Growing up in Louisiana, I was taught all about Mardi Gras. Did you know that there is more to the cajun holiday than just beads, dablooms, and high-energy parades? Did you know that it's actually a predominantly Catholic holiday?
Mardi Gras is French for "Fat Tuesday." Its the day before Ash Wednesday where people gorge themselves on sweet bread (King Cake), alcoholic beverages (if they aren't Mormon), and the company of good friends before they begin their 40 day fast of their choosing in similitude of Christ's 40-day fast. Following the 40 days is, you guessed it, Easter! :D And we all know about Easter.
There are 3 colors that traditionally represent Mardi Gras, they are Purple, Green, and Gold. They are symbolic of the gifts the Three Kings brought to Jesus Christ when he was born. Gold represents gold, obviously. Purple represents frankencense. And Green represents myrh. I've also heard that they represent Justice, Faith, and Power, but I don't buy that.
The King Cake that is so popular this time of year is a sweetbread baked in the shape of a circle in representation of the path to the Christ Child that the Three Kings took to confuse King Herrod. There is also a baby that is always hidden in the cake. This obviously represents the Baby Jesus, being hidden from King Herrod. A modern, fun tradition: the person who finds the baby in their slice of cake typically holds the next Mardi Gras party...or brings the King Cake to the next party. :)
So, now you know the typically unknown facts about Mardi Gras!
I'm craving some King Cake...
Happy Mardi Gras!
PS. For the record...the act of showing boobs in exchange for beads is something only performed by tourists.
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