-February. (3). According to Davis, "When Rome embraced Christianity, the early Church fathers decided it was better to incorporate certain aspects of pagan rituals into the new faith rather than attempt to abolish them altogether."(3). Lupercalia, or Mardi Gras, thus became a religious holiday that preceded the penance of Lent. Lent is a forty day period before the holiday of Easter. In the 40 day period, Sundays are skipped because they commemorate the resurrection of Christ. This year Lent falls on February 25 and ends April 10, 2004. Mardi Gras, or "Fat Tuesday," is the day before Lent starts. Mardi Gras is called Fat Tuesday because it is a day to celebrate and eat all of the things that you will not be able to during Lent. One of the most important things is meat. The consumption of meat is not allowed during the season of Lent. According to Ken Collins Mardi Gras has also been given the name "Carnival," which is Latin for farewell to meat. (Collins 6).
             Although Lent is a major part of Mardi Gras, it does not conclude the history of this ancient holiday. Although some Europeans had been celebrating some form of Mardi Gras since mid evil times, Mardi Gras didn't come to America until 1699
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