The Meaning Behind Mardi Gras

When you hear the term Mardi Gras, what comes to mind? In my head, I think about huge parties, gatherings in streets and parades with people drinking alcohol. We can't forget about the purple and green beads as the perfect accessory. I’m sure that you have a similar visual.

Perhaps you know of one or two people that have traveled to New Orleans to celebrate Mardi Gras (if you haven’t, yourself).

• This holiday falls on the day before Ash Wednesday which is the start of Lent.

During this time, fasting takes place until Easter (typically one food item). During these weeks, Catholics may steer clear of meat on Fridays in addition to what they gave up for Lent. For example, I have given up eating pizza for 40 days, which is totally possible, somehow.

• In French, Mardi Gras is known as Fat Tuesday (go figure).

It’s interesting to see how this holiday is celebrated throughout the world. In New Orleans, celebrations and parades go on for weeks since Carnival season begins the beginning of January.

• It’s possible that Fat Tuesday goes as far back to an early era in Christianity located in Rome.

This holiday’s celebration continued throughout the medieval period time. By the early 1700’s, Mardi Gras was celebrated in Alabama, bringing the tradition to New Orleans. It is claimed that Mardi Gras was also originated from the welcoming in the beginning of spring and fertility.

Celebrations may be done differently this year but if you’re looking to still have fun, I have a few ways.

Bake a king cake, which is straight out of Louisiana and typically only available during the Carnival season. If you don’t have time to bake, then simply order take out and pretend you’re in New Orleans celebrating. Try to stick with seafood to really get the Mardi Gras vibe. To complete your celebration, be sure to grab an alcoholic beverage. Picking up beer from a local brewery may be your best bet.

How do you celebrate this holiday? What do you call it, Fat Tuesday, or Mardi Gras? Share with us below and happy celebrating.