Mardi Gras!
Mardi Gras has a reputation as one big party – which it is – but it is also a day to prepare for the sacrifice and solemnity of Lent. In the spirit of today’s fabulous Mardi Gras-themed pot luck, celebrate its traditions while also honoring their true meaning.
First, a bit of history (you can read more here): New Orleans is the center of Mardi Gras in the US, but the first celebrations actually took place in Mobile, Alabama, which existed before New Orleans. Much of the festivities revolve around parades that take place every day from Epiphany through Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) itself. Each parade is sponsored by a “krewe,” a private, nonprofit organization (these used to be secret societies) that organizes and funds its parade independently. Beyond issuing parade permits, the city of New Orleans is not involved. Every person riding on a parade float is required by law to wear a Mardi Gras mask, while non-float-riders are ONLY permitted to wear them on Mardi Gras Day.
Mardi Gras masks, colorful and mysterious, are a tradition extending back to the 1700s. Originally a way to partake in the revels without fear of consequences for crossing class boundaries or violating societal behavior expectations, masks have become a way to protect the mystique of Mardi Gras. And they’re an easy way in to the celebration for your family, whether or not you’ve ever set foot in New Orleans!
Start with a plain mask as a base – use this template or buy a plain half mask from Michaels or Party City. Decorate it with things like beads, glitter, feathers, or paint. The Mardi Gras colors are green, which represents faith, gold, which stands for power, and purple, which represents justice (Mardi Gras beads were originally thrown to people who seemed to embody these qualities!). After you’ve decorated your mask, punch holes on either side and attach a string, or fasten it to a popsicle stick or wooden dowel. Then break out the scooters and bicycles and have your own parade – just make sure the eye holes on your mask are big enough to see where you’re going.
If costumed revels are not your family’s speed (or if all the parading makes you hungry), maybe you’d like to honor Mardi Gras by eating! In the UK, Ireland, Canada, and Australia, the day before Ash Wednesday is known as Pancake Day; in Poland, it is Paczki Day (sounds kind of like POWNCH-key, looks like a jelly donut!). Just as Mardi Gras is the last big hurrah before the solemnity of Lent, both Pancake Day and Paczki Day began as the last chance to eat all of the rich, fatty foods that are often sacrificed during the Lenten season, like butter, eggs, sugar, milk, and fat. So enjoy some delicious hot cakes or, if you’re feeling ambitious, make some yummy authentic paczki. However you choose to celebrate, we hope your Mardi Gras sets the tone for a meaningful Lent.
We’d love to see pictures of your family’s Mardi Gras celebrations! Share them with us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
