Today is Mardi Gras Day in Louisiana. It’s also called Fat Tuesday. I didn’t really know much about Mardi Gras before I moved down here other than hearing about all the debauchery and drunkenness that goes on. I’ve changed my mind about Mardi Gras, however, as I’ve learned a little more about the tradition.
The tradition of Mardi Gras actually came from Europe; France to be exact. It marked the final day before Lent. Mardi Gras season actually begins on January 6th each year and lasts through Fat Tuesday, which is the day before Ash Wednesday, whenever that happens to occur in each given year.
The tradition is kept alive by the Krewes. Krewes are private social organizations that plan parades, balls and other events. You have to apply to become a member of most Krewes and some are so prestigious that you can only join after being nominated or sponsored by a current Krewe member. There’s an annual membership fee ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars per year and most Krewes have a waiting list to join.
The colors of Mardi Gras are Purple, which stands for justice; Green, which stands for faith; and Gold, which stands for power. All the Mardi Gras decorations and many of the Mardi Gras costumes incorporate these colors.
The parades were what really surprised me about Mardi Gras. I had heard all the rumors about how these were drunken events where the ladies “earned” their beads. While this may still happen in some places, in most smaller towns, the parades are family events and all about the kids. They are unlike any parade I had ever been to before. First of all, they are hours in length, rather than the short parades I was used to in the Midwest. There are marching bands, floats, cars, dance teams, and all kinds of participants. The floats, however, are what make it so enjoyable for the kids.
To ride on a Mardi Gras float, you must pay the sponsoring krewe. These fees can run anywhere from $500 to $3000, just to ride. You then have to provide your own throws, which usually run an additional $1000 to $3000. Throws are the items they will literally throw to the crowd as the float makes its way along the parade route. Throws can include beads, toys, stuffed animals and even footballs or basketballs. The kids run up to the floats as they drive by hoping to catch one of these treasures. Most kids go home with a bag full of surprises.
Usually before or after a parade, people enjoy traditional foods like gumbo or jambalaya. Fat Tuesday usually occurs during crawfish season, so there are plenty of “boils” going on, as well. The highlight of the meal, however, is the King Cake. A King Cake is a sweet, cinnamon-filled cake decorated in the Mardi Gras colors. A small baby figurine is hidden somewhere inside the cake and tradition says whoever finds the baby must buy the next cake or host the next party.
Most businesses close on Fat Tuesday so people can celebrate the tradition of Mardi Gras. Schools are also closed. It’s one of the biggest holidays of the year for those who live in Louisiana.
So, what does Mardi Gras have to do with Myasthenia Gravis. Nothing, other than besides learning about Mardi Gras, I’ve also learned the doctors in Louisiana are amazing. My doctors down here have all been top notch. Not only do they listen to you, but they genuinely care about your well-being. My neurologist has been wonderful. He’s the one who got my MG symptoms under control with the right medications. Many of the doctors in this area grew up in Louisiana, went to Med School in Louisiana, and have chosen to stay and practice here. Maybe it’s the Southern or Cajun traditions with which they’ve grown up, but all my doctors truly care about their patients.
I’m very glad I’ve had the opportunity to enjoy and live the Louisiana lifestyle these last few years and enjoy the care of their healthcare systems.
So, Happy Mardi Gras!
Indulge today because Lent starts tomorrow!