In addition to New Orleans, in the United States, Mardi Gras is also celebrated in Lake Charles In Louisiana, MobileAlabama, and St. Louis In the state of Missuri, while in Canada, Quebec is the headquarters of the celebrations.
The Kings Cake has a history similar to the thread of kings in Mexico, because it also commemorates the moment when the Magi met the baby Jesus.redimages via getty images
Origin of Mardi Gras
The origin of Mardi Gras It goes back to the times of the Romans. According to historians, Mardi Gras is related to the pagan celebrations of spring and fertility in Rome, these parties were characterized by their parades and the large amounts of food and drink that were offered to the attendees. When the Christian era arrived, religious leaders incorporated pagan traditions and turned them into a prelude to Lent. Subsequently, the French gave him the name with which we know him today.
In the United States, the Mardi Gras arrived in 1699 by the hand of the Franco-Canadian explorer, Pierre Le Moyne, Sieur d'Iverville. Le Moyne set up a camp about 97 kilometers downstream from what is now New Orleans and appointed it Point Du Mardi Gras, where a small party was held.
Later in 1703, French soldiers and settlers enjoyed the festivities of Mardi Gras In the newly founded city of Mobile, which worked as the capital of the French territory until the capital went to New Orleans. The first parade of Mardi Gras as such from the one registered happened in New Orleans in 1837.
In the past, Mardi Gras has been threatened to be canceled due to acts of violence, given this, the merchants formed the Mistick Krewe of Comusa society that presented a thematic parade and a gala dinner after the parade. From then Krewes They have evolved and are currently associations or brotherhoods of New Orleans who are in charge of organization of parades and dances.
Why are necklaces give in Mardi Gras?
When the Krewes or brotherhoods parade release gifts for the public, such as medallions with the name of the brotherhood, plastic cups, toy spears and the celebrities Multicolored necklacesamong other objects. This practice dates back to the nineteenth century, traditionally these necklaces must be purple color that represents justice, green What does faith mean and golden that represents power.
In addition to colored necklaces, people usually use masks during Mardi Gras. This element arose in the past so that attendees could escape for a few hours from social class restrictions. It is also customary to eat the traditional King Cakea thread that commemorates the visit of the Magi to the Child Jesus. Similar to the thread of kings consumed in Mexico.