DonnaLee Overly
Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday, falls March 4. It is a centuries-old tradition that dates back to the Middle Ages and is still widely observed today. The season of Mardi Gras celebrates life before the more somber Christian Lent season that begins with Ash Wednesday and continues six weeks until Easter. Officially, Mardi Gras kicks off on Twelfth Night, Jan. 6, when the old royalty welcomes the new royalty at the stroke of midnight.
Today, when we think of Mardi Gras, New Orleans comes to mind. It’s known for its extravagant celebrations: elegant balls, parades with large floats, elaborate costumes, and the throwing of beads and trinkets into the outreached hands of the crowd, especially bare-breasted women. These events are organized by social clubs called krewes. In previous centuries, it was a tradition for masks to be worn to shield the carnival participants, allowing them to mingle freely and maintain their untarnished reputation. Today, fewer folks wear masks; however, by law, float riders are required to wear a mask in keeping with the mystery and tradition of Mardi Gras.
Two decades ago, I received an invitation to attend one of the major royal krewes' balls. I thought it was just another party where I would dress in a long gown to mingle with other guests, but I was in for a surprise. At this royal ball, I witnessed the rich traditions of the krewe, which brought a regal touch to the festivities. I was in awe at the pomp and circumstance surrounding the introduction of the king, queen, and their court during the ball. It felt as if I were in the presence of royalty from an influential country.
I wondered how many Americans like me are totally naïve that this level of prominence and status flavored with secrecy is happening in the United States. It was eye-opening at this event to see the king and other men wearing full face masks, adding additional mystery to the evening and a vibration of exclusivity. Honestly, it felt as if I were a time traveler and had gone back a century to another country. I had many questions and few were answered.
Two years later, Hurricane Katrina brought me neighbors who had lived all their lives in New Orleans. Inviting me into their home the husband proudly showed me his scepter and cape from when he was picked by a lottery system to be King of a Mardi Gras Ball. He continued to say that the best moment of his life was on Mardi Gras evening when his wife, escorted by his two sons, bowed to him as he sat on his throne. With this story, I was shown by the tears that formed in his eyes the importance of the Mardi Gras tradition held in his heart.
After these experiences, I had a new outlook on Mardi Gras with its purple, green and gold facade. Beneath the crowds, adorned in costumes with decorated masks, and partying in the streets of New Orleans, Mardi Gras carries a deep history that remains mysterious and exclusive.
DonnaLee Overly is an award-winning author of The KNOT SERIES- contemporary women’s fiction novels that give a voice to social issues. She uses her self-help book, Discover Gold: achieve happiness and reach for dreams in your life’s next chapter to teach workshops. She is a member of The Writer’s League of Texas, The Florida Writer’s Association, Amelia Island Book Festival, and Group Leader of the Amelia Island Writers. Visit the author at www.donnaleeoverly.com or Facebook @ DonnaLee Overly Author.