When Americans hear the words “Mardi Gras,” and “Carnival” they usually think about the libation-soaked, bead-festooned raucous celebrations along New Orleans’ famed Bourbon Street. While these modern revelries originated from older pre-Lenten holidays, the hearty partying that we see today has its roots in pagan celebrations. One can trace Carnival festivities throughout the world to end-of-winter observances that were once popular throughout pre-Christian Europe.
Why Is It Called “Fat Tuesday”?
To understand Mardi Gras a little better, it’s important to place it within the context of the larger Carnival season. The Encyclopedia Britannica reveals that Carnival is primarily celebrated in Catholic regions of the world. This not only includes European nations but also portions of the Americas, Asia and Africa that were once colonized by Catholic European countries. This explains Carnival’s popularity in places such as Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago, Canada and parts of the southern United States.
Depending on what area of the world you’re in, these festivals can begin as early as the January 6 feast of Epiphany. However, the Carnival season universally ends on the night before Ash Wednesday. The day before Lent begins is usually either referred to as “Shrove Tuesday” or “Fat Tuesday.” In fact, “Mardi Gras” is a French phrase that means “Fat Tuesday.” Therefore, Mardi Gras is celebrated as one last hurrah, and the name itself reflects the tendency to consume luxurious, fatty foods and intoxicating drink before the 40-day religious period of fasting and self-denial kicks off.
Possible Connections to Pagan Rites of Spring
Debates continue about whether modern Carnival observances have any origins in pagan end-of-winter celebrations such as the ancient Roman Saturnalia or the Celtic holiday of Imbolc. History.com discloses a commonly shared belief that potential links could exist between Saturnalia and Carnival. Meanwhile, other historians insist that the Catholic Church may have inadvertently influenced the creation of Mardi Gras by preaching against carnal pursuits during Lent. Some even contend that Church officials tried to shame revelers out of participating in pre-Lenten festivities by comparing them to the “debaucheries” of older pagan celebrations.
Nevertheless, the idea that there’s a connection between pagan observances and Mardi Gras is a popularly held notion even today. Indeed, some aspects of Mardi Gras share similarities with those from Saturnalia fêtes in pre-Christian Rome:
- A mock king is chosen and honored during the festival.
- Moral and societal norms are temporarily suspended.
- It’s observed during the transitory period between winter and spring.
Additionally, celebratory greetings and slogans were used widely during both holidays. In ancient Rome, cries of “Io Saturnalia!” could be heard throughout the streets, while “Laissez les bons temps rouler!” is a traditional saying during the Crescent City’s Mardi Gras gaieties. The latter is French and translates to “Let the good times roll,” indicative of the merrymaking spirit throughout the city.
Did “King Cakes” Come From Ancient Rome?
The Mardi Gras practice of eating king cakes may have some origins in Saturnalia customs. A Scientific American article published in March 2014 mentions that ancient Romans baked and consumed flat, rounded pastries that bear some resemblance to modern king cakes. Moreover, a bean or small object was placed inside both the Saturnalia and the Mardi Gras versions of these sweets. In both cases, the lucky person who found it was honored as “king of the day.”
Connections between ancient pagan springtime festivities and modern Mardi Gras observances might seem a little fuzzy, but some similarities are apparent. Whether it’s because of the human tendency to appropriate tried-and-true customs or religious disapproval that invigorated such revelries, the end of winter has encouraged people throughout history to turn into party animals while looking forward to the dawning of spring.