History of Mardi Gras: Why is it called Fat Tuesday?
In French, Mardi Gras means “Fat Tuesday.” It is celebrated the day after Shrove Monday and the day before Ash Wednesday as a last “fling” before the 40 days of self-denial of Lent, which precede Easter. Lent is a word that comes from the Middle English word “lente,” which means “springtime” — so named for the season of the year in which it usually occurs.
While the practice of Lent is not mentioned in the Bible, it has been a tradition in the Christian world since the mid-4th century. It seems to parallel the 40 days of fasting in the wilderness that Jesus experienced following his baptism at the Jordan River.
Origin of Mardi Gras
Historically, Lenten fasting became mandatory, especially abstinence from eating meat. While recommended by St. Athanasius, bishop of Alexandria in his Festal Letter III to his flock in Egypt in 331 AD, by the Middle Ages, Lent was enforced throughout Europe, especially the forbidding of meat during the last weeks before Easter.
Mardi Gras and Carnival
The word carnival comes from an old Italian word that means “go without meat” or “removal of meat.” Festivals like Mardi Gras sprang up throughout parts of Europe to prepare for the coming times of self-denial.
- Venice was especially a “party town” for centuries with its Carnevale di Venezia and elaborate masks, which are still available in shops there today.
- In England, the Tuesday immediately before Ash Wednesday is called Shrove Tuesday, following Shrove Monday, and is celebrated by eating rich food that won’t be consumed during Lent.
- In the British Isles and some former countries of the British Commonwealth, Pancake Tuesday is a popular way of celebrating the day and eliminating rich foodstuffs from the pantry during Lent.
- Brazil is famous for its Sambadrome Carnival parade. Other than during the Coronavirus pandemic, the last time it was suspended was in 1912, following the death of the foreign relations minister.
Meat after Mardi Gras?
As the Protestant Reformation spread throughout Europe, Lent became regarded more as a Roman Catholic institution. It was increasingly ignored by Protestants as a traditional observance, starting from the early 16th century onward.
This was precipitated by the famous “Affair of the Sausages.” Ulrich Zwingli, the pastor of the Grossmünster (Great Minster) church in Zurich, spoke in favor of eating sausage during Lent, in defense of a dinner at the home of his friend, the local printer, in March 1522.
Though he did not enjoy sausages, Zwingli argued that Lenten meat fasting should be voluntary rather than mandatory. This tendency did not reverse, especially in the US, until the 1980s. Today, more Protestant churches take part in Lent with devotions and Scripture readings, as well as special Ash Wednesday services.
What are the customs you observe on Mardi Gras?
Bill Petro, your friendly neighborhood historian
billpetro.com
I never realized that carnival comes from an old Italian word that means to “go without meat”. Pancake Tuesday – my wife and I indulge in the act of overeating as many pancakes as will fit in our stomachs! It’s a great day for eating but also a remembrance of the next 40 days.
Enjoyed the post.
Scott
Scott,
Thanks. Most people don’t know the original meaning of Carnival, but my British readers know about Pancake Tuesday!
-Bill