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Mardi Gras masks in particular originated in ritual celebrations. New Orleans has been celebrating Mardi Gras for hundreds of years, and is the largest masked party in North America. In the beginning, masks worn during Mardi Gras allowed wearers to escape society and class constraints. Several of the Mardi Gras symbols tie directly to the religious meaning of Mardi Gras, so to understand the symbols, we need to understand the religious context of Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras celebrates the conclusion of the Carnival season, which begins on January 6th and ends with Mardi Gras. January 6th is known as Epiphany. What is the meaning of Mardi Gras masks today? Today, masks continue to be at the heart of the spirit of Mardi Gras. “Riding on a float is a privilege and wearing a mask is sacred,” notes Mardi Gras masks provide the freedom to hide behind, or embrace, the creature of our choosing, real or made-up—even, in James R Creecy’s words, “manbats from the moon.” 1. It’s illegal to mount on a parade float without a mask on Mardi Gras. 2. Continuing wearing masks on Ash Wednesday is regarded a rude gesture and a sign of mockery of the Lenten season. Mardi Gras is derived from the French term ‘Fat Tuesday’ which is also known as ‘Shrove Tuesday’ and falls on a Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. Venetian masks are some of the most popular and recognizable, and it is obvious that Mardi Gras draws inspiration from them. There are even entire stores in Louisiana dedicated to masks, most notable of which being Maskarade in New Orleans. Located only a minute away from the St. Louis Cathedral, it is home to a huge selection of Mardi Gras masks. Mardi Gras is a Christian holiday and popular cultural phenomenon that dates back thousands of years to pagan spring and fertility rites. It's most famously celebrated with parades in New Orleans Wherever Mardi Gras is celebrated, the mask is key. Behind the best masks, they can’t tell whether you are laughing or crying. They can’t tell how absolutely drunk you are. The mask helps erase consequence. “Riders want folks to say, ‘Well, I didn’t see you on Mardi Gras!,’” claims Iota Louisiana mask-maker Jackie Miller. The Mardi Gras traditions show off New Orleans’ rich culture. Get ready to be wowed by the creativity and passion that make this celebration so special! The Rich History Behind Mardi Gras Celebrations. The history of Mardi Gras is a captivating story that spans centuries and continents. It started as a simple feast before Lent in medieval Europe. Mardi Gras is the last big hurrah before entering the penitential season of Lent. Similar to Easter, Hanukkah, and the Chinese New Year, the date of Mardi Gras changes from year to year. It always falls on the Tuesday before Lent begins. It has occurred in both February, and also early March. The meaning of Mardi Gras Masquerade balls and Mardi Gras in some parts of the Middle Ages were pagan events used to celebrate the coming of spring season. The event often saw men dress as women and women dress as men to sort of fool people. It was for this reason some people termed the events as the Feast of Fools. 1. It’s illegal to mount on a parade float without a mask on Mardi Gras. 2. Continuing wearing masks on Ash Wednesday is regarded a rude gesture and a sign of mockery of the Lenten season. Mardi Gras is derived from the French term ‘Fat Tuesday’ which is also known as ‘Shrove Tuesday’ and falls on a Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. The meaning of masquerade can be used as a noun, leaning towards the concept of disguise. It can also be used as a verb, meaning to pretend. You’re All Set! Learning more about the meaning of what is a masquerade and how you can approach the concept in modern gatherings can make it easier to partake in these socials. But then we started going into New Orleans for their Mardi Gras,” recalls Manuel, who says that over the next few decades Eunice’s tradition fell into decline. In the early '70s though, the Manuels chose to stay in Eunice for Mardi Gras and encouraged their neighbors to help resuscitate the traditional Courir de Mardi Gras. “Quand Mardi gras est de vert vêtu, Pâques met des habits blancs.“ (When Mardi Gras is dressed in green, Easter is dressed in white.) “Le soir de Mardi gras, il faut danser sur les fumiers pour avoir des navets.” (On Mardi Gras night, you must dance on the manure to get turnips..) “Mardi gras sous la pluie, l’hiver s’enfuit.” 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 Masquerade Ball at Marina Cafe - Feb. 10. Break out the black ties and Mardi Gras attire - Marina Cafe on Destin harbor will be hosting a Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball on Feb. 10 starting at 6:30 p.m. 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. Historians argue whether the first Mardis Gras on American soil took place in the port city of Mobile, Alabama in 1702 or on March 3, 1699 in Point du Mardi Gras near New Orleans. In the former case, it would had been celebrated by French settlers, in the latter by French explorers Sieur de Bienvilleby and Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville and
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