Fat Tuesday marks the last day to eat rich and spoil yourself before the Lenten season begins. Therefore, today needs to make up for 40 days and 40 nights of a lack of meat and partying. With that being said, our New Orleans trip has commenced.
Below are some little known facts of the festive celebration.
1. Another name for Mardi Gras is “Shrove Tuesday.” The word “shrove” comes from the “shrive,” which means “to confess.” Going to confession is an unofficial practice of Catholics to prior to starting the 40 day spiritual journey of Lent.
2. The colors of Mardi Gras come from reports that the King of the first daytime carnival in 1872 selected those colors based on their associated meaning and he would toss them to people he thought fit that meaning.
Purple = justice
Gold = power
Green = faith
3. New Orleans held its first Mardi Gras parade in 1837. Floats appeared 20 years later.
4. Masks are a fun part of Mardi Gras, but if you’re riding on a float, don’t leave home without one. It is illegal to ride on a Mardi Gras parade float in New Orleans without a mask.
5. Beads were first thrown by Santa during a parade in the early 1900′s. It wasn’t until a few decades ago that they became synonymous with flashing. People also throw stuffed animals, toys and more.
6. Not only is “Fat Tuesday” the last day before Lent, it also concludes Carnival Season which begins January 6th.