It is Epiphany that signals the celebration of Carnival, a term of which nearly everyone has heard but few understand its relationship with Epiphany, Mardi Gras, Lent and the Easter season. Carnival is from the Latin phrase, Carne Vale that translates into “farewell to the flesh” and signals that a sober time of fasting and repentance. In the strictest sense, the term “Carnival” denotes the entire season, while the term “Mardi Gras” is used in relation only to the Tuesday that precedes Ash Wednesday. However, many who are unfamiliar with the name Carnival, use Mardi Gras has a catch all term to refer to the entire season.
Some scholars have suggested that this period of feasting began because foods such as eggs, meat and butter were prohibited during the forty-day fasting period of Lent. With no means of refrigeration, these foods would need to be consumed so on the day before Ash Wednesday, a feast prepared with all the prohibited perishable items left in the house was enjoyed by friends and family. The phrase “Mardi Gras” means “Fat Tuesday in French and reflects the tradition of enjoying reach foods on this day.
In many Roman Catholic countries around the world, Carnival and Mardi Gras are still observed. In fact, for the cities of Mobile, Alabama and New Orleans, Louisiana the entire city virtually stops to observe Mardi Gras day. City hall is closed, trash pickup is halted and even some banks are closed to allow employees to spend the day with friends and family. Many families will get up long before sunrise to make their way downtown so that they can have a good spot from which to observe the festivities. It is not unusual for people to bring their portable barbeque grills and ice chests. In Mobile, Bienville Square, which is at the heart of downtown, is covered with blankets and lawn chairs as people prepare to enjoy the day.
Ronnie Tanner is a contributing writer at Mardi Gras. He writes about Mardi Gras Beads and other industry specific topics.
