Why We Celebrate Mardi Gras
Today is known by many names. Shrove Tuesday, Fat Tuesday, Pancake Tuesday, and my favorite, Mardi Gras. It is the last day of “fat eating” or gorging, before Lent begins tomorrow.
For those of us who are Catholic (and I believe other Christian faiths, but I can’t speak for them), this is the day that we make a special point to reflect on what wrongs we need to repent, engage in self-examination, and ask God’s help in these things.
This year is the 300th birthday of New Orleans, so you know Mardi Gras will be THE party of the year. New Orleans knows how to throw a party, and there’s no party like Mardi Gras. The city opens its doors for two weeks ahead of Fat Tuesday with parades, shows, and the always present Bourbon Street festivities. The city starts preparing in September, vacuuming beads out of the storm drains from the previous year’s party. 93,000 pounds of beads were pulled out from last year! And by the way, flashing is not only not required, it’s discouraged.
The tradition of marking the start of Lent has been documented for centuries, as far back as 1000 AD. The association between pancakes and Shrove Tuesday may have arisen as it permits foods which are discouraged from being eaten during the Lenten season, such as butter, eggs, and fat to be used up. Catholics don’t always give up a food for Lent, however. They may give up anything that would be considered a vice. I’ve given up swearing for example. :)
That was a lot more difficult than giving up caffeine, which is something I have done quite a few times. The swearing I’ve only done once. I guess that’s more of a vice than caffeine, for me.
Whether you’re Catholic or not, Mardi Gras (or Shrove Tuesday, Pancake Tuesday, whatever name you call today) is intriguing. One year, I hope to attend the celebration in New Orleans. It is one of my favorite places to visit at any time, and being there for one of its biggest celebrations would be amazing. It’s a bucket list item.
