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Mardi Gras (UK: / ˌ m ɑːr d i ˈ ɡ r ɑː /, US: / ˈ m ɑːr d i ɡ r ɑː /; [1] [2] also known as Shrove Tuesday) is the final day of Carnival (also known as Shrovetide or Fastelavn); it thus falls on the day before the beginning of Lent on Ash Wednesday. [3] The Origins of Mardi Gras in France. Mardi Gras (literally “Fat Tuesday”) is originally a catholic event that marks the end of the “week of the seven fat days”.. They were known as “jours charnels” (meaning carnival) in the old days. 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.” Mardi Gras is a festive day celebrated in France on Shrove Tuesday (the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday), which marks the close of the pre-Lenten season. The French name Mardi Gras means Fat Tuesday, from the custom of using all the fats in the home before Lent. Les Dates de Mardi Gras (Mardi Gras Dates) Mardi Gras takes place 46 days before Easter (le Pâques) — that is, sometime between February 3 and March 9.Mardi Gras is the day before Lent (le carême), which begins on Ash Wednesday (le mercredi des Cendres). Mardi Gras, meaning “Fat Tuesday” in French, is one of the most vibrant celebrations in France. Marking the culmination of the Carnival season, it’s a time for indulgence, creativity, and community spirit. Let’s dive into its origins, folklore, modern festivities, and culinary delights. The origins of Mardi Gras Mardi Gras is an annual celebration of extravagance and (over)indulgence before Lent. The official slogan is "Let the good times roll," which is translated literally into French as Laissez les bons temps rouler (and is used only in Louisiana). Mardi Gras is French for 'Fat Tuesday' and is the celebratory carnival that leads up to the beginning of Lent, the season of fasting and penitence. It gets its name from the practice of consuming foods that would be forbidden during Lent leading up to the beginning of the fast on Ash Wednesday. Mardi Gras is Carnival's grand finale and is the day that ends the festive season. What do the Mardi Gras colors represent? According to Mardi Gras New Orleans, the holiday's colors have a meaning The origins of Mardi Gras can be traced to medieval Europe, passing through Rome and Venice in the 17th and 18th centuries to the French House of the Bourbons. From here, the traditional revelry of "Boeuf Gras," or fatted calf, followed France to her colonies. On March 2, 1699, French-Canadian explorer Jean Baptiste Le Mardi Gras, derived from the French phrase “Fat Tuesday,” marks the last day of feasting before the solemn period of Lent. Celebrated primarily in New Orleans, Louisiana, and other parts of the world with strong French and Cajun influences, it’s a time for indulgence, community, and the embrace of life’s pleasures. Signaling the end of the Carnival season, which climaxes on Mardi Gras, Lent lasts for 40 days until Easter (not counting Sundays). Because the day before Ash Wednesday was traditionally one of feasting, as symbolized by the Boeuf Gras, it came to be known as Fat Tuesday or, as the French would say, Mardi Gras. Baby Doll History and Meaning of Mardi Gras Traditionally, rich foods such as eggs, meat, oils and butter were strictly prohibited during the 40 days of Lent. It thus became customary to eat all that remained of these foods in the house and enjoy one last feast on the day before the 40-day fast. What do Traditional Mardi Gras Colors Mean? The traditional Mardi Gras colors are purple, green, and gold. Green represents faith, purple represents justice, and gold symbolizes power. This color scheme is thought to be borrowed from one of the oldest New Orleans krewes, or social clubs, Rex Krewe. While Mardi Gras is celebrated in various forms around the world, it is most famously associated with New Orleans, Louisiana. Over the centuries, Mardi Gras in New Orleans has evolved into a grand and extravagant celebration, deeply rooted in the city’s unique blend of French, African, Spanish, and Caribbean cultures. Mardi Gras Krewes are social organizations or groups that put on parades, balls, and other events during the Carnival season leading up to Mardi Gras. Krewes are a significant part of Mardi Gras celebrations, organizing and participating in various festivities, including elaborate parades featuring floats, costumes, and throws (items tossed to Mardi Gras, with its vibrant hues, jazzy rhythms, and rich history, is a cultural spectacle that invites both merriment and learning. Originally tied to Lent’s approach, this event is steeped in deep traditions and holds symbolic significance that extends far beyond parades and festivities. Through Mardi Gras activities, students can explore history, art, science, and After Mardi Gras made its way to the United States, masked balls flourished under French rule in the late 1700s, but were later banned by the Spanish governors. Mardi Gras, the vibrant and joyous celebration preceding Lent, is a kaleidoscope of color, music, and revelry. From the dazzling costumes to the elaborate floats, the festival is a feast for the senses. But have you ever stopped to consider the meaning behind the iconic Mardi Gras colors? The name "Mardi Gras" is French for "Fat Tuesday," reflecting the practice of eating rich, fatty foods before the fasting season of Lent. The first American Mardi Gras took place on March 3, 1699, when French explorers Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville and Sieur de Bienville landed near present-day New Orleans, Louisiana.
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