| Mardi Gras is a Roman Catholic ritual dating back as | | | | more the merrier! |
| far as 5,000 years. It is a celebration of indulgence of | | | | If you can't make the trip to New Orleans to celebrate |
| food and drink that takes place generally immediately | | | | this year, why not throw your own party? Hang some |
| before Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of | | | | green, purple, and gold balloons around your home, |
| the fast of Lent. The first American Mardi Gras was | | | | maybe include some crepe streamer to match. Then |
| celebrated near modern day New Orleans on March | | | | be sure to have plenty of beads on hand for every |
| 3, 1699. I wasn't until the 1800's that these celebrations | | | | guest to enjoy. Beads are available at almost any |
| involved parades and things of that nature that we | | | | party store. It is also a good idea to have some |
| recognize today. | | | | masks. You can be creative and make your own or |
| Did you know that this special celebration also has its | | | | buy some along with your beads. Don't forget the King |
| own designated colors? That's right. These colors are | | | | Cake. This is a Mardi Gras tradition that represents the |
| purple, green, and gold. Purple represents justice, green | | | | three wise men that sought baby Jesus shortly after |
| is for faith, and gold symbolizes power. So if you | | | | his birth. Hide a baby figurine in the cake and let the |
| decide to dress up for this occasion these three colors | | | | person that finds it carry on the tradition next year! |
| are the perfect choice. A great outfit may include a | | | | You may also want to make a few dishes such as |
| Jester's hat, a masquerade mask, and don't forget to | | | | jambalaya or creole rice, and other cajun dishes you |
| wear a huge variety of beads around your neck. The | | | | enjoy. Lastly, be safe and have fun! |