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] Mardi Gras is a Christian holiday and popular cultural phenomenon that dates back thousands of years to pagan spring and fertility rites. Also known as Carnival or Carnaval, it’s celebrated in Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday, is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in the world, particularly in places like New Orleans, Louisiana, and parts of Europe and Latin America. This vibrant and colorful celebration is associated with indulgent feasting, elaborate parades, intricate costumes, and lively music. 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. What does Mardi Gras mean? Translated to English, "Mardi Gras" means "Fat Tuesday." Mardi is the French word for Tuesday, and gras means "fat." This name comes from the custom of eating all the fatty, rich foods in the house prior to Lent in order to prepare for fasting and abstinence. So, Fat Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. The meaning of MARDI GRAS is Shrove Tuesday often observed (as in New Orleans) with parades and festivities. How to use Mardi Gras in a sentence. Mardi Gras definition: 1. the day before the beginning of Lent, celebrated in some countries with a lot of music. Learn more. Mardi Gras and Carnival are often used interchangeably to denote the season. The word Carnival is believed to have its origins in Latin and refers to abstaining from the eating of meat, as many A Mardi Gras, as a participant in a courir is known, may beg for a chicken or demand a san sous—a small coin for the Mardi Gras. In addition to a “capuchon”—a tall cone-shaped hat that, in medieval times, was a symbol of mockery of royalty—the revelers typically wear masks made out of a type of wire screen used to crush pecans and Mardi Gras Translation and Definition. Mardi Gras is defined as Shrove Tuesday or the last day before Lent and "is a day of merrymaking and carnival." Since Lent includes 40 days of fasting for some, this is one last chance to enjoy excess before going without. Mardi Gras definition: . See examples of MARDI GRAS used in a sentence. 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, New Orleans style, owes as much to Afro-Caribbean customs and the Latin American carnival tradition as it does to the French colonists who established it in their new city. The Mardi Gras celebrations actually last for several weeks. About a month before the main carnival, a season of elaborate balls and parties begins: the official 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. English Translation of “MARDI GRAS” | The official Collins French-English Dictionary online. Over 100,000 English translations of French words and phrases. Mardi Gras is not just for humans; New Orleans hosts a "Krewe of Barkus" parade, where dogs don costumes and join the fun. The largest Mardi Gras float ever built was over 330 feet long and carried more than 200 riders. Mardi Gras in Popular Culture. Mardi Gras has made its mark in popular culture, appearing in movies, music, and literature. “Mardi gras sous la pluie, l’hiver s’enfuit.” (Mardi Gras is in the rain; winter is running away.) “Quand Mardi gras est là alors enlevez vos balances et faites vos crêpes.” (When Mardi Gras is here, take out your scales and make your pancakes.) “Si le soleil luit tôt le matin, semailles de Mardi gras vont bien.” In the context of Mardi Gras, purple signifies more than just social status; it represents the ideals of justice and fair governance. This meaning is especially pertinent considering the carnival’s historical function as a period when social hierarchies were momentarily set aside, enabling individuals from all classes to join in the celebrations as equals. BONUS: According to legend, Mardi Gras colors influenced the choice of school colors for archrivals Louisiana State University and Tulane University. They say when LSU was deciding on its colors, the shops in New Orleans had stocked up on purple, green, and gold for the Mardi Gras season. 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.
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