Lent begins with Ash Wednesday and lasts for 40 days. According to the bible, the 40 days represent the time that Jesus spent in the desert fending off the temptation of the Devil. Though not every person observes Ash Wednesday and Lent in the same way, fasting, prayer, and preparation for Easter Sunday are basically included in the traditions.
This year Ash Wednesday falls on March 2. Ashes are placed on the forehead as a visible symbol of penance. The ashes are made from blessed palm branches, taken from the previous year’s Palm Sunday Mass. The ashes symbolize death and repentance: We were made from dust and will return to dust or ash.
Mardi Gras/Carnival is normally celebrated a few weeks leading up to the midnight of Ash Wednesday. The celebration is observed with colorful parades, costumes, beads and parties. Eat, Drink and be Merry! The last day of Mardi Gras is Fat Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday, the beginning of fasting and repentance.
It has been said, “One of the best Mardi Gras traditions is eating King Cake”. It’s true! The cake is normally only available during Mardi Gras. It’s typically made with brioche dough. Braided and laced with cinnamon, the dough is then glazed with purple, green and gold sugar or covered in icing in those same Mardi Gras colors. What really sets king cake apart from other desserts is the small plastic baby hidden inside. Whoever finds the baby in his or her slice must buy the next cake or perhaps host the next party.
Beta Theta-ESA members have needed to postpone its Mardi Gras Celebration Fundraiser for the past few years due to the COVID pandemic but that doesn’t mean they didn’t enjoy the traditional Mardi Gras King Cake, wear a few beads, and begin planning for 2023 Mardi Gras.
You still have a few hours to indulge before the fasting begins.
