Yes, it is well documented how life can be tough here in the greater New Orleans area when we endure storms like Katrina, Betsy, even Isaac who visited this past summer. It probably is well documented too that the greater New Orleans area is roaring back to life, despite still suffering problems that many other metro areas share: crime, corrupt politics, challenges to education. And probably it should be well documented that life is truly lived here in the greater New Orleans area. This is a celebration city and area. Once again the world saw how New Orleans is alive and well because of the glorious way she hosted Super Bowl 47. These days, New Orleans is at the mid-way point of 7 glorious days of the Mardi Gras celebration. How is your weekend going? Well here in the greater New Orleans area it is pure party and bedlam. Multiple parades are marching through the streets of New Orleans and the surrounding suburbs, visitors are all over the city and the French Quarter is packed. Smaller family celebrations are taking place everywhere you look.
Now here is the spot where I insert my warning to those who think Mardi Gras is all sinful and decadant. Yes, there is a well reported and very real side of Mardi Gras that is on the risque side. There is, however, a much larger and less often reported side and that is the very family friendly and G-rated aspect of Mardi Gras. On the avenue called St. Charles, in the suburbs, Mardi Gras is a family and cultural celebration. It is a source of both great joy and overwhelming civic pride. Still there is a less reported aspect of Mardi Gras that could easily be blown off by the skeptic and critic and denier of history: Mardi Gras in southeast Louisiana is very much Catholic.
Mardi Gras indeed has many subtle and not so subtle aspects that surely would not seem Catholic. However, in fact, it is a celebration to prepare for Lent and has origins in France when the Catholic Church influenced everything french. Mardi Gras, meaning Fat Tuesday, is ushered in with the Beouf Gras, the fatted calf. It was the great feast of rich choice meat an wine before the Ash Wednesday farewell to flesh. Despite what appears so obvious to the eye watching reports of Mardi Gras on TV, the vast majority of krewe members and revelers are very Catholic and several of the old krewes and even the super krewes often celebrate Mass or a prayer service before they roll. Other organizations ask to have the floats and riders blessed. Yes, it probably seems a bit odd that there be such a Catholic flavor to Mardi Gras with all it's wild side and parades named for Greek, Roman and Egyptian gods. Odd indeed but oh so New Orleans.
So if your weekend is ho-hum, if Monday & Tuesday bring just another Monday & Tuesday, with work, routine or school; we sincerely say, come be a New Orleanian or close neighbor. We got Mardi Gras! Thanks be to God!!
No comments:
Post a Comment