Mardi Gras Terminology
A
anodize (an' oh dyez) ----- vt. dipping process used to give plain aluminum coins (see doubloon) an impressive color. Anodized doubloons are twice as expensive to produce as plain aluminum. Black anodized is four times as expensive.
Ash Wednesday (n.) ----- the day after Fat Tuesday; the first day of Lent; seven Wednesdays before Easter.
B
Balconies-----The re-enforced and uncovered elevated porch extension from most structures used mostly for the viewing of or by crowds passing below.
bal masque ( pronounced ball mask') n. the formal masked ball of a mystic society featuring dramatic entertainment, music, dancing, food, and drinks. If the organization parades, the bal masque is usually held immediately after the annual parade, or if a day parade is held, later that evening. Balls are most always based on a theme (e.g. mythological, literary, and historical) which is carried out through scenery, decorations, costumes, tableau performances, etc. Attendance requirements include appropriate attire (costume de rigor) and a legitimate invitation from a mystic society member. This term is passed down from similar 16th and 17th century European events.
barn -----(n.) A Term used in Mobile Mardi Gras. A warehouse owned by a mystic society where parade floats are built and stored.
barricades -----n. fencing that lines the entire parade routes of downtown Mobile. Barricades keep revelers a safe distance away from the extremely heavy parade floats. They also control the proximity of the crowds to the parade so that the flow and rhythm of the parade is not interrupted. Stiff fines are levied for those who climb over the barricades.
Bayou ---- pronounced (bi-you)-- A Cajun Term. The outlet of a lake or one of the delta streams of a river, usually sluggish and marshy.
beads----- n. necklaces thrown from floats and worn by revelers and maskers alike. Beads vary widely in color, size, style, length, and quality. (n.) form of currency at a Carnival/Mardi Gras parade whose value mysteriously declines by the time Ash Wednesday comes around.
Bisque------A very thick soup made often with crawfish or crab. In crawfish bisque the crawfish heads have been known to be stuffed with dressing and served with the soup.
Bon Appetite! ------ pronounced (bon a-pet-tite')- A French term which translated Literally means - good appetite - or "Enjoy!"
Brass Band ----(n.) Any one of several groups of musicians that consists mainly of wind and percussion instruments. They play mainly jazz tunes and provide music at the gathering of second line organizations across the city.
Boeuf Gras (berh grah) -----French term meaning fatted (gras) ox (boeuf). Pre-Lenten celebration of feasting observed in Mobile during the 1700's (from 16th century Europe).
C
Call out -------The tradition at the Ball of royalty or members of the Krewe publicly presenting favors to friends in order to honor them; traditionally used in conjunction with a call-out-dance where a Krewe member will present a favor to a lady friend who reciprocates by honoring him with a dance.
Captain ----The real head of a carnival organization. The caption is the absolute ruler of the Krewe. Some Krewes however do not have this type of club leadership. Some elect a board and a president
Cain, Joe-----(Mobile Mardi Gras) In 1866, Joseph Stillwell Cain, a clerk, single-handedly revived the celebration of Mardi Gras in Mobile after the Civil War. Joe Cain paraded through the streets of Mobile in a charcoal wagon dressed as Chickasaw Indian Chief Slacabamorinico.
Carnival -----(n)Internationally observed from Twelfth Night (January 6) through Fat Tuesday. In Mobile, events associated with Carnival begin in November, including the International Carnival Ball and the Camellia Ball. Parades begin in January and roll daily (several per day on weekends) during the final two weeks before Fat Tuesday. Normally used interchangeably, but incorrectly, with Mardi Gras. Carnival is the term that describes the season or period which begins 12 days after Christmas on Jan. 6th and ends on Mardi Gras day which falls exactly 46 days before Easter.
Carnival colors ------The official colors of Carnival are purple, green and gold. The colors represent justice (purple), faith (green) and power (gold).
coronation -----(n) Formal events where a king crowns his Queen. Tickets to the coronations of the Queen to King Felix III and the Queen to King Elexis I may be purchased by the general public.
costume de rigueur ----- (n) Term primarily used in Mobile Mardi Gras. Required attire at a formal bal masque held by a mystic society. Slight variations exist from one ball to another but typically involve full-length evening gowns and white tie with tails for invited guests and masked costumes for society members.
Crewe (n) (Mobile Mardi Gras) A Term used in the Mobile Mardi Gras. An organization that presents parades, bal masques, and other activities See Mystic Society.
D
Doubloon -----(n) Coins tossed from the floats by riding maskers, as they passed through the streets of the city. At one time, some were made of wood, now they are made of aluminum. Most bear the Krewes emblem on one side and the current message, theme, etc on the other. Keepsakes of Carnival parades and year.
E
Easter ----(n) An annual Christian Holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Mardi Gras is set exactly 46 days till Easter. Mardi Gras is in preparation for Easter, to an extent. The notion however, that Mardi Gras is the last hurrah before fasting at Lent is incorrect.
Elexis I ----(n) As Rex is to the New Orleans Mardi Gras, so is Elexis to Mobile's celebration. see King Elexis I Mobile's "King of Carnival"
emblem ---(n.) Graphic representation of a mystic society, often with symbolic and/or hidden meaning. Society emblems often appear on parade throws such as doubloons, cups, hats, can coolers, Frisbees, panties, posters, etc. Keep your eyes open for mystic emblems appearing on the seldom seen embroidered
jackets of mysterious revelers appearing in parade crowds.
emblem float ------(n.) typically the first float in a parade, designed in the likeness of the society's emblem. These one-of-a-kind floats often carry society board members and sometimes feature the costumed persona of the mystic society itself.
F
Fat Tuesday ------The final day of the Carnival season celebrated with numerous parades and balls. Fat Tuesday is the English translation of Mardi Gras.
favor -----(n.) gift or souvenirs, from a mystic society , or Krewe, usually given at a bal masque to honor or show appreciation, often related to the theme of the ball.
Float -----(n.) parade unit designed to depict the emblem of the mystic society or carry out a single aspect of a parade theme. A platform vehicle built to bear a display, and riders, ( also known as maskers) in a parade. Floats are usually preceded by a title carrier, someone who carries a sign that reveals the title of the float. Floats in Mobile are pulled by a pool of leased pickup trucks and carry mystic society maskers who toss throws to the excited revelers all along the parade route.
Felix III
see King Felix III
G
Gallery------A structure's Front Porch
Grits -----Coarsely ground wheat or corn, cooked down in water and served with salt and butter. Somewhat similar in appearance to mashed potatoes, but the taste is closer to corn
grand marshal -----n. An honorary role in a parade, often a local celebrity or noteworthy citizen from the community.
Gumbo------ Traditional soup thickened with okra or file'. Made with a combination of seafood, chicken, turkey and sausage. The dish has had a varied number of ways introduced of late as to its making.
H
Hole in the Wall -------- A really run down juke joint.
I
Invitation -----n. collectable and highly sought-after announcement to a bal masque given to guests by mystic society members. 99% of all bal masques in Mobile require an invitation.
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Jazz ---- Rhythmic, syncopated music, often improvised, that was originated by African American musicians. New Orleans is one of, if not the, birthplace of this popular style of music.
Joe Cain Procession -----dubbed a procession, not a parade, the annual event held on the Sunday before Fat Tuesday is a celebration in observance of the man responsible for reviving Mardi Gras, Joe Cain. For those familiar with New Orleans Mardi Gras, the procession has a style similar to a truck parade in that it consists of dozens of smaller Krewes rather than one large organization.
K
king cake ----- n. ring shaped pastry, a cross between a coffee cake and a French pastry, it is decorated with sugar that has been dyed green, purple and gold., often filled with one or more fillings. Traditionally the king cake makes its debut on Jan. 6th, or on twelfth night. Parties are held that involve the serving of king cake, where a small plastic baby hidden inside the pastry is sought by party guests. Tradition says that whoever finds the baby holds the next king cake party.
King Felix III -----One of two monarchs that rule over Carnival and Mardi Gras in Mobile. King Felix III has been crowded every year by the Mobile Carnival Association (MCA) since 1927. King Felix I was crowned annually from 1872-1897. King Felix II was crowned annually from 1898-1926. King Felix III will be crowned until a new King declared himself King Felix IV.
King Elexis I -----One of two monarchs that rule over Carnival and Mardi Gras in Mobile. King Elexis I is chosen each year by the Mobile Area Mardi Gras Association (MAMGA) from the black community. King Elexis I ruled for the first time in 1939.
King Rex ------- (n.) (New Orleans) Rex is known as the "king of Carnival", for the New Orleans Carnival. Rex is chosen by a select committee of the Rex Organization. His identity is only revealed to the public on Mardi Gras Day in the local News Paper. Rex's Queen is chosen by Rex, and serves at his request.
King Zulu ------(n.) ( New Orleans) King Zulu leads off the celebration of New Orleans Carnival each and every Mardi Gras Day. Known as "Zulu, the most Wise", the merry monarch of Zululand preaches fun, frivolity and merriment for his subjects. He has become the stuff of legends here in New Orleans. Mentioned in numerous songs, sayings, poems and articles about the city. This Zulu character is dearly loved by his subjects. He is one of seven characters of the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club.
Krewe (n) ----The name mostly used in New Orleans, to describe the Carnival Organizations which stage the parades and masked costumed balls every carnival season. First coined by the New Orleans, La., Comus organization in 1857, its use has come to symbolize any group who espouses to be associated with carnival. also see mystic society , Crew-
L
Laissez les bon temps rouler----pronounced ( lay-zay lay bon ton role-ay ) French for one of the most spoken phrases in the Cajun speak of the land. It's almost risen to the level of a battle cry. Let the good times roll!
Lent ----period of fasting and penitence, observed between Ash Wednesday and Easter, In many churches Easter is preceded by a season of prayer, abstinence, and fasting called Lent. This is observed in memory of the 40 days' fast of Jesus in the desert. In Eastern Orthodox churches Lent is 50 days. In Western Christendom Lent is observed for six weeks and four days.
Lundi Gras------translated as Fat Monday, the day before Fat Tuesday or Shrove Tuesday is also a day of festivities, fireworks and parties.
M
Maid --------A young female servant or attendant only for the Queen.
Mardi Gras -----translates to English as Fat Tuesday. The last day of Carnival celebrated with numerous parades and balls. Though a misnomer, the term Mardi Gras is often used to describe the days and weeks preceding Fat Tuesday. Always on a Tuesday, Shrove Tuesday as the English know it, falls 46 days before Easter or the day before Ash Wednesday when the 40 day penitential season of lent begins. It is the culmination of the Carnival Season.
mardi gras pie -----n. not to be confused with a trademarked Moon Pie. Mardi Gras pies can be immediately recognized in their silver wrappers. Flavors include chocolate, banana and orange. (mobile Mardi Gras)
marshal -----n. costumed and masked mystic society member (or the spouse of a member) who rides on horseback in a parade. The job of a parade marshal is to keep the parade moving and prevent large gaps from forming between parade units. Parade Marshals toss throws from their saddle bags.
masker -----n. refers to a mystic society member appearing in mask and costume on a parade float. Maskers are required by their organization bylaws to be masked when appearing in public. Fines can be levied for removing one's mask while riding on a float. Maskers captivate the revelers who line the parade route by tossing throws by the handful.
Moon Pie -----marshmallow sandwiched between two chocolate covered cookies. Vanilla and other flavors are also common. These bear the trademark name Moon Pie and are baked by the Chattanooga Bakery. All others should be called Mardi Gras pies. Moon Pies have been a popular throw in Mobile for decades. Moon pies were first thrown in Mardi Gras parades in Mobile.
Mystic Society -----a secret organization that presents parades, bal masques, and other activities for the revelry and enjoyment of its members, invited guests, and the public. Membership is secret.
Mystic society member -----membership requirements and classifications in Mobile mystic societies vary by organization. A member often begins as an associate member, one who does not yet have full membership privileges such as riding in a parade. Some older organizations have honorary members which are those that no longer ride in parades.
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Napoleonic Code ----- The French system of laws handed down from the era of the rule of Napoleon Bonaparte the I. The was also the era of rule and French domination of the colony of New Orleans.
O
Order of...
see Mystic Society
Order of Myths -----the oldest parading mystic society or Krewe in the United States, founded in 1868. Remnants of the parading style of the 1800's are still present today in the float designs, chosen themes, flambeaux carriers, and mule pulled emblem float.
P
Page -------A young male servant or attendant for the King and /or Queen.
parade -----n. unlike any other, a Carnival/Mardi Gras parade involves the participation of the crowd as much as that of the maskers riding on the floats. In Louisiana, Carnival parades almost always have decorated floats, marching bands and Krewe members throwing beads, doubloons and other trinkets. Each parade has its own theme with a dozen or more floats vividly conveying a single piece of the story. Bands rhythmically march or ride between floats to keep the excitement soaring. Marshals ride on horseback keeping the parade flowing. Countless other parade units appear throughout the parade bringing smiles to faces young and old. Parades follow predetermined, standardized parade routes.
Q
Queen -----(n.) (Mobile) female sovereign who reigns over a parade, a bal masque, or both. Since 1893 a Queen has ruled over Mobile Mardi Gras beside King Felix III, while another Queen ruled beside King Elexis I each year since 1939. The coronation of the latter queens is a highly anticipate
d annual event.
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reveler -----n. festive merrymaker who participate in a Carnival/Mardi Gras parade en masse. Crowds at a parade who are more than spectators, they are participants.
Royalty - Some Carnival Krewes choose royalty each year, mostly members of their organization.
S
Shrove Tuesday -----similar to Fat Tuesday in France, other European nations (such as Italy) refer to the day before Ash Wednesday as Shrove Tuesday.
Saint Joseph ----- husband of Mary the mother of Jesus; patron of the workingman; feast day March 19
T
tableaux -----n. an elaborate production or a series of scenes, skits, or dances linked by a theme. Often a tableaux is performed by Krewe members at their costumed balls or bal masque.
Tableau Ball-----An entire ball centered on a particular theme.
theme -----n. a unifying subject, story or idea portrayed by a parade via the floats and costumes appearing in it. Every parade has its own theme. Every mystic society reveals a new themed parade each year by tearing down and rebuilding its floats. Parade theme subject matter often comes from mythology, history, literature, geography, nature, and pop culture.
throws ----- n. small gifts tossed from parade floats by costumed maskers in the form of
trinkets, candy, panties, artificial roses and stuffed animals; doubloons, cups, hats, can coolers, Frisbees, medallion necklaces and other emblem souvenirs; beads of all lengths, sizes, colors, and styles; Moon Pies, Mardi Gras Pies cookies, peanuts and other editable. Any item tossed from a float to the crowds of revelers below. An element that sets a Carnival/Mardi Gras parade apart from all other parades.
"Throw Me Something, Mister" - The standard call for those on a parade route wanting to receive some throws.
Twelfth Day ----- The 12th day after Christmas, when the three Wise Men visited Jesus. Observed as twelfth day.
Twelfth Night ----- Evening before Epiphany. Marks end of the 12-day season of Christmas festivities. January 6th. Internationally recognized as the official first day of the Carnival, an extended celebration which lasts through Mardi Gras.
U
parade unit -----n. any participant in a parade including floats, marching bands, brass bands, truck bands, dance teams, parade marshals, mounted equestrian posses, clowns and jesters, keystone cops, grand marshals, convertibles, revelers on foot, flambeaux carriers, walking heads, military drill/marching units, flag corps, local celebrities, etc.
