Today March 8, 2011, is the traditional Mardi Gras celebration.
Most people think of Mardi Gras as a big party in New Orleans, but it actually has roots in the liturgical seasons of Catholicism.
Mardi Gras (French for "Fat Tuesday") is the last day before the beginning of Lent, a period of fasting and repentance leading up to Easter. Traditionally, it was the day for eating up the last of the rich foods that remained in the house such as eggs, meat, oils and butter which were strictly prohibited during the 40 days of Lent and for having a big party before a long period of discipline and repentance.
Most people think of Mardi Gras as a big party in New Orleans, but it actually has roots in the liturgical seasons of Catholicism.
Mardi Gras (French for "Fat Tuesday") is the last day before the beginning of Lent, a period of fasting and repentance leading up to Easter. Traditionally, it was the day for eating up the last of the rich foods that remained in the house such as eggs, meat, oils and butter which were strictly prohibited during the 40 days of Lent and for having a big party before a long period of discipline and repentance.
