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Origins of Mardi Gras
There seems to be various themes on a story, when it comes to tracing the history of Mardi Gras, which literally means 'Fat Tuesday'. One theory has it that Lupercalia (pagan rituals, which also included the worship of Pan) originating in Greece and Rome are the 'true' origin. Lupercalia was a circus type festival, very similar to what Mardi Gras is today. Then again, another theory has the Catholic Church celebrating Boeuf Gras, meaning "Fat Beef," on the day before Lent - Ash Wednesday. At that time, Catholics were not permitted to eat meat during Lent, so this celebration was also the last time they could eat meat, until after Lent. The breadth of the season begins 12 days after Christmas on January 6th and is called Carnival - pronounced car-ni-vaal. Yet another theory, claims the origin as French and began in 1699 during the time of the Middle Ages. Early days saw the celebration enjoyed on the banks of the Mississippi River. This seems to be the origin in which most Americans believe. It makes sense when one remembers in French history, how much the French loved masked balls and public entertainments. It's further claimed that the French explorer Iberville was the one to bring the custom to New Orleans, after he had sailed into the Gulf of Mexico and then onto New Orleans. He named the site, Point du Mardi Gras. New Orleans was the main port servicing routes to South America and the Caribbean - French custom blended with African cultures to introduce a beat with rhythm and soul, giving birth to the drums at the parades, with people dancing along showing off their amazing costumes and masks. The parades have always been created to a theme. One year, the Krewe of Momus held a parade with the theme being; "Hades, a Dream of Momus," created specifically to humiliate President Grant and his supporters. After a ban on future parades during the Civil War, there simply wasn't anything to celebrate with soldiers dying every day. This prohibition against masked festivals continued until 1823, when the governor once again legalized street masking. In recent years, those of New Orleans have established 'krewes' (organizations,) which host balls and parades. The Persian Gulf War saw Patriotism as the parade's theme, with those trying to catch the 'parade throws' with nets fashioned with Sadam Hussein's face - saying "HIT ME!" Today the timing of Mardi Gras is on a Tuesday between February 3rd and March 9th, according to the Lunar calendar and always 47 days before Easter Sunday. The Custom of the 'Throws': In the 1800s the 'throws' were bonbons, soft toys and other candies for children. Tricksters would throw small bags filled with flour, that would burst on the paraders and their floats, who didn't take too kindly to these people. These days children catch all kinds of small trinkets thrown into the crowds. Adults too have been included, with the most coveted 'throws' sporting themes and emblems (such as doubloons) of the Krewes or Mystic Societies. The parades in Mobile today, even throw Moon Pies, while New Orleans most prized 'throw' is the Zulu Coconut.
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Lupercalia
| Krewe of Mosmus
| Zulu Coconut
| World of Mardi Gras Beads
  
Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras at it's best!
The food in New Orleans is fantastic - especially over Mardi Gras!
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This intel was contributed by ~ Swan
~ Swan
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May, 2012
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