whats the point of mardi gras?
90396
The name literally translates as "Gray Wednesday," or Ash Wednesday, which begins the lent season for Catholics, and ushers in a time when they are supposed to give up things, fast, pray, and generally act grave.  So, to prepare, they party hearty up to that point, and thus the tradition of wild festival just before you have to go all serious and sober.\n\nIn modern times, Mardi Gras is a way for the tourist trade in New Orleans to draw attention to itself.  Make a lot of money on hotels, restaurants, saloons, etc.  This year, what with hurricane damage and all, the festival seems to be taking on a sort of "black humor," if you will.
297103
http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/images?p=mardi+gras+face&fr=FP-tab-img-t&toggle=1&cop=&ei=UTF-8
103369
Thank you for taking the time to remove your repeated postings. \nFor the person above me why are you upset? you got 2 points for your answer?\n\nThe History of Mardi Gras\n\nMardi Gras came to New Orleans through its French heritage in 1699. Early explorers celebrated this French Holiday on the banks of the Mississippi River. Throughout the years, Orleanians have added to the celebration by establishing krewes (organizations) which host parades and balls. Carnival quickly became an exciting holiday for both children and adults.\n\nMardi Gras means "Fat Tuesday" and of course is celebrated on that day of the week. The date can fall between February 3 and March 9 depending on the Lunar calendar, used by the Catholic Church to determine the date of Easter. Mardi Gras is always 47 days before Easter Sunday.\n\nThe official colors for Mardi Gras are purple, green, and gold. These colors were chosen in 1872 by the King of Carnival, Rex. He chose these colors to stand for the following:\n\n    * Purple represents justice\n    * green stands for faith\n    * gold stands for power\n\nThe Mardi Gras season begins on January 6 and continues until Fat Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday. On the Christian calendar, the twelfth day after Christmas is known as "Epiphany", "Twelfth Night", or "Kings Day." It is the day the gift-bearing Magi visited the baby Jesus, and is celebrated with its own unique rituals.
209164
Infant Mystics Parade\n"Royal Purple" Infant Mystics Parade, Royal Street, Mardi Gras 2000 ©2000 rachelpages...\nhttp://www.rachelpages.com/im4a.html \n\n \nMobile Mardi Gras\nLarge image gallery of Mardi Gras in Mobile, AL including parades and Mobile architecture.\nhttp://www.rachelpages.com/mardigras.html \n\n \nMemories of Mobile Mardi Gras\n02-06-05 Mystics of Time ... 02-07-05 Joe Cain ... 02-09-05 Infant Mystics ... 02-09-05 Mardi Gras Day ... 02-10-05 Mardi Gras News ... 03-13-05...\nhttp://www.mardigraslady.com/mymardigraspics.html \n\n \nChina & Taiwan Manufacturers - AsianNet Global Suppliers - China...\n...experiencemardigras ... 1882 Order of Myths.....Legendary Lore of Norseland Infant Mystics.....Great Lives Country/Region: North Europe...\nhttp://www.asiannet.com/info.php?mID=13922&Case=1&searchwords=Fan&CountryName=&countrywords=&pages=4 \n\n \nInfant Mystics Mardi Gras Parade - Alabama Bureau of Tourism &\nSearch Term. SEARCH. Press Room. Events. Home > Events > Infant Mystics Mardi Gras Parade. Infant Mystics Mardi Gras Parade...\nhttp://www.touralabama.org/events/details.cfm?id=4209 \n\n \nMobile Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau > About Mobile > Mardi...\nInfant Mystics Parade 6:30 pm Tuesday, February 28 Mardi Gras Day FAT TUESDAY!\nhttp://www.mobile.org/ab_mardigras_sched.php \n\n \nWelcome to the Mobile Alabama Police Department\nFebruary 27, 2006 KING FELIX, FLORAL, MLK CHILDREN'S, MONDAY NIGHTER MYSTICS, NORTHSIDE MERCHANTS, INFANT MYSTICS February 26, 2006...\nhttp://www.cityofmobile.org/html/departments/police/index.shtml \n\n \nAlabama Events - Alabama Bureau of Tourism & Travel\nFeb 27, 2006 Infant Mystics Mardi Gras Parade (Mobile) - Feb 27, Mobile Infant Mystics Mardi Gras Parade 800-5-MOBILE, 251-208-2000. 6:30...\nhttp://www.touralabama.org/calendar/2002-flea.html \n\n \nGuide Introduction: Records of Ante-Bellum Southern...\n...a program from the "Sixth Anniversary of Infant Mystics" pageant, location unknown, 9 February 1875;\nhttp://www.lexis-nexis.com/cispubs/guides/southern_hist/plantations/plantj7.htm \n\n \nCelebrate Mardi Gras in SouthCoastUSA\nLundi Gras or Fat Monday, February 7, features The Infant Mystics Parade as everyone gears up for Fat Tuesday, the big day parades.\nhttp://www.prweb.com/releases/2004/12/prweb189419.htm
398812
If you are staying in Australia - \n\nGo to the Dawn Service in your area, then watch the parade and observe one minute's silence.  After the parade, go to the local pub and have a beer and a game of 2-up.  \n\nThe mood of the day starts as a sombre commemoration of those who gave their lives as well as survivors of our armed services who are scarred by their participation.  After the formal services, it is more about celebrating our way of life.....a few beers and a game of 2-up at the pub.
780256
It is a way of showing how greatful and happy we are, for all the good food that has just been brought in from the fields, that has been grown and harvested.\n\nAnd greatful for our friends and families, where we live.\n\nWhen it began it celebrated the Pilgrims landing on Plymouth Rock and having this good meal with the Native Americans, who showed them how to cook and prepare foods in this New World we call America.\n\nIt was also to be greatful to a higher power, but I think we have forgotten that.  I hope not. That is up to each individual choice.
728214
So what's the point here?
143238
what's the point? ^_^
966182
It is to commemorate the early pilgrims who came here, suffered greatly, and finally raised enough crops to have a harvest festival.  The pilgrims and the Indians, who were friendly for the most part, held a big feast to celebrate the harvest and give thanks for having survived.\n\nWe don't give gifts, but we have big family feasts, and often a tradition of watching the Macy's parade (from New York City) on TV, and then there are the football games.  \n\nOf course, there are households that do not have televisions, and even a few where the television is turned off and people play games or read or enjoy conversation.  But the heart of the holiday is the feast, usually including a roast turkey, stuffing, yams, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin or mince pies.  There are a lot of other things some people include, but those are the really traditional elements.
1051894
i dont know what the purpose is but its really disgusting. i wonder about the same question
419693
Because it is fun!\n\nFor the athletes and the volunteers!\n\nAnd it draws attention and donations to a worthy cause.
326098
Ash Wednesday on the Christian religious calandar.  (The day after Mardi Gra for some of the world).  The actual date varies from year to year but is generally early in March.
131209
Mardi Gras and the german "Fasching" are about the same thing, there are many european countries celebrating this. As the people before me already wrote, yes, Fat Tuesday is the last day before the fasting for lent starts. The reason why you dress up in costumes is that it's an old european tradition to scare the winter ghosts out, so spring can come. That's why they used scary masks for this. Nowadays it's just for fun and partying!
1141181
The points are for nothing more than braggin rights.  The levels allow you more asking, answering, voting and rating the higher you go.  It is just for fun and to help people if you have the knowledge or know where to find it.
222770
Not being rude, however that goal is about as dumb as it gets.  Why not just enjoy your day?
107151
St. Louis, Missouri traditionally throws the second biggest mardi gras celebration in the U.S. after New Orleans. This year it is expected to be even bigger than previous years since many people do not want to travel to New Orleans for the celebration. You can find out details about the events at this website: http://stlmardigras.org/
142421
In New Orleans on Fat Tuesday! haha, but seriously check out the jazz section in your local cd store like FYE or Tower Records or something, you'll see loads of Mardi Gras music, but I would recommend instead of that one song to peruse some of Dr. John's music, you'll thank me later.