History of Mardi Gras

The observance of “Carnival” or Mardi Gras before the Lenten period, a Christian symbolic penitence from Ash Wednesday to Easter, originated in the middle of the second century in Rome when the Fast of the 40 days of Lent was preceded by a feast of several days. During the feast participants delivered themselves up to voluntary madness, put on masks, clothed themselves like specters, gave themselves up to Bacchus and Venus and considered all pleasures allowable. Mardi Gras is French for “Fat Tuesday” and is celebrated 46 days before Easter Sunday. The Carnival season begins on January 6 or the “Twelfth Night” or as known on the Christian calendar as the “Epiphany” or Kings Day.” Carnival continues until “Fat Tuesday”, the day before Ash Wednesday. The fleur-de-lis is commonly associated with Mardi Gras and New Orleans.

History of King Cake

A long standing tradition of Mardi Gras that is still celebrated today is the making of the “King Cake”. The tradition is thought to have been brought to New Orleans from France in 1870. King Cakes were made in honor of the three kings who brought gifts to the Christ Child. In the past coins, peas and beans were placed inside the King Cake, to symbolize the Christ Child. Today, a tiny plastic baby is used. At a king cake party the cake is sliced and served. The tradition is whoever receives the baby in their piece of cake is named “King” for a day and as customary must host the next King Cake party. King Cakes are made of cinnamon filled dough in an oval shape. The shape of the cake symbolize the unity of faiths. The cake is decorated in the traditional Mardi Gras colors: Purple signifies “Justice”, Green for “Faith” and Gold for “Power.” These colors were to resemble a jeweled crown honoring the Wise Men who visited the Christ Child on Epiphany. A purple, gold and green fleur-de-lis symbolizes Mardi Gras.