Today is Fat Tuesday, the culmination of the famous season of Mardi Gras.
Debauchery. Bacchanalia. Floats, costumes, beads and masks, and lots of drinking and partying. Thatβs what we think of when we hear the term Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday.
There is a lot more behind it. Also called Shrove Tuesday, it marks the last day of the liturgical calendar before Lent begins.
After Catholicism spread throughout Europe, many cultures celebrated the final day before Lent began in ways unique to that individualΒ culture. Eggs, and milk were finished off in one day, giving rise to the term Fat Tuesday. In Poland, such things as lard, sugar, eggs, and fruit were forbidden during Lent, and the belovedΒ Β pΔ czki became a special treat for Fat Tuesday, and in Detroit they still sell many thousands of them to long lines of people.
Enjoy your Fat Tuesday, and spare a thought to the next forty days. Why not observe Lent, and use the time to more deeply appreciate Christβs sacrifice and his love for us?
I am sure youβve seen people on Ash Wednesday with a cross traced on their foreheads. Many churches have Ash Wednesday services, and all are welcome. Itβs a thought provoking way to begin your journey, to center and prepare yourself to make changes, to clean out some baggage and make more room for the truly important things.
Pancake Day!
Brioche Cream Cheese King Cake Day!!!
That sucker will be gone by lunch.
Goes great with coffee.
Great A, little a,
This is pancake day;
Toss the ball high,
Throw the ball low,
Those that come after
May sing heigh-ho!
This year we grated peeled apples into the pancake mix, making the mix very thick, added a teaspoon of cinnamon to the mix and topped the cooked pancakes with maple syrup.
delish
And thanks!, Menagarie
I always enjoy your topical and special-occasion posts
Exceptional , Nim π
Shouldn’t do Lent. The Bible clearly states we should give, and expect not in return. Therefor I don’t do Lent. It makes sense. If you do Lent, and don’t get return, think of all the trouble it causes. Better to give, and not do Lent and save yourself the headache.
How thought provoking. Thanks for sharing.
Its a joke. It got me a standing ovation, sorta, in 1985 St.Josephs. Lent, lend …never mind. π
But how do we know its a joke? You might be joking about the fact that its a joke. Or maybe Im currently joking about the fact that you might be joking about the fact that you were making a joke
We should seriously consider that possibility (No, we shouldn’t)
Give it a rest
OIC. You were doing a word game. Got it.
Perhaps this text can puts things in perspective:
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Romans 14 Welcome those who are weak in faith,[a] but not for the purpose of quarreling over opinions. 2 Some believe in eating anything, while the weak eat only vegetables. 3 Those who eat must not despise those who abstain, and those who abstain must not pass judgment on those who eat; for God has welcomed them. 4 Who are you to pass judgment on servants of another? It is before their own lord that they stand or fall. And they will be upheld, for the Lord[b] is able to make them stand.
5 Some judge one day to be better than another, while others judge all days to be alike. Let all be fully convinced in their own minds. 6 Those who observe the day, observe it in honor of the Lord. Also those who eat, eat in honor of the Lord, since they give thanks to God; while those who abstain, abstain in honor of the Lord and give thanks to God.
To put emphasis on your post, JustaGuyNamedBob: Jesus told us as related in Matthew 7:1, “If you judge or condemn someone else, you stand to be judged or condemned according to the same standard; do not judge unsympathetically or hypocritically.”
And my favorite, noting the “splinter” in the other dude’s eye…with the “log” in our own.
That is why we must pray, to be the best version of ourselves, the one The Lord wants us to be. The one we were made to be.
I like that “best version of yourself” stuff; but I don’t know where to find it in the Bible. Where is it?
Everywhere
I donβt think itβs in the Bible. I like the thought but am aware that there is no best version of ourselves without the transforming power of Jesus.
How often does βjudgeβ in the Bible mean not you determine or conclude someone is separated from the Lord, as in judging their salvation?
Salvation is not subject to judging. All will bow and confess Christ is Lord. Salvation will be brought to all whether they like it or not. God has already told you He will do this.
Righteous judgment is no sin. Do not be proud or boastful but hold people WITHIN the church to His standards. God deals with those outside.
AMEN
The word for judge is krino. It has two sides. Righteous and unrighteous. We are in fact required to judge righteously by God’s standards otherwise church discipline would have never been commanded.
βIf you [unrighteously] judge or condemn someone else, you stand to be judged or condemned according to the same standard…”
More importantly you stand to RIGHTEOUSLY judged by God as that’s the only standard that matters.
We can judge actions according to Godβs standards, but we cannot judge the thoughts and intents of anotherβs heart.
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.
Based on that we got the Spiritual Works of Mercy and one of them is to admonish the sinner.
Vulgar behavior doesn’t help in the most important mission in life.
I say that not at as judgement but as a work of mercy.
I do not care about your feelings. I care about salvation of souls because that should be my and your most important goal in life if you want to quote the Bible.
lighten up…it was a joke ‘lent’ for ‘lend’
Let all be fully convinced in their own minds. I know some people who hide behind that. Makes me wonder how convinced they are going to be on Judgement Day.
Burginthorn, thanks for your sense of humor this morning! Much needed and appreciated this Monday morning.
It’s Tuesday here
See, she really needed it!
Lent is self-sacrifice, is a form of fasting, is a tradition of involving oneβs self in the tradition that marks preparing for the Lord.
I have never seen or heard of Lent causing trouble or looking at a return. As to giving, for those around me doing Lent, giving and service to others is an extension of the fast and major element of the tradition.
Oops, just saw your comment downstream that you were joking!
Lent summed up.
Prayer, fasting, alms giving and sacred reading.
Sounds good to me π
What in the hell are you talking about? Please explain.
He’s using the word Lent as the past participle of “lend”. Read it again using that context, it’s a word play joke.
I think he means neither a borrower or a lenter be. ; )
Ding Ding Ding….
Thankee thankee.
Laissez les bon temps rouler!
Reminds me of eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow you will die.
The first Mardi Gras was celebrated in Mobile, Al in 1709. Still celebrating today.
Ash Wednesday begins a new celebration.
Thanks for the post Menagerie.
I can hear the Zydeco music playing.
Beau Jocque & The Zydeco Hi-Rollers—Give Him Cornbread
Me too & it makes me home sick. For you:
I like that beat!!
Indeed, today I was reading about Lent, and the ancient Christian tradition of fasting for 40 days (one meal a day only) in memory of the 40 days that Christ passed fasting in the desert. Also the time for alms giving and reflexion.
It’s interesting that modern research shows the many benefices of fasting (judiciously) for the health of the body
Blessings to you, body & soul xx
Beautiful. Short and to the point. Thank you for this post.
Time and societal changes have altered and diluted so much of our Christian culture and practices.
As we entered this season in mom’s Polish traditions, we gave thought to what sacrifices could be made. From Lenten boxes to dietary sacrifices, they were part of our daily lives. No parties could be thrown during the next 40 days and we practiced meatless Wednesdays as well as Fridays and looked forward to St. Joseph’s day for a bit of cake and festive feel.
These practices were not simply rituals as my son and many younger ones think. They were reminders of our Lord’s sacrifices for us. Meant to be a solemn time of reflection, respect and appreciation.
Thank you Menagerie for your posts. They have a comforting feeling of home. May each of us draw closer to our Savior in the coming 40 days.
We got married during Lent 35 years ago and had to have special dispensation for the entire affair!
Yes, I remember folks doing that and in our Polish church, the statues remained draped in black.
Well said Old School.
TY
Amen!
“In Poland… the beloved pΔ czki became a special treat for Fat Tuesday, and in Detroit they still sell many thousands of them to long lines of people.”
Not just in Detroit, but Polish immigrants also brought the doughnut to Ohio: Polish communities in Cleveland and Dayton and elsewhere have made the treat.
Even here in Columbus, which had no or very few Polish immigrants, you find the pΔ czki (I have heard it pronounced “Pahnchki” and “Punchki”) offered in grocery stores, both major chains and independents.
Itβs huge in Chicago and neighboring suburbs.
Not sure if Chicago still has the largest population of Polish outside of Warsaw.
My Mother made the best ever. (Obviously from a 6 year olds biased perspective)
My Dad used to go to Steelton, PA early in the morning, where the ladies in one of the Catholic Churches made fasnaughts (that spelling is wrong), They were square doughnuts with filling in them, warm and delicious. Steelton was a Serbian, Croatian town and they had their own churches. I understand that now, one is a mosque, sad that traditions have been lost.
I have to buy something that looks like them now!
My local Florida Publix bakery had a nice selection of poonchkys (paczki) this morning.
Ephesians 2:8-9
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Thanks! They look a lot like what I described above!
Thank you for reminding us, Menagerie.
I grew up in New Orleans and I could tell some stories about Mardi Gras … if I could remember them. π
N’Ola’s Pat O’Brians in the French Quarter has a drink not on the menu “Lights Out”. Looks like pepto bismol, served in a tiny hurricane glass. I don’t know what’s in it, but it will keep you warm for cold/rainy Mardi Gras. Introduced to me by a certified Cajun who I enjoyed speaking with but could only understand about every 5th word. True dat.
We switched to Mobile to celebrate and did the krewe ball circuit. It was great fun.
I remember being in NOLA for Mardi Gras. I attended one of the parades and someone threw a string of beads with each bead being probably 1″ in diameter. I gather that is quite a souvenir. Anyway, I caught it and immediately a really pretty young blonde woman, college age, came up to me, smiled, and asked if she could have it. I smiled back and gave it to her.
She turned to leave and another, older woman behind me asked, “What is wrong with you? You could have got her to kiss you or flash you for those beads!” I have to admit neither thought ever even occurred to me–I was happy with the smile I got. Reflecting on the incident later, not for the first time I thought, “I am NEVER going to understand women!”
Happy Mardi Gras!
As an ex-pat from southeast LA…I miss it!
Will have to make do with a Gambino’s Bakery King cake π
I understand the symbolism of MG…but save and except the WWII museum, NOLA is a disgusting, dangerous hellhole.
Hubby worked Katrina from the National Guard of another State. Hellhole doesnβt come close to how he described the place. Itβs all voodoo and is as ungodly a celebration as can be. The entire place needs an exorcism, yet here we are.
New Orleans has become did that already. Ever since they took Jackson out of Jackson square they can eat their powdered donuts with a weird name all by themselves. I know how to make their dishes. I do miss the upscale chefs on the back streets. Maybe after they figure out what is going wrong with libuturd leaders I will go back.
Yes, my husband and I honeymooned in New Orleans 48 years ago. We’ve returned every 5, 10 years to enjoy New Orleans, however, we haven’t visited in a long time because of the crime in this once-great city.
Hopefully, we can return to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary?
Sue,
Don’t bet on it.
This year, I challenge all believers in Jesus Christ to give up something normal and very important to you but not absolutely necessary. Give up spirits, beer, chocolate, etc. But don’t forget charity and give your time, talent and treasure to those less fortunate or struggling in these crazy times. I have my plan; I implore you to make one for yourself.
As my preacher says when you do good things for others it only counts if you don’t talk about doing it, brag on it, etc. Just do it and praise the Lord you have the ability and an open heart to do for others.
Just picked up 2 PΔ czki to start the day for the wife and myself
Amen!
“Itβs a thought provoking way to begin your journey, to center and prepare yourself to make changes, to clean out some baggage and make more room for the truly important things.”
The world would be a better place if we made room for the important things EVERY day.
Yes, Pancake Day! In celebration, there is the friendly competition of a Pancake Day Race between the ladies of Olney, England and Liberal, Kansas. Pancake eating contests, races for all ages, parades, and no school today!
It’s lots of fun in a small town atmosphere.
We’ve been to Mardi Gras, they throw fake coins and candy at the bystanders…kids loved it!
When our kids were at home, we all “gave” up a bad habit like gossip rather than a thing and added a good one like complimenting , Bible devotions, thankfulness, attending Lenten service.
This was to take the material out and concentrate on the Trinity’s awesome love for us, His creation.
I’m still attempting ….
And always thanking Him for His Word and grace.
May all have a blessed Lenten season
Laissez le bon temps rollez
What ever happened to Tuba Skinny? They were from Norlens I believe? A little foot tappin music is a relief from todays troubles!!
The Saturday edition of the Open Thread here at the Treehouse often has Tuba Skinny videos posted.
They are still around. They are coming up my way soon. Not sure I will get to see them because I am not vaxx’d and at least one of places they are playing requires being vaxx’d.
Thanks Menagerie. We’re all set for pancakes tonight. It has always been a favorite day for the kids when they were little and didn’t understand the significance, but now they’re older and they do.
Fridays for us are meatless during Lent because we already eat and love seafood so it would be a reward, not a sacrifice. I made a large moussaka for the first Friday of Lent with layers of potatoes and eggplant, but no meat. The Greeks have some really good dishes that are vegan but filling, if anyone else was thinking about meatless Fridays.
Portabella mushrooms on the grill make for a good burger substitute.
Happy Mardi
Gras! Brings back memories of my one and only trip to Mardi Gras in βNawlinsβ in 2005…Feb. before Katrina hit. Most searing memory is getting clocked in the head by a big azz set of beads thrown from a float while I tried to hand another set of beads to someone who couldnβt catch any. Had ice on my right temple for hours. Thank God Iβm still alive.
In Italian families growing up mom and her cousins would make egg bread. Boiled eggs still in the shell would be laced into the circular loops and baked. Removed from the oven just as they’re cooling, sugar icing would be brushed on and colored sprinkles added. Never ate the eggs. They were for wanging at my pesky little brothers.
Mardi gras was first celebrated in the French Louisiana capital of Mobile(Alabama) around 1703. Moonpies, bewbs and costume jewelry are a staple during parades
Debauchery is a 365 day a year holiday for the left.
Fat Tuesday y’all… “Mardi Gras is the love of life. It is the harmonic convergence of our food, our music, our creativity, our eccentricity, our neighborhoods, and our joy of living. All at once.” ~ Chris Rose. New tune from the home of Mardi Gras, Mobile Alabama. This kid’s got talent, enjoy and blessings…
Easy Rider – Road trip to Mardi Gras
Jack Nicholson – ” What’re you boys in here for ? ”
Captain America – ” Parading without a license …. “
Headed to Langers in LA for a Pastrami sandwich with some shoestring fries and a large Coke today. And thatβs it….π€
thank you Sundance for the history on this I appreciate it . Did not know the significance of Fat Tuesday! Happy Fat Tuesday!
moon pies and tacky beads
I’m sure if Jesus appeared today he’d be smiling and shaking hands at Mardi Gras. He wouldn’t see it as a sign of decadence at all.
Iβm not Catholic and donβt observe Lent but my wife and I sure do enjoy the paczkis when Publix puts them out here in Georgia. Probably not as good as the ones in Detroit but enjoyable nonetheless.
Thanks Menagerie. Wishing you and all the Treepers a happy celebration today and a blessed Lent.
We NOLA lopcals tend to stay away from the French Quarter and the “show your tatas” stuff. That’s for tourists and college kids. The big Uptown parades run along St Charles Avenue. We’ve been to 11 or 12 parades in the last two weeks. Ends today, duh. About to leave for our last one.
Happy Mardi Gras from NOLA everyone!
Now we have debauchery year round and celebrate it. We never saw a need to celebrate it before Lent. It is the antithesis of Biblical teachings. We will continue to pass on it. There is nothing good about the Mardi Gras. I wonder if Pelois will show off her ash cross as she usually does, or will she stop the charade of pretending to be a Christian?
Ned,
She’s as much of a Catholic as the current Pope. Of course, that isn’t saying much…
True dat!
Menagerie, thank you for the way you share your faith.
Your posts have helped me to better understand Catholicism and its traditions.
A big chicken and sausage gumbo today!
Amen!
To be more Christ focused is never a bad thing.
I do not want to offend or be disrespectful.
I have always had a hard time reconciling a Mardi Gras celebration, that, to me, looks positively demonic, with the launch of something holy and reverent.
Maybe someone can explain it for me?
it’s a big party and indulgence before Lent
Iβm not from New Orleans, or any of the other cities across the world where Mardi Gras and Carnival are celebrated. I donβt understand the costumes or krewes or other traditions, nor how they got started. I would guess though, that their origins were not entirely without religious significance. The secular world has of course intruded, but there are deep roots underneath.
I myself hope to slay some demons of my own during the 40 days. Perhaps giving face to them now helps do that.
Here is my Catholic take, for what it is worth.
My celebration of Fat Tuesday, Shrove Tuesday, Mardi Gras is quite simple, maybe having pancakes for supper, a few extra sweets, especially if Iβm giving them up for Lent. Itβs a little celebratory, clear the decks kind of day as I focus my mind on the upcoming journey I want to make with Jesus during Lent. Kind of a clear out the old, extraneous, the unnecessary, the frivolous to make room for more somber, serious, and much more worthwhile things.
From a religious standpoint, Fat Tuesday is really about Lent. I have never experienced more changed (me, inside), joy filled, grace filled Easters than I have since converting to Catholicism and learning to live by the liturgical calendar, following the life and ministry, Death, Resurrection, Ascension, and the building of the Church, especially Lent and Easter.
We Christians are not meant to stand still, to tread water. We are meant to literally burst at the seems with driving, passionate, exploding growth. Lent helps us grow, pare backtrim off dead growth and condition ourselves for that growth.
Today we celebrate and appreciate all the culmination of great things the Lord has given us. Tomorrow we begin to give back in a special way some of those gifts in order to make room for more.
God is bountiful like that. The more he gives us, the more we accept and give away in turn, the more and more and more he wants to give us.
Lent is a journey where we get to know and love Jesus a little better, and to open ourselves to the true light and joy and love and hope of Easter Sunday.
If you arenβt familiar with it, and you are interested in learning more, begin with us tomorrow on Ash Wednesday, and each Sunday as we follow Jesus to the Cross.
I concur as an Anglican.
βToday we celebrate and appreciate all the culmination of great things the Lord has given us. Tomorrow we begin to give back in a special way some of those gifts in order to make room for more.β
Thank you, kindly, for your thoughtful and informative reply. Although I am not Catholic, I share your Christian faith and your enthusiasm for pursuing deeper intimacy with the living God!
I strongly believe that we are on the cusp of another βGreat awakening.β I believe we are going to see Holy Spirit tearing down walls of division within Christianity. Once that begins to happen, we are going to see amazing revival all across the world. Lent seems like a beautiful way to usher that in.
Peace and blessings ππΌ
thanks for such an elegant testimonial, Menagarie
Like Hallowe’en = “All is Hallow Eve,” the last evening before All Saints Day, when the day is hallow — sacred and dedicated to Jesus Christ Almighty God and what He did for us, leading up to Advent, which is the journey leading to the celebration of His birth, Mardi Gras/Carnival is “the last hurrah” of Satanic debauchery before the sacred cleansing — the purification of the fire of repentance and penance, leaving the pure essence, the ash — beginning the journey with Christ to the Cross.
Human beings seem to have a “need” to be unholy; these special days commemorate that, in preparation for being cleansed and holy in a newness of life seriously following our Savior.
Probably the truth that not many of the people who give themselves over to the debauchery then also give themselves over to the purity and holiness of Christ.
The sad part is that so many who do fall off afterwards — Resurrection Day, Christmas — and revert back to living largely without Him and to whatever degree outside Him.
But at the moment, those who do love Him and do strive to regularly walk with and obey Him, have much to celebrate as a renewed and intensified love of, knowledge of, and obedience to Him is begun, again.
I love Romans 12:1-2, being self-sacrificed to Him in love of Christ. I’m one of those sacrifices on the altar that keeps slipping off, and I have to constantly climb back up there! π
Happy Lent, culminating in the most joyous Resurrection Day!
With the exception of doctor visits, the only time I wore a mask was on Halloween and Mardi Gras.