Carnival Contrast: What makes Purim and Mardi Gras distinctly unique
by Rebecca Cormack, JFGNO Intern
Some may assume that Purim is the Jewish version of Mardi Gras. Here’s what you should know about the similarities and differences between the two holidays.
The story of Purim
As the Hebrew bible details, a Jewish man named Mordechai gets into an argument with Haman, an anti-Semitic advisor to King Ahasuerus of Persia. As a result of this dispute, Haman plots to kill all Jews. After bribing the king with money, Haman is permitted to follow through with his evil plan.
Mordechai finds out about Haman’s bribery and asks his cousin Esther, who is the King’s wife, for help. Esther begs the king to stop Haman from committing genocide. The king agrees and decides that Haman be hanged. Purim is the celebration of the Jewish people’s survival.
Check out The Maccabeats’ “Purim Song” for a more upbeat version of the story:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgJInVvJSZg
The history of Mardi Gras vastly differs from that of Purim:
The greatest free show on earth, Mardi Gras is a celebration of amusement and debauchery. The origins of this popular cultural sensation can be traced back thousands of years to pagan spring and fertility celebrations. After Christianity first arrived in Rome, religious leaders incorporated local pagan traditions into the new faith, resulting in Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, being a prelude to Lent.
In 1702, French-Canadian explorer Jean de Bienville established Fort Louis de la Louisiane (now present-day Mobile, AL), where the first Mardi Gras in North America was celebrated in 1703. In 1718, Bienville founded New Orleans, and by the 1730s, Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans were up and running yearly. The “Mardi Gras Act” was signed by the Louisiana governor in 1875, forever making Fat Tuesday a legal holiday.
Mardi Gras Krewes are integral to every parade. These Krewes are social organizations that participate in parades, host Mardi Gras balls, or both.
On the intersection of Jewish heritage and Mardi Gras:
Did you know that in 1872, the first King of Rex, Lewis J. Salomon, was Jewish? In more recent years, Jewish Krewes have come to fruition. In 1996, Krewe de Jieux was founded by L.J. Goldstein, who was inspired by the historically black Zulu club and its use of re-appropriated racial stereotypes in their parades. Krewe du Jieux is committed to using humor and satire to assuage negative stereotypes about Jewish people. For instance, each Mardi Gras season the Krewe crowns a Jewish American Princess (J.A.P.) and throws bagels doused in glitter while parading. After Hurricane Katrina, Krewe du Mishigas grew out of Krewe de Jieux. Today, Mishigas marches in Krewe de Vieux, while Jieux parades in Krewedelusion.
Purim and Mardi Gras: setting the dates straight
The official Carnival season begins on January 6. This date is known to Christians as Epiphany, or the day when Jesus was first presented to the three wise men. While this date stays consistent every year, the dates of Purim and Mardi Gras change depending on the lunar calendar. As New Orleanians know, Mardi Gras falls on a different Tuesday every year, depending on when Easter Sunday lands.
To determine the date of Easter, the date of the spring equinox must be known. After the spring equinox occurs, Easter is celebrated on the Sunday after the first full moon of the spring season. Mardi Gras is precisely 47 days before Easter day.
Purim, on the other hand, is celebrated on the 14th day of Adar, the 12th month of the Jewish year, which usually occurs in March on the Gregorian calendar. This date is also dependent upon the spring equinox.
Let’s talk food
Mardi Gras is the French term that literally translates to Fat Tuesday, so it’s no secret that Mardi Gras is a day of indulgence. If you’re in the mood for something savory during carnival season, be sure to devour New Orleans classics such as Andouille Sausage Jambalaya or Crawfish Étouffée.
The most important and traditional food that you must engulf during carnival season is king cake. Thought to have been brought from France to New Orleans in 1870, this rich pastry is traditionally decorated with purple, green and gold and is shaped into the form of a crown to signify the crowns of the three wise men. To symbolize the day of Epiphany, a plastic baby is hidden inside each king cake.
Be careful not to eat it!
Purim has its own food specialties as well
Like Mardi Gras, there is no shortage of over-indulgence during Purim. Jewish people enjoy plentiful food and drink, just like those who celebrate Mardi Gras!
There is one food item that is particularly unique to Purim is known as Hamantaschen. This triangular cookie is traditionally filled with a variety of fruit jams. Check out this Buzzfeed article on the definitive rankings of Hamantaschen fillings: https://www.buzzfeed.com/jaimieetkin/the-definitive-ranking-of-hamantaschen-fillings
The history of Hamantaschen is complicated and unconfirmed. German Jews coined the name “Hamantaschen” in the late 1500’s. Translating to “Haman’s pockets,” this German name references Haman’s pockets being filled with money with which to bribe King Ahasuerus.
The shape of Hamantaschen had several explanations. The triangular shape is said to represent Haman’s three-cornered hat. However, this type of hat (think: Napoleon Bonaparte’s hat) was not in style during Haman’s era. The association probably came about much later when these hats came into fashion. Another theory is that the three corners of the cookie refer to the three patriarchs of Judaism: Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Despite the ambiguous history, people have eaten Hamantaschen for centuries, so it’s no wonder that they are popular and delicious to this day!
Lastly, an important part of Purim is giving the gift of Mishloach Manot. From Hebrew to English, the literal translation is “sending of portions,” but to put it simply, these are Purim gift baskets given to family and friends on Purim day. Its origins relate back to the moral in the story of Purim, as it is a symbol of love, friendship and community.
On the topic of noise making
During both Mardi Gras and Purim, make sure your voice is well rested, because it’s time to get loud!
On Purim, it's customary to listen to a reading of the Book of Esther. Boo, hiss, stomp your feet and make as much noise as possible to drown out Haman's name every time it is uttered by the storyteller.
Purim graggers are also popular noise making props.
It would not be Mardi Gras if the streets were not filled with people yelling for beads. The more noise you make, the more likely you are to catch a great throw. The saying “Throw me something, mister!” is an iconic phrase that you should use to your advantage. Make your best effort to catch specialty throws, such as the decorated coconuts thrown during the Zulu parade or the glamourized shoes thrown by Muses krewe members. The liveliness and loudness of the marching bands will help you sustain your energy for the rest of the celebrations.
The outfits
Last but certainly not least, costumes and playing dress-up are extremely important to both Purim and Mardi Gras.
During Purim, it is customary to dress up as a character from the biblical story of Purim. However, as time has progressed, costumes have become more creative. Celebrate Purim in whatever costume you want!
During Mardi Gras, it is highly encouraged that you dress up as well. Don’t be afraid to get crazy and wacky with your outfits, because the more eccentric the better!