Mardi Gras is a pre-Lenten festival filled with street parades, masked balls, lavish dinners and a lot of tradition.
Here are a few things to know about the period of festivity:
1. What does “Mardi Gras” mean?
“Mardi Gras” is derived from what was originally referred to as “Beouf Gras,” or fatted calf, in France.
2. Where did Mardi Gras originate?
Mardi Gras dates back to pagan celebrations of spring and fertility, which took place thousands of years ago. When the ritual arrived in Rome, Pope Gregory XIII decided to incorporate the traditions into the faith in 1582 and as Christianity spread around the globe, so did Mardi Gras.
3. How did Mardi Gras come to the U.S.?
King Louis XIV sent brothers Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne and Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville to defend France's claim on the territory of Louisiana in the late 17th century. When the men arrived at a plot of land just south of New Orleans on March 2, 1699, they named it “Pointe du Mardi Gras” upon realizing it was the eve of the holiday and threw a spontaneous party. This is thought to be the first American Mardi Gras celebration from which the tradition has persisted centuries later.
4. Is Mardi Gras a religious holiday?
Yes, Mardi Gras is a Christian holiday celebrated largely by Roman Catholic populations in preparation for Lent, the 40 days of penance between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday.
5. What is the difference between Carnival and Mardi Gras?
Carnival refers to the period of feasting and fun that begins Jan. 6, also known as The Feast of Epiphany. Mardi Gras refers to Fat Tuesday, the final day of revelry before Ash Wednesday, when the season of Lent begins. This year, Fat Tuesday—or Mardi Gras—will take place Feb. 28.
6. What is the significance of the Mardi Gras colors?
Rex, the King of Carnival, selected Mardi Gras colors and assigned meaning to each in 1892: purple stands for justice, green for faith and gold for power.
7. What is the significance of King Cake?
As part of the Christian faith, the Feast of Epiphany is celebrated 12 days after Christmas when the three wise men brought gifts to the Christ child. This day is also referred to as “Little Christmas on the Twelfth Night” and is a time of celebration, gift exchanges and feasting. During Mardi Gras, people continue to celebrate this tradition by baking a special cake in honor of the three wise men, called “A King’s Cake.”
The plastic baby in the king’s cake signifies luck to whomever receives it, and that person is typically asked to continue Mardi Gras festivities by hosting the next King Cake Party.
8. What are “throws?”
“Throws” refer to the throwing of items that "krewe" members throw to parade-goers from parade floats. Items thrown typically include doubloons, beads, cups, homemade trinkets and toys. The tradition began in the 1870s with the Twelfth Night Revelers.
9. Why do people wear Mardis Gras masks?
Masks were originally worn during Mardi Gras to allow parade-goers to escape society and class constraints—creating a sense of unity by breaking down barriers. Today, float riders are required by law in New Orleans to wear masks during celebration and, on Fat Tuesday, krewe members and parade-goers alike are encouraged to wear masks.
10. Where is Mardi Gras celebrated?
Mardi Gras is celebrated all over the globe but has the strongest footholds in Brazil, Venice and Louisiana—the only state where Mardi Gras is a legal holiday as declared by former Gov. Henry Warmoth in 1875. New Orleanians refer to Mardi Gras as "the greatest free show on earth.”
Sources: Mardi Gras New Orleans, History.com, MardiGras.com
