Fat Tuesday is widely known by its French name: Mardi Gras. While many understand that the famous Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans comes from the French, this celebration is not unique to the French. Mardi Gras’ origin is in the Catholic liturgical calendar, and is the last day of Carnival and Shrovetide, both ending the day before Ash Wednesday. To shrive is to practice the sacrament of confession. This was done … Read entire article »