Mardi Gras And Its Origin

4 min read
10 February 2023

The Mardi Gras ceremony that marks the beginning of Lent is celebrated all around the world, but Louisiana is where it is most well known. Mardi Gras is often an opportunity for people to fly to New Orleans, consume large amounts of Hurricanes or three-for-one beers, and throw beads at people in an effort to witness some amazing event.

When you peel back the layers of Mardi Gras, you'll discover a Catholic holiday with a long history and a thriving global culture. Although many Americans may only think of it in terms of New Orleans, king cakes, and Krewes, there's a lot more to it than that. Continue reading to learn more!

The Meaning of Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras, which is French for "Fat Tuesday," refers to the ceremonial consumption of pork and usually unhealthy foods (hello, king cake) prior to the start of the traditional 40-day fast that marks the beginning of the season of Lent for Catholics.

The inaugural Mardi Gras festivities

Depending on where you live, Mardi Gras is also known as Shrove Tuesday or Pancake Day, and it has been celebrated there since the Middle Ages. It was customary to eat on the days before Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of the Lenten season of fasting. These customs later traveled to the New World with the French.

First Mardi Gras in the United States

An explorer named Jean Baptiste Le Moyne Sieur de Bienville arrived in the area that would become New Orleans in 1699 and landed roughly 60 miles south of the future metropolis (the city itself would be established 19 years later by Bienville). He arrived on the eve of Mardi Gras and gave the location the name "Pointe du Mardi Gras" in remembrance of the festival. This is regarded as the country's inaugural Thanksgiving celebration.

The Mardi Gras Holiday's Evolution

The festivities that started at Point du Mardi Gras grew over time. There were high society balls, parades, street parties (not like today's, mind you), and more.

The celebrations persisted for a few more decades until the Spanish acquired control of New Orleans in the 1760s and made efforts to put an end to what they perceived as heinous celebrations. Up until the American government gained control in the early 1800s, the prohibitions persisted. Up until 1837, the festival was acknowledged but not promoted.

The First Krewe and the First Mardi Gras Parade

After being banned for many years, the first Mardi Gras parade was finally held in 1837. The following years saw the continuation of parades and magnificent balls, but by the beginning of the 1850s, attendance had started to decline. Six men formed a clandestine organization in 1857 that they called the Mistick Krewe of Comus. Since the initial Krewe, Mardi Gras has expanded. The Krewe of Comus organized a themed parade. The second Krewe, the Twelfth Night Revelers, was founded in 1870. As other Krewes were established, more people began to attend the parades and festivities. Thus, years after year people choose the best Mardi Gras Beads in New Orleans Stores to throw and have an amazing celebration at the parade. The good Mardi Gras Supplies in New Orleans will also provide you with excellent deals on the beads and will also offer you multiple options as well.

Eva Stone is author of this article and writes since long time. For further details about Mardi Gras Supplies New Orleans please visit the website.

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