The Symbolism of Mardi Gras

[HistoryMamaX3]

I love the celebration of Mardi Gras. It is rich in religious and cultural history! Every year while teaching, I did a unit of Mardi Gras- complete pancakes and masquerade... The tradition continues as I share this great holiday and all of its meaning with you!

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The Beads

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Though during the time of Mardi Gras- an anything goes attitude was held by all- but men and women were still encouraged to carry their rosary (prayer) beads with them to help them- in case they start taking things too far.

The wealthy used to toss new strands of beads, coins and small trinkets to the masses. These were all considered to be coveted riches... especially the beads. Most people could not afford to have a full set of matching strong prayers beads- and since you carried them with you everywhere, this was an ideal! Those that were lucky enough to obtain these new beads would save them for their children or have them blessed at the Easter Service.

Today, beads are still thrown. Most people don't use or carry prayer beads with them- so the meaning is not understood. For some, the idea of collecting beads has meshed with anything goes attitude and women now reveal their breasts as the beads are tossed. These trophy beads have come a long, long way from their ancestors!

The Colors

The ritual colors of Mardi Gras are Purple, Green and Gold. Each of these colors has their own significance to the holiday... The unsaid rule of Mardi Gras is that celebrators should be wearing these colors any time they are not in costume!

♠ Purple represents Justice. This is also the color of Royalty- and was a difficult and expensive color to create. Purple is a rare color in nature and combines the strength of red as well as the calming effect of blue.

♣ Green represents Faith. It symbolizes growth, harmony, freshness, and fertility. The Christian church also uses the color green to symbolize regular (non-holiday) times in the church. Most major religious groups incorporate the color green into their symbolism.

♦ Gold represents Power. It symbolizes wealth and good health. Gold also is used in correlation with the Sun- which in turn symbolizes light and warmth.

☺The Kings Cake☺

A ring shaped cake that is decorated with the Mardi Gras colors. This is a very sweet and sugary cake. Many cakes and sweet treats are made in order to use up all the extra supplies before the season of Lent. (read more here.)

Before the cake is frosted, the baker inserts a small cake baby. This baby is to represent the Child Christ. Today, these cake babies are made of plastic- but were once painstakingly hand carved from ivory, wood or other substances. The cake babies were used again and again. It is said that the person served the piece containing the cake baby shall receive blessings through the next year. Also, this person is, in turn, responsible for the baking of the next king's cake. Interested in making your own... try this recipe!

¢oins  -  ¢oins  -   ¢oins

 It seems odd to see plastic coins tossed about and used as decoration in today's Mardi Gras celebrations. However, it was common practice for the wealthy to toss handfuls of coins into the crowds. This was seen as a generous offering of the wealthy, helping those lucky enough to obtain some of the tossed coins.

To be continued: Tomorrow- What are Krewes?

[ErikaRobin]

Feb. 22, 2009 at 9:21 AM

LOL!   Thanks for the lesson, C.  I found that to be extremely interesting!    On the subject of the beads, I now have visions of people throwing their beads into the crowd and, noticing the women with their shirts held high, tossing them directly to those women...obviously in more need of prayer than the more modest folks.   "Are you ready for your beading?"    *giggle*  

[HistoryMamaX3]

Feb. 22, 2009 at 2:50 PM

Erika... I wonder, if in fact, you might on to something!

Take that same thought, but remember they didn't wear "shirts" that could easily be untucked. But rather- using the extra fabric of their skirts to catch the thrown items! Over time, of course fashion changes and women would use aprons... then eventually their shirts... Now- just their breasts!

(Original Poster)