Carnival
Mardi Gras: A Misunderstood Carnival Mardi Gras has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. From the time I could walk I can remember the atmosphere that I experienced on that wondrous day. The sites, the smells, and the tastes are forever imprinted upon my mind. Mardi Gras was always a family day much like Christmas or Thanksgiving. Our house is located on the parade route of the famous Rex Parade and friends and family alike would gather at our house every year to enjoy great food, company, and music. As I got older, I attended the fancy masquerade balls which were nothing less than magnificent. Mardi Gras was not only a time for feast and celebration, but also a religious holiday for most of the native people of my city. Most people fail to understand what Mardi Gras is really supposed to be. Henri Schindler, author of Mardi Gras, writes that, "Mardi Gras' surviving fragments exist like buried treasure; few New Orleanians have seen them, and they have remained unknown to the outside world."(8). These aspects of Mardi Gras are seldom, if at all known to most people. It is interesting to ask people what they believe Mardi Gras is. I asked a random Appalachian State University student to explain what h
These flambeaus are still used today, even though we now have street lights. It is a safe bet to say that the daytime parades are more family oriented, while the nighttime events tend to become more rowdy. The cakes are topped with sugar or icing dyed the three colors of Mardi Gras, each standing for something different. I hope that whoever reads this paper will have a broader understanding of the wonderful and historical holiday of Mardi Gras. Although some Europeans had been celebrating some form of Mardi Gras since mid evil times, Mardi Gras didn't come to America until 1699 when the French explorer Iberville explored the Mississippi river. In the 40 day period, Sundays are skipped because they commemorate the resurrection of Christ. Although Mardi Gras was a popular and wonderful holiday, Fat Tuesday was not appreciated by all. This would have surely marked the end of the celebration if it hadn't of been for a few good men. One of the most important things is meat. According to James Gill, the author of Lords of Misrule, wearing masks and dancing in the streets were banned when the French lost control of Louisiana to Spain. Charles street, but wouldn't dare bring his children to a place like the famous Bourbon Street and the French quarter that encompasses it. "King's cakes" actually derived from the celebration of the three kings bringing their gifts to the newly born Jesus Christ. I believe that the problem doesn't lie in the people that live in the city, but in those that see it as a vacation or "spring break" if you will. 1 million people attended Mardi Gras.
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Acceptance Essays
