BYTE MARKS
Mardi Gras primer for the newbie
By Burt Lum
By the time you read this, the countdown clock at www.mardigrasneworleans.com will have run down to zero.
In other words, Fat Tuesday is here and it's time to party. Mardi Gras, literally translated, means Fat Tuesday. It is the annual, inhibition-free celebration before the 40-day season of Lent.
I remember an episode in "Star Trek" (the original series) where everyone walked around in a somber mood until the town clock rang, announcing the period of unrepenting debauchery.
Was this derived from Mardi Gras? Such are my 21st-century cultural roots.
Reading about Mardi Gras on www.mardigrasneworleans.com, the story of the beads fascinated me. Mardi Gras is celebrated around the world, but New Orleans is the epicenter of this cultural phenomenon. As it turns out, these beads, or more accurately necklaces, are the objects of desire.
They are the sought-after collectable for participants and parade goers. There is also an urban myth surrounding the beads — some claim it is tradition, other say it is bunk. Tradition has it that if you give a set of beads to a woman she will bare her breasts.
Maybe in New Orleans, but I haven't seen it in Honolulu. Then again, I don't get out much. Mardi Gras organizers in New Orleans admit this sort of thing happens but attribute it to drunken college co-eds looking for a quick thrill. There's no basis in tradition, they claim, excluding those historical references to the Roman orgies.
As inhibitions fade away, pleasure can also turn to pain. There are historical references to the Mardi Gras Indians settling their scores during the time of Fat Tuesday.
In modern day, this sort of violence is thankfully curtailed and the krewe of Mardi Gras Indians are now known for their extravagant bead outfits. There are numerous secret organizations or krewes, each with its own history and tradition. There is the Krewe of Zulu and their Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club, and the Krewe of Bacchus who honor the Greek god of wine.
In Honolulu, one of the many celebrations is the 4th Annual Nu'uanu Mardi Gras, www.indigo-hawaii.com/mardi%20gras%202004.htm.
Downtown becomes a bar-hopping night on the town.
Bring your mask, and don't forget your beads. ;-)
Burt Lum is one click away at www.brouhaha.net.
