2007-02-02 04:55:44 · 4 answers · asked by milo 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Holidays ➔ Other - Holidays
It is fat Tuesday, the day before Ash wednesday, when you must give up something carnal for lent. Therefore do all your sinning on Tuesday. Hence Mardi Gras.
2007-02-02 05:03:20 · answer #1 · answered by Wanderer 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As a New Orleans native, I can tell you this. Mardi Gras is always the day before Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. New Orleans, which was a French colony, is still primarily Roman Catholic, for whom (at least more than some Protestants) Lent is a time of personal sacrifice and fasting.
As one was not allowed to eat meat on Ash Wednesday (or have any type of fun at all, for that matter), Mardi Gras (literally translated Fat Tuesday) was a day to eat and enjoy oneself. The name came about because people would eat foods full of fats and protein (meat) before fasting the next day. Mardi Gras is also known as Carnival, which is derived from Latin. (Carni: think carnivore - eats meat.)
It's pretty-much the last big party before Lent begins. It saddens me slightly to know that much of the history has been lost on this subject within my own city. It's not all about boobs and beads. (It's pretty-much only tourists who flash anyway. The locals know better.)
I'm glad someone actually wants to know the significance of this great holiday. Thanks for asking, and if you've never come, please do your best to make it. New Orleans needs the help. We're getting better, but have a long way to go.
2007-02-02 05:17:52 · answer #2 · answered by mkbrocato 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mardi Gras is the bash before Lent where you repent for 40 days prior to Easter. For 40 days after Mardi Gras you should make some sort of penance for yourself, like - giving up soda if you are a soda drinker, or not smoking if you are a smoker, you give up something you like to do for 40 days as a penance for our Lord's suffering. Mardi Gras is just a big party prior to release anxieties about the coming 40 days.
2007-02-02 05:03:45 · answer #3 · answered by Cyn 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mardi Gras (French for "Fat Tuesday") is the day before Ash Wednesday, and is also called "Shrove Tuesday" or "Pancake Day". It is the final day of Carnival. It is a celebration that is held just before the beginning of the Christian liturgical season of Lent.
2007-02-02 05:04:52 · answer #4 · answered by Jacob M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋