The History And Traditions Of Mardi Gras
Most of the traditions of Mardi Gras and the revelry associated with it are much the same today as they were in the times of the ancient Romans who were responsible for the origins of this raucous celebration. Nowhere in the documented history of Mardi Gras, however, is there any mention of the "tradition" where women offer a peak of their breasts in exchange for a string of beads. The late 20th century can take full responsibility for that!
What we do know is that the Romans held a festival every year in mid February to honor their god of fertility and agriculture, Lupercus. They called this celebration Lupercalia and it was filled with days of drinking, eating, and the "pleasures of the flesh". This all sounds like the Mardi Gras that we know. In fact, the entire period of celebration was sometimes referred to as "Carnival" which translates to "farewell to the flesh".
The Church eventually continued this yearly festival in their effort to convert the pagans to Christianity. They adapted these festivals to be a last period of celebration before Lent began. Lent is period between Ash Wednesday and Easter when Christians purify their souls by refraining from earthly indulgences of the flesh. Mardi Gras began to spread across all of Europe, with each region starting their own traditions. In England, to this day, they celebrate Shrove Tuesday with pancake feasts, pancake eating contests, and other pancake-related events.
The French, whose version of Mardi Gras was particularly rowdy and bawdy, brought it to America, specifically New Orleans, around 1700. Mardi Gras is French for Fat Tuesday, in reference to the wildness and indulgence of this pre-Lent celebration. The colors associated with Mardi Gras - purple for justice, green for faith, and gold for power - originated in 1872 and were selected by the Grand Duke Romanoff from Russia.
Today, many cities and towns have their own Mardi Gras celebration, although none quite live up to the grandeur of the parades and parties of the New Orleans festivities. Rio De Janeiro holds an elaborate Carnival every year that may draw as many people as New Orleans' Mardi Gras.
Ronnie Tanner is a contributing writer at Toomeys Mardi Gras Party Supply Warehouse. He writes about Mardi Gras holidays and other industry specific topics.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com
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New Orleans Wedding?
I am looking to get married in new orleans. can you give me any ideas for event venues and ceremony facilities?
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New Orleans Wedding!?
I'm getting married in New Orleans in October, and have been brainstorming about different ways to make it special. I'd love opinions on wedding colors, decorations, favors, invitations, little touches to the ceremony and reception, etc. etc. We are getting married in a gorgeous old Catholic church and having the reception at a plantation (they take care of food too.) So I have the major issues worked out, but I know it's the details that really make a difference....I'd love to incorporate customs from the local culture, etc. Any and all opinions most welcome! Thanks!
I don't know why you would assume that New Orleans doesn't mean something to me just because I don't live there, that's really rude and judgemental. My family is from there originally, and has done extensive volunteer work since Katrina. Plus, my religion is important to me, and they have some of the oldest Catholic churches in the country. I was simply asking for ideas---not your opinion on whether or not I have the 'right' to have my wedding there----get a life!
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any ideas for wedding colors for late aug or early september wedding in New Orleans. Wedding will be in?
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Can anyone point me in the right direction for a quaint New Orleans Wedding?
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