The History of Mardi Gras

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The Ancient Romans celebrated Lupercalia, a festival of feasts and merriment to welcome spring and to ask the gods for good crops and ample livestock for the coming season. When the Romans accepted Christianity the Church fathers incorporated some of the Lupercalia customs into a celebration called Carnival, rather than try to abolish them altogether. They were trying to convert those who were still pagan, and incorporating some aspects of the old rituals was more successful in gaining converts than strict oppression.

Carnival, means "farewell to meat" and signifies the period beginning on January 6 or the twelfth night after Christmas (Epiphany), the day the wise men brought their gifts to the baby Jesus--it was a period of merriment that preceded the penance of Lent. Carnival is filled with parties and parades, ending on Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras falls between February 3 and March 9, depending on the lunar Calendar and Easter--it is always 47 days before Easter Sunday.

Mardi Gras means Fat Tuesday and falls on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent (fasting period). In England Mardi Gras was known as Pancake Tuesday as people made pancakes until they ran out of eggs, butter and milk. In Germany the day was called Fastnacht (Eve of Fast) and they celebrated with rectangular doughnuts filled with molasses. The French and the Spanish called this period Carnivale.

Mardi Gras came to New Orleans through its French heritage in 1699. Early explorers celebrated this French Holiday on the banks of the Mississippi River about 60 miles south of where New Orleans is today, naming the spot Point du Mardi Gras. Throughout the years, Orleanians have added to the celebration by establishing krewes (organizations) which host parades and balls. Carnival quickly became an exciting holiday for both children and adults. Floats, throwing beads and, pies wearing masks and costumes, while parading down the streets to Dixieland or Cajun music has made this one of the worlds most popular holidays.

The official colors for Mardi Gras are purple, green, and gold. These colors were chosen in 1872 by the King of Carnival, Rex. He chose these colors to stand for the following:

• Purple represents justice

• green stands for faith

• gold stands for power