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The Rules of Mardi Gras
By CajunMama | January 21, 2008
Mardi Gras translated means Fat Tuesday. It originally began as a Catholic celebration day to enjoy the things that a person would give up during the Lenten Season. Lent, is the 40 days before Easter that symbolizes the time Jesus spent fasting in the desert before his arrest and crucifixion. Catholics fast on certain days and also give up something that is important to them. Many people give up candy, others quit smoking, and some people try to give up relations (if they aren’t married). It starts on Ash Wednesday, the day following Mardi Gras.
Through the years, the celebrations have expanded from one day to an entire season, consisting of weeks of revelry beginning on The Epiphany, or Twelfth Night. Mardi Gras dates vary from year to year. Many revelers will argue that there really are no rules to Mardi Gras. As a lifelong resident of South Louisiana, I beg to differ. There are rules, and then there are the RULES.
The King Cake Rule: I can give a detailed explanation about the origins of the King Cake, but that might be boring. Suffice it to say, the King Cake is a big round cinnamon roll topped with icing and colored sugar. The colors are green, purple, and gold. A plastic or gold baby is placed inside the delicacy, so be careful when you take a bite. You don’t want to break a tooth. If you get the baby inside your slice, guess what? YOU get to buy the next King Cake. And don’t try to slip it back inside the King Cake when no one is looking, because Karma will come back and get you in the form of a drunk who vomits on you at your next parade.
The Parade Rule: There are invisible lines surrounding the area of a family who has staked out their spot on the parade route. Do not think that you can wait until the parade starts to stand in the area in front. You will get injured by an inebriated mother wearing a feather boa should you block her child’s area of the curb. Your lesson: Get there early and find your own spot.
The Bead Rule: There are beads and then there are “good” beads. When good beads are being thrown, get out of the way unless the person on the float makes eye contact. Yes, this is the Bead Rule. Eye contact and pointing means the person throwing the item will aim for you. Oh, and don’t catch beads intended for a child. Should you make contact with these beads, then act like you “meant” to get it for the kid, and then hand it off to them.
The Don’t Be Offended Rule: Mardi Gras is considered a family event in many areas, however, this does not lesson the satire or adult tones of parades. If you are easily offended, just don’t go. You will see the obligatory family ice chest filled with beer and juice boxes. Every once in a while someone still flashes “the girls” so don’t look or at least be aware of your surroundings during the parade, keeping your hands ready to block a view from your child’s eyes.
The No Business Rule: Mardi Gras is an official state holiday in Louisiana, so don’t even try conduct business with someone from that state from the Saturday before Mardi Gras through the afternoon of Ash Wednesday.
These are just a few of the rules of Mardi Gras posted for your entertainment and education. Any additional rules can be posted in the comments. And remember, if you attend a Mardi Gras parade, the ultimate rule is to HAVE FUN.
This video is a recap of 2007’s Zulu Parade. It is provided on youtube.com by sugarpeachfairies. To plan your own trip to Louisiana, visit LouisianaTravel.com.
Topics: Budget Travel, Family Travel, Girlfriend Getaways, Romantic Getaways, The Cookie Jar |
January 21st, 2008 at
This is hilarious! I’ve never been to Mardis Gras. I love the Don’t Be Offended Rule.
January 21st, 2008 at
This post makes me “homesick” for Mardi Gras. (Even though it’s been a long time since I’ve lived there.)
Throw me somthin’, mister!
January 24th, 2008 at
You don’t have to go to New Orleans to experience Mardi Gras. There are celebrations in most south Louisiana towns. Try Baton Rouge, New Roads (very quaint) or Lafayette. I have heard there is even a celebration in Mobile, Alabama. A Mardi Gras parade experience should be part of every child’s cultural education! Get yourself and your kids to the Mardi Gras! The truck parades in Metairie, Louisiana(New Orleans suburb) are very kid friendly and are during the day. Mardi Gras festivities go on from 12th night(January 6th) until Mardi Gras Tuesday each year. Some Louisiana bakeries ship King Cakes along with beads to places who do not celebrate the holiday.