“You Mean There’s a Connection between Mardi Gras and a Church Bake Sale???
Ash Wednesday, is the first day of Lent in Roman Catholic and Protestant Churches. For many, Lent was once a time to fast or to at least engage in more austere eating. Simply put, in the 1700s housewives needed to get rid of their “richer” food. Meat, cheese, butter, eggs, and animal fats were not to be eaten during the 46 days preceding Easter. And, since there was no freezing or refrigeration, there were limited ways to preserve foods. It was just simpler to use up these animal and dairy products by eating them.
Different cultures developed different dishes for the Tuesday before Lent. The Poles have Paczki Day and used their eggs and butter in jelly-filled donuts. The English speaking people developed Pancake Day and used some of the same ingredients. The French made entres from meat, eggs and butter and called Tuesday Mardi Gras (gras for fat or greasy, and Mardi for Tuesday).
Today, in parts of Europe, and in the New Orleans-Mobile area, Mardi Gras is not one day—it’s almost the entire season after Epiphany to Lent. At CUMC, we are celebrating Mardi Gras on February 26th. You though could consider celebrating for three days (Sunday, Feb, 26-Tuesday, Feb.28) by purchasing several items at our bake sale.
Look in your cabinets. Find your favorite recipes for baked goods. Create some delicious baked items and bring them to the bake sale. The Mission Team is sponsoring this event. We are raising money for the various local missions in our community. You will have the opportunity to learn more about these missions in the Sunday night supper program which Pastor Ron Greene is planning for Lent. BUT FOR NOW, PLAN THOSE DELICIOUS TREATS AND REMEMBER THAT MARDI GRAS STARTED AS A WAY OF PREPARING FOR LENT. Share your baking talents by bringing something to sell, and enjoy the talents of others by buying something.