Mardi Gras is upon us and it is time for a little party.
For those of you who don’t know, Mardi Gras is French for Fat Tuesday, the day before Lent gets started in the Christian faith. Traditionally, Lent is a period in which certain Christian sects fast or abstain from particular luxuries. At one time, it was common for people to give up meat during Lent, leaving the Tuesday before as the last opportunity to fatten up or to eat fat before the period of abstinence. It is thought that this is the reason behind the name Fat Tuesday.
One of the many traditions leading up to Mardi Gras is the sharing of the King Cake. There are many different versions, but the Mardi Gras King Cake from New Orleans is the one that I grew up with. You roll up a sweet yeast dough with cinnamon, sugar, nuts, and raisins, form it into a ring, bake it and then cover it with a sweet glaze and purple-, green-, and gold-colored sugars (purple for Justice, green for Faith, and gold for Power).
Beth challenged me to make some last year. You can see that post here. This year, my photography skills have developed a little further, so I figured I could post a significantly better shot. Plus, we were able to get the kids involved this year by getting them to help make the dough and with each of them decorating a cake for their teachers.
Do you have any traditions leading up to Lent? What are you giving up this year? Are you going to indulge a little beforehand? Share your story and let us know.
A tastier tradition there couldn’t be! That looks so good and it’s just so festive and fun.
Before I read your post, I had no ideas that the colors meant anything, other than they’re mardi gras colors. I feel smarter now 🙂
Love King Cake! My father’s family tradition in Louisiana was that the person who found the prize had to buy/bake the next King Cake.
That looks so tasty and how fun for the kids!
I am 45 minutes from the Mardi Gras capital – and the ONLY thing I care about during Mardi Gras is the King Cakes – the rest of the festivities I could not care less about LOL
NOW I finally know what the colors represent! I’ve had King Cake several times but didn’t know much about it. I love reading about the tradition and history behind it.
How much fun! It looks yummy too.
I’m not Catholic but I need to give up something for Lent….like sugar!
This is interesting. I had never heard of this sharing of the King Cake thing. But then again, I have never really been down South nor do I know anything about the Mardi Gras.
Ah, I didn’t know what the colors represented before. I know very little about Mardi Gras.
That looks soooo good. I’m dying to make a King Cake.
I love a good King Cake. So yummy!
That King Cake looks good!
We don’t give up anything for Lent.
I had no idea what the colors meant!
I have never had King Cake. Looks yummy! Love your pictures! Such a precious family! 🙂