The time between Epiphany (January 6th) and Ash Wednesday is a special time in Southeast Texas and Louisiana, Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras technically means Fat Tuesday, celebrated the day before Ash Wednesday. It is a day of revelry before the solemnity of the Lenten season. Around the world, it is celebrated as Carnival, Caranaval, Carnevale, Karneval, and other names.
Mardi Gras is traditionally known for its king cakes, balls, street parties, fairs, concerts, costumes, and parades. The colors associated with Mardi Gras are purple representing justice, green denoting faith, and gold which symbolizes power.
Our family has been attending Mardi Gras festivities for many years (since we moved to Southeast Texas). I enjoy going with family; however, they are not always able to come to town for the festivities. It is especially fun with our grandchildren. We have a “contest” to see who can catch the most beads, the prettiest beads, the largest beads, the most unusual bead, and the most unusual throwable. Last year, I got a roll of Mardi Gras toilet paper :).
This year we are planning on traveling to Eunice for their festivities. They are having an adult mask making class, and a gumbo cooking demonstration I would love to attend on Monday. Tuesday is a day of music and dancing before their traditional horse and trailer parade.
What you may ask, do you do with all the beads? For the longest time, I kept them in bags, boxes, and crates, just collecting dust. Now I am using some of them to create mixed media art. Since retirement, I started a small craft business. I am having fun with this project; you can check out my work at Sea you at the Beach on Facebook.
Laissez les bon temps rouler.
