“Mardi Gras” translates literally from French as “Fat Tuesday,” a fitting name that captures both the colorful indulgence and the timing of this famous celebration. “Fat” refers to the rich, indulgent foods traditionally consumed on the day, while “Tuesday” marks its place on the calendar. Mardi Gras always falls on the day before Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent and the start of the 40-day Lenten season in the Christian calendar.
The culinary traditions of the holiday originated in medieval Europe, where Christians developed a custom of using up the butter, eggs, red meat, and other decadent foods forbidden during Lent’s fasting period. This was a practical necessity, but it also happened to be great fun, so the day evolved into one of celebration and excess.
French Catholics brought these traditions to North America, with the first American Mardi Gras taking place near present-day New Orleans, Louisiana, on March 3, 1699. In New Orleans, French colonial influences slowly combined with Spanish, African, Caribbean, and Native American cultures to create the distinctive celebration we recognize today, with its parades, elaborate costumes, king cakes, and famous bead throwing. The name, however, remained decidedly French.
The wider period of celebration leading up to Mardi Gras is known as Carnival — a title that might also refer to consumption. The precise origin of “Carnival” is uncertain, but etymologists believe it might come from the medieval Latin carnem levare or carnelevarium, meaning “to take away or remove meat.” As with Mardi Gras, this coincides with Carnival being the period of feasting and festivity before entering the austere 40 days of Lent.
More from our network
Word Smarts is part of Inbox Studio, which publishes content that uplifts, informs, and inspires.
