User:Vrwebre/Carnival

History & Meaning

Carnival Rio de Janeiro

Carnival is a celebration that lasts for a few days and hours before Lent in many countries that practice Roman Catholicism. The word's origin is unknown; however, it may be related to the Latin words carnem levare or carnelevarium from the Middle Ages, which signify to take away or remove meat. This is in relation to  Lent, which lasts for 40 days and is when Roman Catholics traditionally fasted, abstained from meat, and engaged in other ascetic practices, begins. Carnival is the last celebration before Lent begins. Carnival takes place every year in many different parts of the world. Each country has their own set of traditions and customs they follow to honor Carnival. Carnival is most popular and draws the largest crowds in Rio de Janeiro and New Orleans.

Rio de Janeiro

Carnival in Rio de Janeiro is one of the biggest and most well-known in the entire globe. Colonial times saw the beginning of Rio de Janeiro's Carnival. Around 1840, Rio's Carnival was a representation of entrudo traditions from Iberia. The entrudowas described as a "generalized annual brawl devoted to the thumbing of noses at social standards and includes all kinds of practical pranks and water battles." Before Carnival became what it is today, there were different traditions on how it was celebrated. Brazilians from the higher classes used to host dances in public theaters in the 1840s. Parades were introduced to the Brazil Carnival in the 1850s. They used to ride horses, then riding wagons, and ultimately carnival floats started to become the standard. Only young, affluent men made up the carnival attendees.

New Orleans

Mardi Gras New Orleans

Carnival or as New Orleanian’s know it, Mardi Gras which means Fat Tuesday in French, was taking shape. Mardi Grasbegan to be openly observed in 1730. The governor of Louisiana started opulent social balls in the 1740s, which served as the inspiration for modern Mardi Gras balls in New Orleans. In 1856, John Milton created the Mistick Krewe of Comus and opulent Mardi Gras floats were soon paraded down the streets of New Orleans. The earliest processions are thought to have been started by young French-speaking men, and the Krewe of Comus and its parade were planned by young English-speaking men.

Meaning

Carnival also was not always called Carnival. It had different names in different countries. It wasn't until it reached France and subsequently traveled throughout Europe that it was known as Mardi Gras. Shrove Tuesday or Pancake Day, which is still observed today, earned its name in England. The massive celebrations were then imported to America by European colonists, where they were known as Carnival Tuesday in Caribbean countries.

Significance

New Orleans Mardi Gras Parade In New Orleans, Mardi Gras is celebrated from the beginning of the Catholic Lent season through Ash Wednesday. The people of New Orleans have cause to rejoice right away. People can dress up as kings or queens and live out their fantasies during Mardi Gras. Similar attributes are present throughout varying countries across the globe that celebrate Carnival. Although each country has their own traditions, one aspect they all have in common is coming together to dance in the streets, parade on floats and consume food relative to the countries’ Carnival traditions.

Mardi Gras/Carnival Traditions

Honorable maids in the oldest and one of the largest female Carnival organization for women

Traditional costume worn by that of a Mardi Gras Indian

Mardi Gras/Carnival consist of various traditions that began 1857 on February 14th in the City of New Orleans which consisted of the very first street celebrations by the Mistick Krewe of Comus. The history of these "Krewes" began in the heart of the city and these masked individuals created over 150 years worth of celebratory traditions. All while the history of Rio de Janeiro was being created further south which consisted of various similar traditions such as the floats and elaborate parades where those riding or walking in the parades with elaborate floats also dress in costumes that are elaborate. The Mardi Gras Indians are similar to the samba schools in which it reflects the traditions of the home city. Parades and costumes are not the only traditions to come out of Carnival on the Western Hemisphere as many festivities such as balls that hailed kings and queens for each renowned parade such as Krewe of Cleopatra, Krewe of Endymion, Krewe of Bacchus, and/or Krewe of Orpheus to name some major parades in New Orleans. On the other side of the world Carnival created a tradition related to that of popular theatre, vernacular song, and folk dances in countries such as Bavaria, Italy, Germany, and Switzerland. For New Orleans Mardi Gras/Carnival traditions, purple, green, and gold are the colors worn by most and for those not in the celebratory colors can most likely be caught in costumes such as clowns, Indians (Native Americans), animals, mythical creatures, etc. Each parade consist of themes for said foot and usually the riders dress the par to that but for those who are witnesses to the floats can be seen in almost anything or as New Orleans traditions go since 1889, possibly with nothing at all. That is in other words, the possibility of nudest and flashers who want beads or whatever throws may be at hand.

Mardi Gras/Carnival Throws

Extravagant floats made for competition and celebration at Carnival in Rio de Janeiro

The noise settled after a parade and all that remains is beads

The "throws" that come with the traditions of Mardi Gras/Carnival consist of various items that are big, small, heavy, light, soft, and/or hard. This consist of doubloons, plastic and/or glass beads, spears, frisbees, cups, food, stuffed animals, shoes, other toys, and plenty more that gets the people around excited to catch. Most throws such as frisbees, cups, spears, stuffed animals, and sometimes beads will consist of the theme of the parade printed onto these materials. States such as Alabama, Louisiana, and parts of Texas are the only part of the world where "throws" are utilized in a parade while cities of different countries such as Rio de Janeiro of Brazil do not throw anything but get judged by costumes, creativity, and dances such as some parades do in Louisiana. New Orleans Mardi Gras consist of not only themed throws but "special themed throws" which consist of one of a kind throws created by riders such as the Zulu Coconut, Muses heel, or Tucks Toilets. Not only does themed items get used for a specific parade, but you can catch various themed items at different parades as people tend to recycle what is caught at different parades to use in their own. Originating from the Renaissance era where people would throw things into the air to celebrate the upcoming fast that took place before lent, throwing beads remains the most popular throw at Mardi Gras.

Mardi Gras in New Orleans

Carnival, one of the most celebrated events in the world, holds a unique place in New Orleans. The city's carnival, known as Mardi Gras, has become an iconic symbol of the city's culture and traditions. Studying carnival in New Orleans is crucial as it provides a glimpse into the city's rich history, social dynamics, and cultural heritage.

Mardi Gras is the most significant carnival tradition in New Orleans. It has been celebrated in the city since the 18th century and has become a cultural institution that represents the city's identity. The krewes, or social organizations that organize Mardi Gras parades and events, are an integral part of the carnival. They have been active since the 19th century and play a significant role in shaping the carnival's culture and traditions.

Mardi Gras parades are the main attraction of the carnival. They feature extravagant floats, costumes, and throws, such as beads, trinkets, and doubloons, that are thrown to the crowds. The parades are not only entertaining but also have significant economic impacts on the city. They generate millions of dollars in revenue from tourism, hospitality, and retail sectors.

However, Mardi Gras and carnival in New Orleans have faced criticisms and controversies. Environmental impact, cultural appropriation, racism, and exclusivity of krewes and membership are some of the issues that have been raised. These criticisms highlight the need for a more inclusive and sustainable approach to carnival in New Orleans.

Carnival in New Orleans is a significant cultural tradition that has shaped the city's identity and heritage. It has brought economic benefits to the city and provided a platform for social interactions and cultural expressions. However, there are challenges that need to be addressed to ensure that carnival remains relevant and sustainable for future generations. Future research on carnival in New Orleans can provide insights into addressing these challenges and sustaining the carnival's culture and traditions.

References

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• Mardi Gras history. Mardi Gras New Orleans. (n.d.). Retrieved April 5, 2023, from https://www.mardigrasneworleans.com/history/.
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• O'Neill, R. H. (2014). New Orleans Carnival Krewes: The history, spirit et secrets of Mardi gras. History Press.
• Shrum, W. and J. Kilburn. "Ritual Disrobement at Mardi Gras: Ceremonial Exchange and Moral Order". Social Forces, Vol. 75, No. 2. (Dec. 1996), pp. 423–458.
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• Vincent, Frank. Long, David (ed.). The Rio Carnival in the Late Nineteenth Century.
• "Mardi Gras History | Mardi Gras New Orleans". www.mardigrasneworleans.com. Retrieved 2023-05-06.
• Mitchell, Reid (2009-07-01), "All on a Mardi Gras Day: Episodes in the History of New Orleans Carnival", All on a Mardi Gras Day, Harvard University Press, doi:10.4159/9780674041172/html?lang=de, ISBN 978-0-674-04117-2,retrieved 2023-05-06
• O'Neill, Rosary (2014). New Orleans Carnival krewes : the history, spirit et secrets of Mardi Gras. History Press. ISBN 978-1-62619-154-9. OCLC 880438975.