Mardi Gras Spell is a well-known and widely celebrated event that takes place annually in many parts of the world. It is particularly popular in cities like New Orleans, Rio de Janeiro, and Venice. This festive occasion is often associated with colorful parades, extravagant costumes, and lively music. The term "Mardi Gras" is a French phrase that translates to "Fat Tuesday." This name references the practice of indulging in rich foods and drinks before the religious season of Lent begins. Fat Tuesday falls on the day before Ash Wednesday, which marks the start of the 40-day period of fasting and reflection leading up to Easter.
1847 , John Macgregor, The Progress of America: From the Discovery by Columbus to the Year 1846 , Whittaker & Co., page 88 :
SYDNEY GAY LESBIAN MARDI GRAS Not just a famously spectacular parade and an all-night dance party in Oxford Street, this is a month-long festival in February that also features theatre, art, photography and music in a celebration of gay and lesbian life. The day when traditionally all fat and meat in the house were finished up, before Christians were banned from eating them during Lent, which commenced the following day on Ash Wednesday.
Fat Tuesday falls on the day before Ash Wednesday, which marks the start of the 40-day period of fasting and reflection leading up to Easter. One of the most iconic elements of Mardi Gras is the vibrant and ornate costumes worn by participants. These costumes often feature elaborate masks and flamboyant accessories, allowing individuals to immerse themselves in the festivities and become whoever they want to be for a day.
MARDI GRAS GLOSSARY
Mardi Gras is more than an event –it’s a culture with a vocabulary all its own. Here are some words you might hear thrown around like beads at a parade.
Cheryl Gerber Rex Mardi Gras ParadeBoeuf Gras
The fatted bull or ox is the ancient symbol of the last meat eaten before the Lenten season of fasting and the end of Carnival. According to Mardi Gras expert Arthur Hardy, a live version was part of the Rex parade until 1909. A papier-maché version appeared in 1959 and continues as one of Carnival's most recognizable symbols.
Captain
The captain is the leader of each Carnival organization who plans the parades and events. The kings and queens are honored members of the krewe picked every year by krewe members. The captain is a volunteer who runs the show and is a true workhorse.
Carnival
The season of merriment which begins annually on Twelfth Night (Jan. 6) and ends at midnight on Fat Tuesday before Ash Wednesday.
Court
The king, queen, maids and dukes of a Carnival organization. These are selected by the krewe and change yearly.
Den
A large warehouse where floats are built and stored. Many krewes keep the theme of their parades secret and thus keep the floats hidden away in the den with limited access to people outside the krewe.
Doubloons
Aluminum coins thrown at parades with the krewe's insignia on one side and the parade theme on the other. These are collectible and wonderful keepsakes.
Flambeaux
Torches carried by people hired to light the parade. The tradition began before streetlights or lighted floats. It’s also tradition to give the flambeaux carriers change or dollar bills. Many families have participated in the flambeaux groups for generations but only recently have woman joined.
Go-Cup
Plastic or paper cup frequently used at Mardi Gras parades (it's legal to drink alcohol in the streets of New Orleans as long as the container isn't breakable). You take your drink to go and head outside to the street party.
King Cake
An oval pastry or coffee cake with a plastic baby hidden inside. The person who finds the baby buys the next cake for the group. Bakeries all try to have the best or most inventive king cake but many people prefer traditional. Try as many as you can!
The carnival moves through raucous celebrations climaxing on Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday), and is over on Ash Wednesday.
The fatted bull or ox is the ancient symbol of the last meat eaten before the Lenten season of fasting and the end of Carnival. According to Mardi Gras expert Arthur Hardy, a live version was part of the Rex parade until 1909. A papier-maché version appeared in 1959 and continues as one of Carnival's most recognizable symbols.
The captain is the leader of each Carnival organization who plans the parades and events. The kings and queens are honored members of the krewe picked every year by krewe members. The captain is a volunteer who runs the show and is a true workhorse.
The season of merriment which begins annually on Twelfth Night (Jan. 6) and ends at midnight on Fat Tuesday before Ash Wednesday.
The masks in particular hold symbolic value, representing a temporary removal of identity and social constraints. Another hallmark of Mardi Gras is the parade. These parades are led by stunningly decorated floats that navigate through crowded streets, captivating spectators with their intricate designs and dazzling colors. The floats are often accompanied by marching bands and dance troupes, creating a lively and energetic atmosphere. Music also plays a significant role in Mardi Gras celebrations. The traditional music associated with this event is known as "Dixieland jazz" or "New Orleans jazz." It is characterized by its upbeat tempo, improvisation, and incorporation of various instruments such as the trumpet, trombone, and clarinet. This lively music sets the tone for the festivities and encourages people to dance and revel in the spirit of Mardi Gras. While Mardi Gras is widely recognized for its festive atmosphere, it is important to note the historical and cultural significance behind the celebrations. The event has roots in various religious and cultural traditions, including Roman pagan festivals, medieval carnivals, and Catholic rituals. It serves as a way to commemorate and honor these traditions while also embracing joy and merriment. In conclusion, Mardi Gras Spell is a captivating and lively event that brings together people from different backgrounds to celebrate and indulge in a day of festivities before the solemn period of Lent. Its colorful costumes, vibrant parades, and energetic music create an atmosphere of joy and excitement that is unique to this special occasion. Whether you participate in Mardi Gras or simply observe from afar, this celebration is a reminder of the beauty of cultural traditions and the importance of embracing the spirit of community and celebration..
Reviews for "Spellbound in New Orleans: Mardi Gras Magic and Voodoo"
1. Jane - 1 star - This book was a complete disappointment. The plot was weak and confusing, and the characters lacked depth. I couldn't connect with any of them and found myself skimming through the pages just to finish the book. The idea of a Mardi Gras spell sounded intriguing, but it was poorly executed. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a captivating and well-written story.
2. Mark - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Mardi Gras Spell" but sadly, it fell short. The writing style was dull and repetitive, making it difficult to stay engaged. The storyline was predictable and lacked originality. The supposed twists and turns were unimpressive and lacked the element of surprise. Overall, I found the book to be underwhelming and wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for an exciting read.
3. Susan - 2 stars - I was excited to read "Mardi Gras Spell" as I love stories with magical elements. However, this book didn't live up to my expectations. The pacing was slow, and the descriptions were overly detailed and dragged on. The characters felt flat and one-dimensional. I found myself struggling to stay interested and ended up skimming most of the book. If you're looking for a captivating and well-written magical tale, I suggest looking elsewhere.
4. Ryan - 1 star - "Mardi Gras Spell" was a waste of time. The plot was convoluted, and the story lacked cohesiveness. The characters were forgettable and poorly developed, making it impossible to invest in their journeys. The writing itself was subpar, with numerous grammatical errors and inconsistencies. Overall, this book was a disappointing read that left me feeling frustrated. I would not recommend it to anyone.