Mardi Gras

Paper Summary:

This paper concerns the traditions of Mardi Gras and describes its customs of royalty and celebrations, the King Cake and other religious characteristics and its official aspects. Also included in this article is how traditions are celebrated and when they officially began. Information for this project was taken from newspapers, the Internet and books and a survey of 6th grade students which demonstrates the knowledge of young people on the traditions of Mardi Gras. The writer points out that overall, this project demonstrates that Mardi Gras is more than just a big party and is, instead, one that has been passed down over the generations and one that should be carried on in a respectful manner.

Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Is the King a Religious Symbol?
How is Carnival Celebrated?
What is Official about Mardi Gras?
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"There are many religious aspects to Mardi Gras and the Carnival season; in fact, the whole celebration started because of religion. Many of the same religious traditions that were celebrated by people a long time ago are still practiced today, one being the King Cake, based on the biblical story of the Three Kings who traveled many miles to find the baby Jesus in Bethlehem. This cake's circular shape symbolizes the route that the Three Kings traveled to avoid King Herod who was following them in their search to find the baby Jesus. The baby in the cake represents Jesus and when 98 local 6th graders were surveyed, 90% knew that the baby represented Jesus."
"The twelfth day after Christmas is also a religious holiday and is known as the Christian Feast of the Epiphany. This was the day that the Three Kings visited baby Jesus; it also begins the Carnival season which precedes Mardi Gras."

Sample of Sources Used:

• "Carnival Began Way Back in 1857." Bayou Catholic. 16 Feb. 2006: 14.Coil, Suzanne M. Mardi Gras! New York: Macmillan Pub. Co., 1994. 5-41.
• Donley, Jon. "The Top Questions You Weren't Afraid to Ask." Nola.com. 2006. 15 Jan. 2007. http://www.nola.com/mardigras/about/index.ssf?/ mardigras/about/content/stories/faq.html
• Grisset, Shella. "Parish to Frolic for Family Gras" The Times Picayune. 17 Jan. 2007. River Parishes ed., sec A: a-1+.
• Heinrichs, Ann. Holidays, Festivals and Celebrations. Mardi Gras: Chanhassen: The Child's World, 2006. 7-25.
• "King Cake: A Rich Tradition." Mardi Gras Unmasked. 1 Jan 2007. http://www.mardigrasunmasked.com/mardigras/king_cake.htm.

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