When you look at a red brick, what do you see? Chances are that you imagine what you can make from it, like a wall or a house. However, for thousands of years the dust from red bricks has been even more valuable than the structures that can be built with them. Let’s look at the history of red brick dust and how it is commonly used.
The History of Using Red Brick Dust
It’s important to note that using red brick dust is not a new concept. Its use can be traced back thousands of years. For example, it was used medicinally in the Egyptian Ebers Papyrus, which dates back to around 1550 B.C. But even more incredibly, , the ochre pigments were used by the Cro-Magnon artists painting cave paintings in the southern Europe area from 32,000 – 10,000 years ago.
In more recent times, both fine and coarse red brick dust have been used in Hoodoo and Voodoo in Louisiana. One of the most notable uses for it is for New Orleanians to use it to mark the grave of Marie Laveau, the well-known Voodoo Queen. It is believed that marking her grave with “X” symbols will cause her to grant wishes for those who draw the marks. Red brick dust was also incorporated into makeshift shrines that could be seen around New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. Additionally, many New Orleanians, as well as others outside New Orleans, believe red brick dust place at a house's front door protects that dwelling from evil.
Another interesting fact about red brick dust and its history is red ochre clay residue has been discovered in burial sites around the world. It was used by everyone from the Ancient Egyptians to the European Paleolithic people, to the people of the Late Holocene in the Americas. At one point, a shell was found on Galveston Island in Texas in a burial ground. It was coated in a thin red ochre layer. Archaeologists assume that the shell contained paint used during ancient rituals to prepare bodies for burial.
Uses for Red Brick Dust
Red brick dust is one of the most versatile materials in Hoodoo and Voodoo. Here is a list of some of its many uses:
Conjuring - It is often used to make a person sick when practicing Hoodoo. When you place it in a bottle with the right combination of items it can make a person ill.
Nullifying Evil - The dust is often sprinkled over a crossed object to reverse an evil deed or work.
Mixing a Floor Wash - A wash can be made using red brick dust. You can then wash the windows and doors with it to keep enemies out.
Making Protective Candles - Adding a pinch of red brick dust to your candles can help with protection.
Assisting with Safe Travel - Keeping a red brick chunk in your vehicle’s trunk can help ensure safe travel and protection.
Protecting Buildings – Mix it with white or black salt. Then put it around the perimeter of a building to create protection from evil spirits.
Clearing Negativity – Sprinkling the dust on the floor and then sweeping it out the door with a broom can also clear negative energy from a space and offer protection from evil spirits.
How You Can Get Your Own Red Brick Dust
Has red brick dust piqued your interest? If so, we hope you will consider ordering your red brick dust from us. We offer rough and fine options. We are also available to answer any questions you may have. Just contact us at Bell Brick & Candle or browse on our website for more information. We are always happy to assist you!
By Sharon Hendricks // Edited by Jessica Kosinski