Volunteer Expeditions Banner

Volunteer Expeditions Banner

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

What is Mardi Gras?

It's okay, you can admit it. You've always heard of Mardi Gras. You know it happens in New Orleans. You know it involves a lot of beads, some crazy costumes, and a parade. You may even know that you see colorful cakes at the bakery called king cakes.

But you may not know what is.

You certainly aren't alone! In celebration of Mardi Gras today, we'd like to give you the run-down of what it actually all means. And we'll give you some beads for reading, too!

The story behind Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras is French for "Fat Tuesday," which is what today celebrates. Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday, which marks the start of fasting for Lent in Christianity. And what do you want to do before you fast? You pig out! On Fat Tuesday, it's tradition to eat the rich, fatty foods that many deny themselves over the Lenton period. Mardi Gras refers to the tradition of celebrating it! Since Ash Wednesday and the period of Lent are considered serious affairs, Mardi Gras takes the chance to turn everything topsy-turvy beforehand. Social norms are shattered, costumes and masks hide identities, and everyone joins the carnival.

The parade
The New Orleans Mardi Gras parades are organized by krewes (groups of people, usually affiliated with a specific organization or cause). These krewes put together floats and toss goodies to the crowd, such as beads, plastic cups, doubloons, and the like. Fun fact: since Mardi Gras is considered a traditional religious holiday, the event is not sponsored by businesses. The only exception was in 2006, after Hurricane Katrina caused such widespread destruction and debt, that the city accepted sponsorship.

The king cake
These tasty cakes are decorated in the traditional Mardi Gras colors of purple, green, and gold. Each oblong, braided cake has a small bean or plastic baby placed somewhere inside it. Whoever has the slice with the baby in it has to buy next year's cake or throw next year's king cake party!

Why New Orleans?
That's a good question. Louisiana was settled by the French, and in the late 17th century, the Le Moyne brothers were sent to defend the territory. They arrived just before the holiday, so they celebrated it near where New Orleans is today (and named the spot in its honor). One of the brothers went on to found the capitol of French Louisiana (Mobile, Alabama today). As the territory grew, so did its festivities. By the time the capitol was moved to New Orleans, Mardi Gras festivities had been widely accepted by all its colonists, whether they were originally French or not!

We hope this answered some questions for you. Mardi Gras can be a very fun festival, even for those who don't observe the traditional holidays it celebrates! And, as promised, your beads:

Photo: Mark Gstohl on Flickr
What do you do to celebrate Mardi Gras?

7 comments:

  1. This is very interesting, You're a very skilled blogger. I've joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your wonderful post. Also, I've shared your web site in my social networks!
    my web page > Verona Kinkead

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much! We're happy to have such interested readers.

      Delete
  2. Great blog right here! Also your web site quite a bit up very fast!
    What web host are you using? Can I am getting your associate hyperlink for your host?
    I desire my website loaded up as fast as yours lol


    Testforce Xtreme

    ReplyDelete
  3. Attractive section of content. I just stumbled upon your website
    and in accession capital to assert that I acquire in fact enjoyed account your blog
    posts. Anyway I will be subscribing to your feeds
    and even I achievement you access consistently quickly.




    Garcinia cambogis review

    ReplyDelete
  4. I have been exploring for a little bit for any high quality articles or blog posts in this sort
    of house . Exploring in Yahoo I finally stumbled
    upon this site. Studying this info So i am happy to show
    that I've a very just right uncanny feeling I discovered just what I needed. I such a lot unquestionably will make sure to don?t fail to remember this website and provides it a glance regularly.


    Mito slim **

    ReplyDelete