Where does the name Carnival come from – and why does Mardi Gras fall when it does on the calendar?
The word carnival is derived from medieval Latin, meaning “forsaking the flesh”; and therefore it seems likely later celebrations began as a reaction to the rules of abstaining from certain foods during Lent. The Romans imported into Italy many of the Greek mystery cults and the history of the three major Roman festivals have been passed down to us: Saturnalia (honoring Saturnus); Lupercalia (celebrated in the coldest time of winter, our February); and Bacchanalia (celebrating Dionysus, the god of wine). The early Christian church, unable to suppress or contain these universal celebrations, wisely took them to the church calendar – allowing wild “let loose” Carnival before the 40 days of Lent, a period of rest, repentance, meditation and making resolutions. Backed up 47 days before Easter, Mardi Gras can occur as early as February 3 and as late as March 9th.
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