“Mardi Gras” is French for “Fat Tuesday.” The day is also called Pancake Tuesday, which is why some churches will still host pancake suppers tonight. In New Orleans, Brazil, Quebec, the Cayman Islands and other countries that celebrate Carnival, there are parades throughout the season that kicks off on January 6 with the Day of Epiphany and lasts until Fat Tuesday.
While Mardi Gras is meant as a day to reflect on the things you need to repent from during Lent, it has become a day to indulge in all the stuff you’re giving up for Lent, or maybe not giving up. In fact, Carnival itself means “farewell to the flesh” when you take its Latin roots, so for many it’s all about indulging one last time before Easter.
Gold, Green and Purple Beads
The traditional colors of Mardi Gras are purple, green and gold. These are said to have been chosen in 1892 when the Rex (Royal) Parade in downtown New Orleans inaugurated the theme "Symbolism of Colors" and gave the colors these meanings:
Purple - Justice
Green - Faith
Gold - Power
Beads of these colors are thrown from dancers, actors and politicians on parade floats as they ride through downtown streets.
King Cake
Where there’s a party, there is usually cake! Mardi Gras is no exception, but the traditional King Cake can be served any or every day from January 6 (Day of Epiphany) to Fat Tuesday. The name is derived from the Three Wise Men who followed a special star from their home in the Far East all the way to Bethlehem and brought royal gifts for Jesus.
A King Cake is basically sensory overload, but more specifically it is made of a rich, brioche dough and a wide array of fillings such as cinnamon, chocolate and/or cream cheese. The rainbow magic is found in the glaze and sprinkles, in bright hues of purple, green and gold of course.
Hidden and baked inside the batter is traditionally a plastic baby figurine. Now before you start thinking this all sounds a bit cannibalistic, remember that a King Cake is often first baked on King Day/Day of Epiphany, so the figurine represents Baby Jesus. Still not convinced it is okay? Maybe grossed out even more? No pressure! I have heard that for large Catholic families, whoever receives the Baby Jesus in their cake slice is simply responsible for bringing the King Cake the following year.
Preparing for Tomorrow
As you pray and prepare to enter into the season of Lent tomorrow, consider the following, especially if you are feeling called to fast: christians around the world observe Lent in many ways. Many from more orthodox and traditional denominations will still observe the fast strictly, beginning with the wearing of ashes on Ash Wednesday and abstinence of meat, fish, eggs and fats until Easter Sunday. Others will choose to give up just one item for Lent, more commonly a ‘luxury’ such as chocolate, meat or alcohol. It is also becoming increasingly common for people to give up other things in order to refocus their faith during this time, such as watching TV, going to the gym, even social media.
Big Picture Question for Today:
Are there any assumptions you have had regarding Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras that were challenged in today’s history lesson?
Regardless of how you choose to observe this season, pray for God to spur you to spend more time with Him, in prayer, in His Word and in spiritual conversations with those around you.
