Did You Know? Fun Facts & Figures About Mardi Gras Celebrations
Did you know that Mardi Gras has roots in both Christian and Pagan traditions? Many believe that the celebration dates back to an ancient Roman fertility feast, called Lupercalia. The Church later co-opted the revelry, turning it into a sort of last "fling" before the beginning of the Lenten period.
Did you know that Mardi Gras is French for "Fat Tuesday"? Some say the term alludes to the over-indulgences of the day. Others explain that the word "fat" refers to a fattened ox that was paraded through town before being sacrificed at a mid-winter, pagan fertility celebration.
Did you know that historians debate when and where the first U.S. Mardi Gras celebrations took place? Some say it happened in the late 17th century, just south of New Orleans, introduced by a French explorer named Sieur d'Iberville. Others argue that the first Mardi Gras was celebrated by French soldiers back in 1703, in the city of Mobile, Alabama. (Don't tell the people of New Orleans that, though!)
Did you know that the term Carnival, often synonymous with Mardi Gras celebrations (and the name for the Brazilian pre-Lent bash) comes from a Latin expression meaning "farewell to the flesh". Interestingly, the New Orleans anthem for Mardi Gras is the song If Ever I Cease to Love.
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Did you know that the first Mardi Gras parade was staged in the United States 1837? It has been reported that there was just one float, which, despite its crudeness, brought great joy to the people of New Orleans. Today, the city begins its cascade of parades the Friday before Ash Wednesday. The parades feature hundreds of different floats from the city's many parishes, each of which is sponsored by a different Krewes, or club.
Did you know that the tradition of Krewes tossing out handouts to parade onlookers -- or "throws" in New Orleans parlance -- dates back to Renaissance Europe? That's where the festival custom started in which lords and ladies would hurl mead and ale at revelers. Some historians believe the tradition has even more ancient roots. Pagan peasants would toss grains at their fields in the springtime, as a show of gratitude to the deities for allowing them to survive the bitter winters.
Did you know that the ever-popular beaded necklaces, so ubiquitously associated with Mardi Gras today, didn't come into play until the 1880s? That's when one of the Krewes dressed up a member as Santa Claus and had him toss out glass beads. It was such a hit that by 1900, beaded necklaces had become the Mardi Gras throw. Somewhere along the way, those lovely glass beads got replaced by cheap plastic and aluminum beads, which today earn the thrower a flash (of flesh). That particular "trading" tradition most likely dates back to the 1970s.
Did you know that purple, green and gold are the traditional colors of Mardi Gras? Purple represents justice, green is faith and gold symbolizes power.
Did you know that King Cakes are a traditional Mardi Gras food? The cake's origins can be traced back to the Feast of the Twelfth Night, which honored the three kings who were present at the birth of the baby Jesus. Inside the sweet bread-style cake, which is frosted in the traditional Mardi Gras colors, a tiny baby doll is hidden. The lucky eater who gets the piece of cake with the baby doll has to throw next year's party.
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Comments
Maria Auxiliadora Penido de Lima
15:40 05/02/2009
the information on "Mardi Gras" I found on your site was very useful. I hope one day to visit this festival.
Sam from California, US
13:06 02/24/2009
I love it
Mary from Michigan, US
20:17 02/23/2009
good info
steven from Ohio, US
11:07 02/23/2009
the is raw
V. Mullen from Louisiana, US
14:59 02/20/2009
Mardi Gras is one of the best festivals in Louisiana. That is my opinion anyway. MARDI GRAS ROCKS!!!!!!!!
E. ETHERIDGE from Louisiana, US
15:21 02/17/2009
MARDI GRAS FESTIVITIES ACTUALLY BEGIN ABOUT 2 WEEKS PRIOR TO MARDI GRAS DAY. IT'S DEFINITELY AN EXPERIENCE THAT YOU WILL NEVER FORGET...
