In the 1850s, according to Times-Picayune archives, it was a common and boastful practice to make sweeping arrests upon the discovery of “more Voudouism.” A few decades later, reports mention “fetish offerings of lizards’ tongues and blind worms’ stings” and “the strangest of strange religions find in uncouth exercises the marvelous eccentricities of superstition.” That mockery and mischaracterization continued well into the 20th century, so much so that many who practice even today find it best to do so behind closed doors. They were called “wild,” “cannibals,” and sexual deviants. Historically, those practicing Voodoo in New Orleans were mocked. Hoodoo and Voodoo followers believe in a universal energy, that the soul can leave the body during dreams and spiritual possessions. Some people enjoy using crystals, others like tarot cards, and many practitioners like candles. There’s no specific way to practice Hoodoo, since it’s a little bit of Voodoo, a bit of Catholicism, bits of Judaism, many Afro-Caribbean religions, and a lot of ancestor communication. But what is more commonly practiced in New Orleans is referred to as Hoodoo, a spirituality that evolved after centuries of slavery and immigration. Voodoo is an actual religion in the African diaspora, with its own god (Bondye) and saints (loa) and there is a lot of work leading up to the initiation of a priestess or priest. This is why you see prayer cards and rosary beads in Voodoo shops to this very day. And many of them masterfully disguised their worship by assigning Catholic saints to publicly represent the saints they actually venerate. During the late 18th century, the Place des Negres (now known as Congo Square in Louis Armstrong Park) provided slaves with a place to practice their native religions - Voodoo being one of them. Voodoo traces its origins in New Orleans, often called the “northernmost Caribbean city,” back to centuries-old immigrant populations from Haiti, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic. ![]() Yet there are still plenty of legitimate shops and spiritualists practicing throughout the city. The city’s relationship with the ancient religion is complicated, fraught with a difficult history, and an evolution tinged with gentrification and fraudulent practices. But ask how to find authentic Voodoo in New Orleans and the answers aren’t as straight-forward. ![]() People come to New Orleans and eagerly ask where to find the best po’boys, the best snowballs, the best gumbo.
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