Celebrations

Did you know that the first Mardi Gras celebration in America (well, what was to become, eventually, the USA) was held in Mobile? But it wasn't Alabama back then. It was French held territory and the capital of French Louisiana. Sidenote: Mardi Gras translates to Fat Tuesday.

Laissez les bons temps rouler! Let the good times roll.

As many of you know, and hear about very often if the topic of lunch comes up, I love Cajun food. I could eat it everyday.

Every...day. Bet that got pretty annoying.

"Ok, so what's for lunch today?"

"Cajun!"

"You always say Cajun."

"Yes. I do. And I will until you acquiesce to my request and join me for jambalaya and jalapeño cornbread!"

Damn skippy.

But I digress...back to Mardi Gras and its French Catholic heritage.

The first celebration on the North American continent was in 1703! We, as a nation, were barely a glimmer of thought in some very forward thinking (and maybe some clairvoyant) minds. It was nothing like it is today.

Once New Orleans became the capital of Louisiana (1718), the city slowly grew to be solely associated with the celebrations. It began with masks and extravagant balls that only the elite could attend, while slaves and the poor were left to celebrate however they could.

There's a bunch of mess about krewes and mystic societies, but to sum up...these are who ran the Mardi Gras parties, the organizations, the first parade's and all the floats. Secrets, secrets are no fun, unless you share with everyone! Hello! The city of New Orleans agreed with me in 1991 when they required these societies to open their doors to any and all. They were livid. Two of them didn't parade that year in retaliation. Federal courts eventually reversed the ruling and now the krewes generally operate as business structures and anyone who pays dues can get on a float.

For us Texans, we've had our own version of Mardi Gras down in Galveston since 1867. It was merely a masked ball coupled with a performance of King Henry IV at first. Now, it's a bit more like New Orleans is, very crazy and more than a bit out of control.

The colors of green, gold and purple on the Mardi Gras flag stand for faith, power and justice. This flag became part of the Mardi Gras celebration in the 1870's when a King and Queen were also crowned for the first time. The throwing of beads, trinkets, and doubloons began around the same time, too.

I've never been. I know those who have, I have the beads to prove it. Crowds aren't my cup of tea nor are the ridiculous number of breasts I would see. I know what they look like and thanks for sharing with the class.

But I do love everything else Cajun. The food, the zydeco music (who doesn't love the accordion), the culture (New Orleans is known as the "Big Easy" and all) and my family. My crazy, off-the-wall, set in their way Cajun relatives. C'est bon! It's a heritage I'm proud of and thankful for. It's nice to have a lineage with such a spirit as the Cajun people have.