Hey everybody! As fellow Louisianians, I’m sure you have taken careful note that it is in fact King Cake season!! Mardi Gras has arrived, people! The funny thing about this beloved season is that it actually didn’t originate in Louisiana at all; it originated in Italy. Of course, this came about because of a fasting period called Lent. Roman Catholics would celebrate during the Mardi Gras season before fasting for 40 days! When they would participate in things they weren’t so proud to show off, they would wear these crazy masks, thus evolving into the masquerades we know today!
When explorers landed in South Louisiana, they brought this tradition with them. It evolved from a long-living custom to the wide-spread fun it is today. As time went on, the celebrations got bigger and bigger; parades, costumes, masquerades, krewes, and– our favorite– King Cake became a part of the Mardi Gras season. Also, specific colors that were symbolic of the true meaning of the celebration came around: purple for justice, green for faith, and gold for power.
As you celebrate Mardi Gras this year, and maybe even prepare yourselves for Lent, think about how cool it is to watch small traditions evolve into something so BIG!!