It's Mardi Gras time and once again, we plan on letting the good times roll.
For those who may not be familure with Mardi Gras, here's a little overview.
(visit http://www.nola.com/mardigras/ for complete Mardi Gras coverage)
Mardi Gras is French for "Fat Tuesday," which is always the day before Ash Wednesday, and that is the beginning of Lent.
Fat Tuesday's dates change each year because the dates for Easter change from year to year, Fat Tuesday is 46 days before Easter.
The three official colors of Mardi Gras are important as well, and they don't change from year to year.Mardi Gras is French for "Fat Tuesday," which is always the day before Ash Wednesday, and that is the beginning of Lent.
Fat Tuesday's dates change each year because the dates for Easter change from year to year, Fat Tuesday is 46 days before Easter.
They are, Purple, Green and Gold.
Some connect the three colors of Mardi Gras with frankincense, myrrh and gold and the story of
the three Magi.
These three colors were established in 1872 by Rex, the King of Mardi Gras.
At some point after 1872, each of these colors were given meaning:
Purple represents Justice
Green represents Faith
Gold represents Power
As you may already realize, Mardi Gras isn't all about going crazy on Boubon Street, there is also a connection to religion.
Carnival comes from the Latin words "carne vale" meaning "farewell to the flesh."
Religious holidays often have its roots in pre-Christian traditions based on the seasons.
The festival represented those few days added to the lunar calendar to make it coincide with the solar calendar; and because these days were outside the realm of the calendar, rules and customs were not obeyed. Also, it's the late-winter celebration which welcomes the coming spring, with feasting, costumes and merrymaking.
As far as the BEADS are concerned, the question is, why throw Mardi Gras beads?
And where did the love for Mardi Gras beads come from in the first place?
You can date Mardi Gras beads in New Orleans, back to the 1840's.
It is believed that the "throwing of the beads" was from the festival customs from the English Renaissance era.
Back then, the beads were thrown out as souvenirs to the adoring crowds.
Today, the beads are thrown out as souvenirs to the adoring crowds.
But in 1840, people in these parades dressed up as aristocrats and tossed beads and sugar coated almonds.
Some believe the beads represent of the jewelry that was worn by aristocrats, and honestly, people today treat the beads like they are the jewelry from royalty.
"Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez" Let the Good Times Roll
