The traditional purpose of Lent is the preparation of the believer — through prayer, penitence, almsgiving and self-denial — for the annual commemoration during Holy Week of the Death and Resurrection of Jesus, which recalls the events linked to the Passion of Christ and culminates in Easter, the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The traditional purpose of Mardi Gras or Carnival started in Rome and evolved to invoking temporary madness (so to speak), elaborate dress, and for the college student...binge drinking.

None of which the Puritans approved of.

Mardi Gras is a time of indulgences and self pleasure. This idea of indulgences would probably stop a puritan in his/her tracks. Puritan lifestyle is Lent all year round for the average New Orleanian. But with all this self-denial how did they not see this coming? It’s human nature to rebel (ever heard of teenagers). The idea that a celebration to commemorate the Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ would be complete heresy, punishable by death. But the great thing about Lent being right after is that we can repent all of our sins then, so PARTY ON!