Can You Explain Mardi Gras?

One of the great joys of marrying someone not from the state of Louisiana was introducing her to the culture of our great state - food, festivals, language, regions, etc.  A lot of it was easy to explain, but there was one question she asked me that I still haven't found a good answer for: "Can you explain Mardi Gras?"

Keep in mind that when I was in Lake Charles as a kid, my family was part of a Mardi Gras krewe, and I had the indescribable joy that only a 10-year-old can have of taking a stack of beads or a handful of doubloons and strategically ensuring they hit the intended target at the correct rate of speed using the ol' F=ma formula from science.

However, ever since Erin asked me her question I have wrestled with it, for while I can explain it from a historical and cultural sense, I cannot explain why it makes sense overall.  This question became even clearer when we lived one house off the parade route in an earlier stop, and she got to see people carrying on in all sorts of ways to make sure they got their beads and other trinkets.

This is not an anti-Mardi Gras rant...trust me.

Maybe, though, it can make us wonder if we can explain to someone why it is that we do what we do.  Can we come up with reasons why we engage in the lifestyle that we choose to follow?  Can we justify from the perspective of a Christian why it is that we make the decisions we make?

See you in Worship!
Lamar

P.S.  Although, it is interesting to explore the history of Mardi Gras and ask if the celebrations we observe today have anything at all to do with the true roots of the holiday.  Any takers?