If you've ever watched a Voodoo scene in a horror movie, you might be forgiven for envisioning zombies, dolls and witchcraft when asked what it is. But in this episode of American History Hit, Don speaks to Elizabeth James to find out the truth about the New Orleans strand of this misunderstood religion and spiritual practice.Where does Voodoo come from? How has it been practised over the years? And who was Marie Laveau?Elizabeth James is a programme associate for Afroamerican and African Studies at the University of Michigan. She had the practises of Voodoo passed on to her by her grandmother in Louisiana.Produced by Sophie Gee. Edited by Aidan Lonergan. Senior Producer was Charlotte Long.Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free original podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians like Dan Snow, James Holland, Mary Beard and more.Get 50% off your first 3 months with code AMERICANHISTORY. Download the app on your smart TV or in the app store or sign up at historyhit.com/subscribeYou can take part in our listener survey here.

Ask this episode

“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.