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mardi gras party
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The general name for the organizations and clubs that take part in the Mardi Gras festivities is "krewe." It is believed that the word is a 19th century imitation of the Old English word for crew. About half of the krewes get their names from Greek, Roman or Egyptian mythology. Most others are named for a historical or even a neighborhood figure. They are non-profit organizations and are responsible for all parade costs including clean up and security. |
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the knowledge: |
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Shrove Tuesday immediately precedes Ash Wednesday and is the last day before Lent. It is characterized by boisterous parties and parades in Trinidad, Brazil, France, Italy and, of course, New Orleans. The name comes from the custom of "shriving," or purification through confessing one's sins, prior to Lent. The Mardi Gras season officially begins on Twelfth Night, January 6 (the twelfth day of Christmas), with the King's Ball and the eating of King Cakes. These round, crown shaped cakes signify Three Kings Day or the Feast of the Epiphany. They are frosted with alternating bands of sugar colored purple, green and gold - the three colors that have become associated with Mardi Gras. Hidden in the cake is a small doll (the King). Whoever gets the doll in their slice is crowned king and has to buy next year's cake.
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The colors of Mardi Gras are purple, green and gold. they were first used in 1872 and were selected by the members of the Krewe of Rex. There is no real meaning of the choice of colors, but it is gererally accepted that the purple stands for justice, the green for faith and the gold for power. In 1857 the first modern style Mardi Gras parade was held by the Mystic Krewe of Comus, the Greek god of festivities. The evening procession was lit by torches and featured scenes from classical mythology. |
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the mix:
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Ever wonder how the date of Mardi Gras is chosen? It is a fluctuating date that was determined by the Catholic Church. The Gregorian calendar, a Catholic Invention, chose a fixed date for Christmas but movable dates for other religious holidays. Although Mardi gras will always be on a Tuesday, obviously, it can fall anywhere between February 3rd and March 9th. OK, to determine the actual date you will probably need a calendar and calculator. Mardi Gras is always the Tuesday that is 46 days before Easter. Or simply buy a calendar and it's always the day before Ash Wednesday.
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We think most people would agree that Mardi Gras is probably not for children. And while many of our events are perfectly suited for kids, this one is an adults only party. Like Fat Tuesday itself, this is a time for grown ups to let loose! |
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The word Carnivale is interpreted by some as meaning "goodbye to meat" a food which was not allowed during the Lenten season. But more likely it means "goodbye to the ways of the flesh." Mardi Gras, French for Fat Tuesday, might refer to the fact that fat, a meat product, had to be used before Lent, a forty day period during which the fat would ruin if not used. In New Orleans this included the frying of small square doughnuts called beignets. In the European tradition, masked riders threw small gifts and favors to the crowds to show off their generosity. Now many of the New Orleans Krewes, organizations that often represent the upper crust of society, throw plastic beads and doubloons (introduced in the 1960's) by the tons. These simple trinkets have become treasures in recent years and collectible reminders of a Mardi Gras in New Orleans! |
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