Carnival and Mardi Gras

Historians tell us that Mardi Gras and Carnival date back thousands of years.  It is said that European Christian converts weren’t eager to give up their pagan holidays celebrating Spring and fertility, so the religious leaders chose to incorporate these traditions with the religious holidays rather than attempting to get rid of them altogether.  The people would binge on all the eggs, milk, meat and cheese in their homes in preparation for the 40 days of penance in Lent when they would fast and eat chiefly fish.  In France the day became known as Fat Tuesday or “Mardi Gras.” To learn more about Mardi Gras in the U.S. and around the world check out the video and article from the History Channel.

Some celebrate with paczki, pancakes, king cakes, cajun food, and drinks.  I see pancakes in our future!  Check out my Pinterest Board – Mardi Gras –  for some other ideas of how to celebrate!
Follow Kristin’s board mardi gras on Pinterest.