Scarf Art – Mardi Gras 411

Mardi Gras 411

What Does Mardi Gras Mean?

 Mardi is the French word for Tuesday, and gras means “fat.” In France, the day before Ash Wednesday came to be known as Mardi Gras, or “Fat Tuesday.”

Why is Mardi Gras a religious holiday?

Mardi Gras is the day before Ash Wednesday, when the Christian season of Lent begins. This day is also called Shrove Tuesday, a name that comes from the practice of “shriving”—purifying oneself through confession—prior to Lent. For many Christians, Shrove Tuesday is a time to receive penance and absolution

Mardi Gras and Carnival are the same celebrations.

Though Mardi Gras technically refers only to Fat Tuesday, the Mardi Gras season actually begins on Epiphany, a Christian holiday celebrated on January 6 that is otherwise known as Three Kings Day or the Twelfth Day of Christmas. In Brazil and many other countries, this period between Epiphany and Fat Tuesday is known as Carnival. Whichever name you prefer to use, the revelries of Mardi Gras last until midnight tonight, when Ash Wednesday ushers in 40 days of Lent.

What is King Cake and why is it eaten?

The name “king cake” comes from the Biblical story of the three kings who bring gifts to Baby Jesus. A blend of coffee cake and cinnamon roll, king cake is usually iced in yellow, green and purple – the colors of Mardi Gras — and is frequently packed with fruit fillings and decadent cream cheeses.

Why do they hide a baby in the king cake?

Traditionally, a small porcelain baby, symbolizing Jesus, is hidden in the king cake and is a way for residents of New Orleans to celebrate their Christian faith. The baby symbolizes luck and prosperity to whoever finds it.

What happens if you get the baby in a king cake?

We include a baby inside the king cakes to celebrate the birth of Christ, and finding the baby inside the king cake comes with some responsibilities. If you are so lucky to find the baby, you will be responsible for hosting the next Mardi Gras celebration and providing the next king cake.

What do the king cake colors mean?

Most king cakes are traditionally decorated in royal colors of purple, which signifies “justice,” green for “growth,” and gold meaning “prosperity and wealth.” These colors can be seen as chosen to resemble a jeweled crown honoring the three wise men and their gifts during the visit of the Christ Child on Epiphany.

Why do they throw beads in New Orleans?

But the practice of throwing beads at Mardi Gras was inspired by Renaissance festivals that took place before Lent, where revelers would toss things into the air in celebration of the coming fast.

SOURCE – Google