If you've ever been on Bourbon Street on Mardi Gras, as a drunken mob gathers around a Golden Calf beating drums and blowing horns and shouting "Hail to the Calf!", you won't need to ask that question. There is no doubt that the period of celebration that we call Carnival has roots in pagan end-of-winter and beginning-of-spring rituals reaching back thousands of years.
These festivals - some of which can only be described as drunken orgies - existed across most lands that were being overtaken by the Christian Church, and like many other holidays and rites, the Church sought a balance between the old and new. Understanding that the party was not going to stop, the church placed limits on it, decreeing that it could not start until the finish of the Christmas holidays and had to end on the day before Ash Wednesday.
In other words it is a day to pig out before a fast. For me I have never been to New Orleans but had wanted to go when I was growing up. I have wanted to taste alligator and just experience Mardi Gras . I don't drink so I probably wouldn't fit in from what I have read about it. I also have a hard time staying up late! LOL Have any of you been to Mardi Gras? I would love to hear about your experience.
So for me I like the colors and the idea of the King Cake. This is the only reason I do a themed dinner and King Cake. I haven't decided on the prize for this year but I need to come up with that this morning.
I am babysitting Talmage while Coco and Kyle go to the dentist. So I will make the cake after that. I also have on my list for the day to put the second coat of paint on the little girls room, wash, do more organizing and make the gumbo. So off I go to get kiddos off to school and get to work on my chores. Have a great day! Hugs, Bobbi Jo
3 comments:
Hi Bobbi Jo, I have not been to Mardi Gras but I have been on Bourbon Street when we went to the SEC football championship. We did win the year we were there. (Florida Gators)We had a taste of partying to celebrate our win. I do not drink either but no one has to drink to have a fun time. The food was amazing. I'm not sure I would go to Mardi Gras though. The crowds would be too much for me. Your themed dinner sounds great. Have fun.
Hugs...Jeanne
My comment: Even toys and food dont keep children reverent, maybe quiet for awhile, but my goal is long term. No food, no toys. It works until another family with food and toys try to leur my kids over. I'm with you on sacrament mtg reverence. If you expect it from them, you will get it! My vent for the month also!
Ah, Fat Tuesday. I am afraid that for me, that's every Tuesday....
My daughters went to Mardi Gras in Mobile, Alabama, last year --had a blast. They were nearby working on Hurricane Katrina-damaged houses during their spring breaks, and luckily got to experience Mardi Gras. Loved it!
Cass
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