Sunday, October 24, 2010

Mask History: Mardi Gras (North America)

Mardi gras are a well known celebration in the Americas. New Orleans and Brazil are probably the most well known versions of this celebration. But how did Mardi gras become its own celebration in its own right? Although the accounts differ slightly, it’s generally believed that Mardi gras in North America first found its roots in 1699. It was celebrated on the banks of the Mississippi by the French immigrants from Europe. The French worked hard in raising a new life in a new land. It was hard work to start a new life. It is believed that the French decided to celebrate Carnival away from home, and in 1699 was done with gusto. In keeping with the pre-Lent celebrations, the French carried on the revelry from their homelands. The tradition continued until 1803, when Louisiana came under Spanish rule. Carnival stopped for about two decades, the Spanish not wishing to have the celebration. In 1823 it was allowed to resume when the Creole requested a return of the celebration. In 1827 street masking was made legal. Masking and celebration took place mainly on foot or horseback until. In that year, maskers started a parade through the city, which was the beginning of the well known parades held today. The celebration we know as Mardi gras had started in earnest. The celebration wasn’t without controversy, however. Because of violent behaviour, it was called to task by the press 1840 and 1850’s. The parties filled the streets, which sometimes led to violence, looting, and out of control celebrating. The press was quieted in 1857 when a group named Comus was organised to help organise the parade and keep behaviours in line. Comus took a serious approach to the celebration. Things like security were put into place. What were once unorganized parties, which spilled out and were uncontrollable at times, were now organized into specific zones. The parties, no less fun, were now controlled and kept in line. In 1866 the celebration halted for the duration of the civil war. In 1882, Krewe of Proteus was unveiled. The Krewes, a variation of the word ‘crew’, are groups that are responsible for the parades which would wind through the cities. In 1882, the first female group, Les Mysterieuses had its origin. This group put together a grand ball in its debut year, and have been a staple since. It was a visit by Grand Duke Alexis Romanoff of Russia that contributed to another part of Mardi gras celebrations. To celebrate his visit, Rex, or the king of the Carnival, was introduced. Rex and Comus became the king and queen of carnival. It was during this time that he became the symbol of Mardi gras, and picked the colours of purple, gold and green as the official colours. The first daytime parade was held this year as well. It was interrupted again in 1918 for World War One, and 1940 for World War Two. In 1950, more royalty paid tribute to Mardi gras. The Duke and Duchess of Windsor visited and paid tribute to Rex and Comus, bowing before them and their make believe kingdom. Mardi gras has continued to the present day celebration, with variations, into Rio, Mobile, Alabama, Sao Paulo, and Nice, France. Venice, of course, still has Carnival. Although essentially a twin child to Carnival, it has developed its own personality in the Americas. In the latter half of the 20th century, the celebration has opened up to be a larger celebration to all. Now the day is essentially seen as a tourist holiday, and a time for drinking and revelry. Both orthodox and Catholic tend to have very little to do with the day now, as they feel it is simply an excuse for excess, and not in holding with the significance of the following holy ritual days. Mardi gras’ scope of celebration did fall in the mid 1990’s, as economics and politics scaled down the celebration. The celebrations still continue, but in New Orleans tend mainly to be held in the historic and main districts of New Orleans, with the emphasis more on partying and celebrating-with or without masks, than ritual.

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