A parterre is an arrangement of offerings spread out on the ground on a white cloth. The color white is used because it is associated with the Ancestors in African-derived traditions. In African and Western cultures, white is a symbol of purity and cleanliness. In the context of Catholicism, the General Instruction of the Roman Missal states: “Out of reverence for the celebration of the memorial of the Lord and for the banquet in which then Body and Blood of the Lord are offered, there should be, on an altar where this is celebrated, at least one cloth, white in colour, whose shape, size, and decoration are in keeping with the altar’s structure.” In addition, Catholic regulations of the nineteenth and early twentieth century stipulate that altar cloths be made of linen or hemp as opposed to any other material even if of a higher quality. Of course, folks nowadays will use any sort of white cloth without understanding the origins behind the practice.
Parterres can be indoors or outdoors. They have candles burning in the four corners of the cloth and/or the room, and the color of the candles signifies the purpose of the gathering (e.g., green for money, white for blessings, red for love or power). An image of a saint may be placed in the center of the layout if a saint is invoked for the working. A good example of a parterre from the early part of the twentieth century is described in an article by a writer for the Louisiana Works Progress Administration (WPA). The article, entitled “Description of a Hoodoo Opening Ceremony to Make a Person a Member of the Sect,” is an account of an initiation ritual undergone by the writer. A worker called Nom “made an altar on the floor with a white cloth (it was clean and pressed, about the size of an average tablecloth)” and placed an image of St. Peter in the center of the cloth, noting St. Peter was used because he “opens the gates of heaven.” The writer goes on to describe the offerings that were placed on the cloth and how they were arranged:
Green and white candles were lit on the cloth, rather, slightly off of the cloth; other candles were placed around the picture. Nom placed two quart size bottles on the altar, one of cider and the other of raspberry pop. Several plates were put on the altar. In one plate was some steel dust which was on the right side of the picture, orris root powder was placed in front of the picture, a plate of dry basile was in the center of the picture and to the front near the center was a plate of stage planks (cake) and a box of ginger snaps. To the left of the cakes was a plate of mixed bird seed. To the rear of this was a plate of cloves; to the right was cinnamon. On each side of this were the pans of con-gris, which was cooked red beans and rice. A small bottle of olive oil was to the left of the picture with a bag of sugar to the left of this, slightly off the cloth or altar. There was a bunch of bananas on the left side and some apples on the right. After arranging the powders etc. Nom placed a piece of camphor branch near the picture, also a glass of bastille. The camphor represented a palm. A half-pint of gin was placed in the center front while a bottle of Jax beer was put to the left of the picture (McKinney n.d.)
It should be noted that the camphor branch is associated with opening roads and would have been a fitting amplification of St. Peter’s role in the ritual. Whether or not it was actually a substitution for a palm branch is not known; however, palm branches are not hard to find in Louisiana, so it is a bit of a conundrum as to why “camphor represented a palm.”
Example of a Parterre
Create a Parterre for Marie Laveau
To create a parterre-style altar for Marie Laveau, start by laying out a clean white tablecloth on the ground. On each corner, set a white candle. In the center, set an image of the Voudou Queen. Place one blue candle in front of her image and a white candle on either side of the center blue candle. In front of the blue candle, set a clear glass of water with a crucifix laid on top, congris, and a variety of her other favorite offerings, using the table of Marie Laveau characteristics as a guide. Lay a single red rose near her photo. Personalize the altar in a manner that speaks to you. Light some incense. Perfumes and pleasant fragrances are effective means of drawing spirits down when you need their attention. Your altar is now ready for your petition, prayer, or meditation. Light your candles and incense, knock three times on the ground, and call out Marie Laveau’s name three times. Then proceed with your service or petition.