TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2023 - MARDI GRAS

 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2023 - MARDI GRAS

Today in the Christian Calendar is Fat Tuesday, Shrove Tuesday, Pancake Day, or Mardi Gras.  In some parts of the world, it is “Carnival” or “Carnaval”. 

The History Channel has this definition:

“Mardi Gras is a Christian holiday and popular cultural phenomenon that dates back thousands of years to pagan spring and fertility rites. Also known as Carnival or Carnaval, it’s celebrated in many countries around the world—mainly those with large Roman Catholic populations—on the day before the religious season of Lent begins. Brazil, Venice, and New Orleans play host to some of the holiday’s most famous public festivities, drawing thousands of tourists and revelers every year.”

History Channel adds this:

“Mardi Gras is a tradition that dates back thousands of years to pagan celebrations of spring and fertility, including the raucous Roman festivals of Saturnalia and Lupercalia.”

“When Christianity arrived in Rome, religious leaders decided to incorporate these popular local traditions into the new faith, an easier task than abolishing them altogether. As a result, the excess and debauchery of the Mardi Gras season became a prelude to Lent, the 40 days of fasting and penance between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday.”

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New Orleans Louisiana has one of the biggest (if not the biggest) celebrations in the United States.

New Orleans tourism says this:

“Mardi Gras in New Orleans is one to a three-month stretch of the year in which the streets come alive with music, art, and costumed revelers. Beginning on Twelfth Night, January 6, the best season of the year is upon us: king cake, bead-tossing, and parading begins and only increase as we make our way toward Mardi Gras Day. This year the season is a long one, with Mardi Gras Day on February 21, 2023.

“There’s so much to celebrate during Carnival season, where locals rule and visitors are more than welcome to join in on the fun. On the weekends leading up to Fat Tuesday, parades roll all over town. Spectators gasp at the colossal Endymion floats and delight in the political satire of Krewe du Vieux. T

There’s something to do every week of the Mardi Gras season.

Whether it's new traditions like Krewe of Chewbacchus (with its Star Wars-inspired tomfoolery) or decades-old stalwarts Zulu and Rex (which celebrates its 150th anniversary this year), visitors are encouraged to explore our Mardi Gras traditions. Some of our favorite ways to do this? Try ten different slices of king cake, stand in awe of community walking krewes, and make new friendships with your neighbors on the route. This is the place to have the authentic Mardi Gras experience.”

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You can’t write about Mardi Gras in New Orleans without mentioning King Cake:

“King cake is a New Orleans tradition that involves a pastry, a tiny plastic baby, and a party! The cake is baked with a tiny plastic baby hidden inside; whoever gets the slice with the baby in it has to host the next party.”

(I’ve had King Cake several times.  One of my colleagues at Quinnipiac - from New Orleans - would have King Cake for us.  Last year a friend at our social bridge club had a King Cake.  Last week, this friend was wondering who found the plastic baby last year - and none of us remembered - the joy of having a senior bridge group!!!)

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In reality, Mardi Gras is a HUGE Party.  My picture today is of the NOLA Girls in one of the big parades in New Orleans.  (NOLA - for New Orleans, Louisiana). I have a cousin who is in the group!!!

Considering the next day (starting at midnight) is Ash Wednesday - and the start of the austere season of Lent, the concept seems to be: “Let’s party so much that we collapse and can somehow stand the next 40 days of penance and fasting.”.

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Masks

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There are some fancy masks and amazing outfits for Mardi Gras.  I have an image of a feathered mask today.  (Aside, from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - the Carnival season also has some nudity with masks, sequined outfits, and outlandish costumes!!)

If you are going to party - “Party Hardy”!!  

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A quick spiritual thought.  2 Samuel 6:14-16: “And David danced before the Lord with all his might, and David was girded with a linen ephod.” (Later his wife saw David frolicking and “uncovered”).  I guess King David knew how to party!!!

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Personal note.  Being joyous, happy, and even frolicking is good!!!  Who wants “Gloomy Gus” hanging around?

LOVE WINS

LOVE TRANSFORMS

KAREN ANNE WHITE, © FEBRUARY 21, 2023