be used for nefarious purposes. This could not be further from the truth; in its core principles Voodoo emphasizes values such healing, peace, spirituality and natural balance.

Given their familiarity with the practice from an early age, many famous musicians from New Orleans such as jazz legend Professor Longhair incorporated aspects of Voodoo into their music. Now more than ever tourists are keen to learn more about Voodoo when they visit New Orleans, as a sign of respect they take part in politically unscathed tours like “New Orleans Voodoo Mystery and Paranormal Tour’.

In short, anyone interested in understanding more about this vibrant faith should approach it with an open mind – although there is no wrong or right path with Voodoo, understanding its ancient roots dug deeply into the culture of New Orleans is necessary to honor it properly. Therefore if you go for such a tour, it’s important that you keep an open mind to gain insight into this complex faith and learn about the controversy surrounding it – its successes as well as its shortcomings. We urge you to experience Voodoo for yourself instead of just reading about it – so what are you waiting for? Book your tour now!