as of 2/18/99
The tour began with the wall vaults. Up to 12 bodies can be put to rest in one vault. A body has a chance to 'rest' in the vault for one year and one day. After which at that time, it is removed from its coffin and transferred into a bag and put into the lower chamber, while the upper chamber waits for its next year long visitor. This vault is decorated by a the son/grandson of the two ladies you see in the pictures.
This tomb belongs to Marie Laveaux: the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans. She is highly regarded in this area. Many still come to worship and stand in awe. At the end of the tour, we were taken to the very doorstep of where she used to live.
Here is a picture of some of the tombs. There are many different kinds. Family tombs, being the most popular. One generation buying a tomb, means that the next couple of generations will be able to use it. Very cost efficient.
Here is another setting in the cemetery. The reason tombs are used is because most of the New Orleans land is below sea level. They tried burial, but after bodies would surface from the ground and wash down the streets, they found this to be a better means. It also saves on space.
***Thanks to Robert Florence, our tour guide, for the highly informative guide. He is the author of two books written on New Orleans cemeteries.***
We also went to a Voodoo Spiritual Temple, but we didn't take any pictures. Sorry.
