Mardi Gras

On "Fat Tuesday," the day before Christian observation of Lent begins, the Protestant student group led by Rev. Sherry Tucker, cooks up a Mardi Gras lunch for all MHC staff in the Eliot House Lounge.  This is the student's way of saying "Thank You" to the behind the scenes staff who do so much all year long for students.  With genuine Louisiana brass band music playing in the backgroud, the Protestant group serves up rounds of chocolate chip pancakes, fruit salad, crunchy hashbrowns, and Mardi Gras cakes.  The Mount Holyoke celebration of Mardi Gras doesn't focus on the religious aspects of the holiday, but instead takes the opportunity to forge community ties and break down class structures that can divide us in our everyday lives.  The Protestant group emphasizes that all are welcome to this celebration and greet their guests with big smiles and delicious food.  The celebration complements the Protestant food drive, clothing drives, and fall's celebration of Pancakes and Pumpkins in emphasizing Protestant beliefs in service and community.

Students cook while Staff makes masks!

Mardi Gras, which is French meaning "Fat Tuesday," but also referred to as Shrove Tuesday, is a celebration recognized on several continents, some of the most famous of which are in New Orleans, Louisiana; Rio Dejaneiro, Brazil; Nice, France; and Cologne, Germany.  It anticipates the period of Lent, which is the forty-four day period leading up to Easter.  Traditionally this is a period of reflection and the deepening of one's faith.  Mardi Gras represents a day of merriment and enjoyment before this period of observation.