For most, Fat Tuesday conjures images of beads, beer, and the Big Easy,
but the history of Mardi Gras in New Orleans begins in Roman Catholic Europe!
but the history of Mardi Gras in New Orleans begins in Roman Catholic Europe!
Mardi Gras (French for Fat Tuesday) is a Christian holiday cum pop culture phenomenon
that dates back thousands of years to pagan spring and fertility rites.
Also known as Carnival, it is celebrated in several nations across the globe,
predominantly those with large Roman Catholic populations,
on the day before the religious season of lent.
When Christianity arrived in Rome, religious leaders decided to incorporate some
pagan traditions like the raucous Roman festivals of Saturnalia and Lupercalia
into the new faith - a much easier task than abolishing them outright.
As a result, the debauchery and excess of Carnival season became a prelude
to the 40 days of penance between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday.
that dates back thousands of years to pagan spring and fertility rites.
Also known as Carnival, it is celebrated in several nations across the globe,
predominantly those with large Roman Catholic populations,
on the day before the religious season of lent.
When Christianity arrived in Rome, religious leaders decided to incorporate some
pagan traditions like the raucous Roman festivals of Saturnalia and Lupercalia
into the new faith - a much easier task than abolishing them outright.
As a result, the debauchery and excess of Carnival season became a prelude
to the 40 days of penance between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday.
Excerpts taken from International Business Times.