Fat Tuesday, Pancakes, Lent and 991....

Quick rehash from an earlier post, but hang in there with me a minute.  As we have established, Fat Tuesday is the English translation of the French phrase Mardi Gras.  Fat Tuesday is also known as Shrove Tuesday.  Fat Tuesday refers to the practice of the last night of eating richer, fatty foods before the ritual fasting of the Lenten season, which begins on Ash Wednesday.

Why do many Church's have pancake suppers on Shrove Tuesday?  For years, I thought it was because pancakes were simple and easy to make.  I was wrong.   Because Lent is a time of fasting and sacrifice, the finer foods are considered a part of your sacrifices.  So back in the day, (I said it again, I've earned it)  to prevent waste, the eggs, butter, flour and sugar, as well as syrup were used up to prevent spoilage as well as ridding the cabinets of any temptations.  Many Church's forbid any products from animals, such as meat, eggs, and dairy products, as well as fats during Lent.  

Lent, in Christian tradition, is the period in the liturgical year leading up to Easter.  The traditional purpose of Lent is to prepare the believer for the annual commemoration during Holy Week of the Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.  This is accomplished through prayer, penitence, almsgiving and self denial. This will follow a forty day period which is symbolic of the fast Jesus had in the wilderness where he was tempted by Satan three times, before leaving victorious and beginning his ministry.

I realize that this doesn't really fit in here, but I will explain.  Last week, I asked James, if there is an emergency what phone number would he call?  He replied, "991."  I asked ,what number!? He said, you know, 991.  NINE, NINE, ONE!!!  That is what they taught us in school.  After a good laugh at his innocent mistake, I did teach him the correct number is 911.  Hope he never has to actually do it though.  hate to think my whole balance is dependent on somebody answering 991.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!

February 16, 1968, the first 911 service in America started forty two years ago.  Believe it or not, it was started in Haleyville, Alabama.  Shout out to my Alabama brethren.

Get in your last minute goodies, cause tomorrow we begin our forty day walk in Grace!

Glory!!  Hang up that phone and pass the syrup!!

Fat Tuesday Daddy

Mardi Gras!!

 Unless you know someone involved in Mardi Gras or live near a community that celebrates it, it can be confusing over what all of the fuss is about.  Therefore, I want to give you a quick primer.

The words Mardi Gras are French in origin and translate in English to Fat Tuesday.

There are three colors used in association with Mardi Gras.  These colors each have a specific meaning.

Purple represents justice, gold represents power and green represents faith.

Mardi Gras always starts on January 6th.  This date is also recognized as the twelfth day of Christmas or Epiphany.

There are many celebrations, but each night is capped off with a parade of revelers.  The revelers are also  called members of the krewe.  These members are usually selected by a certain ceremonial practice.  The societies have many by laws and secret ways in which they conduct their business.  When celebrating in public the traditional masks are worn, so that the member remains anonymous to those around him/her.

Many people attend the parades seeking out the many throws that can be obtained from the revelers.  The krewe members riding the floats will "throw" candies, trinkets, and baubles, to the crowds.  In Mobile, AL, candy is thrown along with the little treasures.  New Orleans Mardi Gras does not allow candy and foods to be thrown due to their city being below sea level.  Above you see a picture of the beads.  Beads have become synonymous with Mardi Gras.  Although, some will tell you it is tradition, one doesn't have to lift their shirt in order to obtain them.  

Moon Pies are a staple of Mardi Gras that have been around since I can remember.  I don't eat them often, but when I do I am usually flooded with memories from Mardi Gras past.

Above is a King Cake.  It is adorned with the three traditional colors and represents each of the Wise Men who came to find and see the baby Jesus on the Twelfth Day of Christmas.  Initially, it was baked in a round form to symbolize the circular route the Magi took in order to confuse King Herod, whose army was attempting to follow the wise men so that the Christ Child could be killed.  In recent years,  bakers have placed a small plastic Baby Jesus in the King Cakes as a surprise gift for the person lucky enough to get the piece with the figure inside.

There is much more to teach and learn about Mardi Gras, but for now we will call it a day!!

Put your shirts down and let's go grab an RC and a Moon Pie!!

Big Daddy of the Wannabe Mystics