2006-07-15 16:48:16 · 9 answers · asked by Raphael A 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Other - Society & Culture
Spring time pagan celebrations are the roots of the modern day Mardi Gras. Ancient Greek and Roman festivals involved sacrifice, drunkenness, lewdness, sex and revelry. In an attempt to convert the masses to the church, the Catholic church fixed the celebrated resurrection of Jesus (Easter) around the astrological event that "spring rites" celebrate (the full moon of the spring equinox). The fixing of Easter allows the religious celebration of Lent and ash Wednesday to follow Mardi Gras. Instead of resisting the ways of the pagans, the "church" absorbed many of these festivals in hopes that it would convert the pagans. Today, Mardi Gras does not have much of a religious significance. As a social phenomenon, it serves a useful function, however. Once a year, people are "allowed" to let off steam, to don masks (to hide their identity) and act out some of their wildest fantasies (sexual and otherwise); after it's over, they're ready for another year of work and drudgery.
2006-07-15 17:00:24 · answer #1 · answered by Pandak 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Mardi Gras is also known as "Fat Tuesday" ... it has religious origins along with Good Friday, Ash Wednesday, etc.
Over time, Mardi Gras became a period of feasting and excess prior to the fasting and deprivation of Lent.
Nowadays it's just an excuse to get drunk and flash ugly old men for beads.
2006-07-15 16:53:29 · answer #2 · answered by Arkangyle 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Any reason for a good party.
Marti Gras in February, St. Pat's Day in March, Cinco de Mayo on May. Wowee!
2006-07-15 16:51:30 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
To " Blow off steam ", get all one's ' impure ' thoughts & feelings out of one's system ( Catharsis ), & get in the proper frame of mind for Lent. I read a book about Zen Buddhism where the Zen monks had a party before settling in to meditate. That way, they could concentrate on heading towards Enlightenment - ALMOST the same thing.
2006-07-15 17:11:10 · answer #4 · answered by knoxvilledaniel 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's the last big party blowout before the rigors of Lent. At least that's what it was originally. Today, I think it's just an excuse to get drunk.
2006-07-15 16:53:31 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A wonderful excuse to party and get drunk. Oh yeah, can't forget the flashing of the boobs!
2006-07-15 16:54:05 · answer #6 · answered by Mac 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its the end of lent. a time of self denial and fasting
2006-07-15 16:51:54 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
it leads up to lent which requires abstention and such, so in preparation, or compentsation for spiritual denial, poeple celebrate and indulge.
2006-07-15 16:52:26 · answer #8 · answered by rosends 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because they can.
2006-07-15 16:49:56 · answer #9 · answered by Joe Rockhead 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋