Post by RoadWarriorYajuta on Feb 7, 2005 22:12:02 GMT -8
signal51group.com/Ourrig/02-Mardi/happy_mardi_gras.jpg [/img]
Mardi Gras is just a big part of life down here. That isn't a big shock considering the cajun and Catholic populations on the Gulf Coast. Basically it is an excuse for one last blow out before fasting for lent. There are designated parade routes and they have floats that come through. Off of these are thrown Mardi Gras Beads, Mardi Gras Doublons, Cups, Toys, Candy, and Moon Pies. It was lots of fun when I was younger, but I only dig it now because of my kids. There is way to much fighting, drunkeness, and sexual activity for it be good fun anymore. I did Mardi Gras in New Orleans once, but never again, as the French Qaurter and Bourbon Street were literally wall to wall people. Another great Mardi Gras tradition is the King Cake. It is a pastry style cake that has a little baby hidden inside. Whomever gest the piece with the baby has to buy the next King Cake. All in all, it is fun for me because of my Family. I digress, just wanted to share some local flavor with y'all, and have a safe and happy Mardi Gras.
www.gaudetgraphics.com/kingcake/images/bigeasyw.jpg [/img]
The History of Mardi Gras
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. 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.
Mardi Gras means "Fat Tuesday" and of course is celebrated on that day of the week. The date can fall between February 3 and March 9 depending on the Lunar calendar, used by the Catholic Church to determine the date of Easter. Mardi Gras is always 47 days before Easter Sunday.
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
The Mardi Gras season begins on January 6 and continues until Fat Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday. On the Christian calendar, the twelfth day after Christmas is known as "Epiphany", "Twelfth Night", or "Kings Day." It is the day the gift-bearing Magi visited the baby Jesus, and is celebrated with its own unique rituals.
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. 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.
Mardi Gras means "Fat Tuesday" and of course is celebrated on that day of the week. The date can fall between February 3 and March 9 depending on the Lunar calendar, used by the Catholic Church to determine the date of Easter. Mardi Gras is always 47 days before Easter Sunday.
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
The Mardi Gras season begins on January 6 and continues until Fat Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday. On the Christian calendar, the twelfth day after Christmas is known as "Epiphany", "Twelfth Night", or "Kings Day." It is the day the gift-bearing Magi visited the baby Jesus, and is celebrated with its own unique rituals.
Mardi Gras is just a big part of life down here. That isn't a big shock considering the cajun and Catholic populations on the Gulf Coast. Basically it is an excuse for one last blow out before fasting for lent. There are designated parade routes and they have floats that come through. Off of these are thrown Mardi Gras Beads, Mardi Gras Doublons, Cups, Toys, Candy, and Moon Pies. It was lots of fun when I was younger, but I only dig it now because of my kids. There is way to much fighting, drunkeness, and sexual activity for it be good fun anymore. I did Mardi Gras in New Orleans once, but never again, as the French Qaurter and Bourbon Street were literally wall to wall people. Another great Mardi Gras tradition is the King Cake. It is a pastry style cake that has a little baby hidden inside. Whomever gest the piece with the baby has to buy the next King Cake. All in all, it is fun for me because of my Family. I digress, just wanted to share some local flavor with y'all, and have a safe and happy Mardi Gras.
www.gaudetgraphics.com/kingcake/images/bigeasyw.jpg [/img]