You may not know that Mardi Gras translates to "Fat Tuesday". Historically, it's the night you can bindge on yummy, fatty foods the night before lent. Today, it's not just a few doughnuts, but rather it's city wide parties celebrating world wide. In the United States, Mardi Gras' biggest party town is New Orleans.
Sure, a mask at a big party is just plain fun. But in the case of Mardi Gras, it’s nothing less than a ritual of deep meaning and cultural relevance. Consider that New Orleans is a gigantic clash of cultures -- from African to French and Scottish cultures, to Caribbean, Mexican and South and Central American cultures. Today you can also purchase a variety of styles of venetian masques that are lavish enough for Carnival parties!
Let’s not forget the element of voodoo! The city of New Orleans was primarily founded by the French, and they were well known for their elegant masked balls in which lords and ladies donned what are sometimes called a “domino”. This is a small, rounded mask covering only the eyes and space between the eyes, and maybe some of the nose and forehead. They became important in the days before Mardi Gras for Africans to retain their ancient spiritual and cultural ties to their homeland. When Mardi Gras celebration began to emerge, it was only natural that African masks were a part of the activities.
The wearing of masks during early Mardi Gras celebrations was banned for a time in early New Orleans because the strong Catholic influence in the region saw masks as something not fitting with the Christian tradition. But pressure from the people forced an overturn of the mask ban in 1827, and since then, the practice, lore and enrichment of mark wearing, celebratory culture has grown and become an integral, central aspect of Mardi Gras. Of course, you don’t need to know anything about the deep cultural significance or history of wearing a mask at Mardi Gras.
All you need to do is find the wildest mask, or the kind that best suits your personality, wear it, and go out to have one heck of a good time!
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