Tag Archives: Lent

Bon Appetit Wednesday! Stay Warm With Fasolada, a Lenten Bean Soup Courtesy of Ancient Greek Farmers

Posted on March 5, 2014 | 1 comment

fasoladaToday is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, a time of preparation leading up to Easter observed by Christians around the world. It lasts for approximately six weeks and is marked by self-denial and abstaining from various foods. Meat is traditionally forbidden during this time. Fasolada, or Greek bean soup, is served during Lent because it is meatless but full of protein and nutrition. While this dish is perfect for the Lenten season, it is often enjoyed year-round and has a rich and ancient history. Continue reading →

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Posted in Blog, Bon Appetit Wednesday, Culinary, Culture, Public Life, Religion

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Music, Color, Costumes and Beads—It’s Mardi Gras Time!

Posted on March 4, 2014 | 1 comment
Mardi Gras in New Orleans, 1936.

Mardi Gras in New Orleans, 1936.

Did you know that Mardi Gras has ancient roots? Come back with us to those bygone times and explore the festivities that have led to the sights and sounds of today’s modern-day celebration in New Orleans.

First, the vocabulary surrounding Mardi Gras and Carnival bears some explanation.  The period between January 6, or the Epiphany (ending the twelve days of Christmastide) to Ash Wednesday is the Carnival season, which is based on Christian rituals.  It precedes Lent, a roughly six-week period of sacrifice and prayer prior to Easter Sunday.  Mardi Gras technically is the last day of the Carnival and is held on Fat Tuesday (although the Mardi Gras season is an accepted term often heard).  In fact, the word “carnival” is thought to be from the “Medieval Latin word carnelevarium, meaning to take away or remove meat.”[1] Continue reading →

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Posted in Blog, Holidays, Public Life, Recreation, Religion

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