St John's Eve

On the banks of this bayou, named after Saint John the Baptist, a free woman of color held ancient Vodou ceremonies.

She took a huge risk in doing this, as white authorities did not look kindly on any display of religious freedom from people of color. She was smart, however.

As a hairdresser for an affluent society in the Vieux Carrè (better known as the French Quarter) she could invite her white patrons to these ceremonies and insure her safety.

Perhaps it also provided a distraction for others, darker than herself and with less privilege, who may have been celebrating elsewhere.

We’ll never quite know the truth, but this is the mystique of the illustrious Marie Laveau. Rein du Vodou, we honor you on this day. May you rest in beauty.