Mardi Gras. When most people think of Mardi Gras they think of New Orleans and all the parties and festivities that happen down there. It is true, there is a lot worth experiencing in New Orleans, and New Orleans has made Mardi Gras famous. But that’s not what it originally started out to be.
Mardi Gras was comes from the French words meaning Fat Tuesday and always comes 47 days before Easter. It always happens the day before Ash Wednesday which is right before the Catholic practice of Lent. It’s the day to indulge in all the good foods that you might have to give up when Lent starts, like a one last hoorah before starvation sets in.
There are many traditions involved in Mardi Gras. I don’t know all of them, but I’d like to share with you a few things that I do know. First, there is the King Cake. King Cake is very delicious, especially if you get one of the cream filled ones. They are in a ring. All of it is symbolic. It is in a donut shape similar to a crown. And then inside they put a plastic baby. This baby represents the baby Jesus. And it is in the shape of a crown because he was a King. This cake in a sense represents Jesus’ Birthday Cake. And whoever ends up with the baby in their piece is responsible for buying the next year’s cake.
Then the parties- everyone loves a party around Mardi Gras time. There are always lots of feasts of plenty of Southern food. And there are always plenty of parades and plenty of beads for everyone! Mardi Gras is a holiday in Louisiana- everyone has school off and there are very few businesses open.
Well, today was Mardi Gras and so HAPPY MARDI GRAS to all! In commemoration of Mardi Gras I made Jambalaya. Unfortunately I was unable to get a king cake and I have no beads to show for it.
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