Mardi Gras defies predictability in every aspect, including its date. While holidays like Christmas or the 4th of July occur on specific calendar days, Mardi Gras's only certainty is that Fat Tuesday unfailingly lands on a Tuesday. This is because Mardi Gras is intricately linked to Easter, whose date is determined by the moon, specifically falling on the first Sunday after the full moon following the spring equinox.

Vibrant costumes, dazzling parades, graceful pageants, and masked balls set against a backdrop of people joyously dancing to rhythmic and enthralling music. All of this unfolds with an atmosphere of carefree abandon. As the music echoes, alcohol flows freely while elaborate floats, carrying exuberant masqueraders, glide down the streets. Enthusiastic crowds cheer on, marking the onset of Mardi Gras, Carnival, or "Carnevale di Viareggio"! In cities like New Orleans, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Trinidad, and more, this marks the commencement of one of the grandest parties on Earth. Whether it's called Pancake Day, Pancake Tuesday, Shrove Tuesday, or Mardi Gras (French for "Fat Tuesday"), it signifies the final day of revelry and feasting before the onset of Lent on Ash Wednesday.

Mardi Gras, also known as "Carnival" in many countries, is a time of exuberant celebration characterized by unrestrained merrymaking, often involving indulgence in various pleasures and festivities. It is particularly prevalent in Roman Catholic communities in Europe and Latin America, where pre-Lenten carnivals are deeply rooted in traditions.

Some of the most famous Mardi Gras celebrations take place in cities like New Orleans, Louisiana, and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, but it is also observed in other regions such as Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, Nice, France, and Germany. These events typically feature vibrant parades, elaborate costumes, music, dancing, and other forms of revelry as part of the festive atmosphere leading up to the beginning of Lent.

Carnevale di Viareggio

Viareggio is indeed a city in northern Tuscany, Italy, situated along the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The Viareggio Carnival spans a 16-day period during the Mardi Gras festivities, typically occurring in February and March. Carnival is a specific season marked by festivities and merrymaking before the commencement of Lent, a period of 40 days of abstinence leading up to Easter. The term 'Carnival' derives from the Italian 'Carnevale,' signifying the time of feasting and revelry before Lent.

During the Viareggio Carnival, people don masks and elaborate costumes, while children often dress in fancy attire. Streets come alive with nighttime revelry and dancing, embodying the spirit of celebration. An Italian saying, 'a Carnevale ogni scherzo vale,' translates to 'During Carnival, anything goes,' reflecting the tradition of playful antics and practical jokes. However, it's essential to note that certain practices, such as the use of hard plastic truncheons to playfully club others, have been discontinued due to their potential harm.

Instead, modern Carnival celebrations incorporate harmless traditions like throwing 'coriandoli' (confetti) and 'stelle filanti' (streamers) for festive ambiance. Confetti, in Italian, typically refers to small pieces of paper thrown during celebrations, while in English, it has come to denote sugary-coated almonds offered at special occasions. This linguistic distinction can lead to confusion. The Viareggio Carnival culminates on Mardi Gras (Shrove Tuesday), the final day of Carnival in the Catholic calendar, preceding the solemn period of Lent that begins with Ash Wednesday.

Carnival in Rio de Janeiro

The Carnival in Rio de Janeiro is indeed one of the largest and most renowned festivals globally, attracting millions of revelers to its vibrant streets each day. While the modern Rio Carnival traces its origins back to the 1720s, the roots of Carnival celebrations in Brazil can be dated even earlier, to the 1640s. During this period, elaborate feasts were organized to honor various cultural and religious traditions, including the ancient Greek wine gods.

Greek mythology indeed reflects early customs of honoring the grape harvest and wine-making, dating back to 1500–1100 BC. The Romans similarly revered Dionysus or Bacchus, the god associated with viticulture and wine. The Portuguese, upon colonizing Brazil, introduced the festival known as 'Entrudo,' which became the precursor to the modern Brazilian Carnival.

The Entrudo was characterized by rowdy celebrations, during which revelers engaged in playful but sometimes raucous behavior. Flour, eggs, lupines, mud, oranges, lemons, and various other items were thrown at passersby, creating a chaotic and festive atmosphere. Symbolic acts, such as discarding old items and heralding the Lenten fast, were also incorporated into the festivities.

Part of the Entrudo's tradition included playful battles with plaster eggs, wax lemons, corncobs, and beans, often blown through glass or cardboard straws. Participants engaged in lighthearted skirmishes using brooms and wooden spoons, adding to the spirited nature of the celebration. Additionally, the Entrudo was marked by gluttonous feasting, with sumptuous cakes, pastries, and other delicacies distributed among revelers, even in convents.

Over time, African influences, particularly the introduction of samba music in 1917, enriched and transformed the Rio Carnival, contributing to its distinctively Brazilian character. Today, the Rio Carnival stands as a testament to Brazil's rich cultural heritage and remains an iconic event celebrated around the world."

Festivals of unrestrained partying in Brazil, a place that has a huge statue of the Christian New Testament messiah as a centerpiece.

The Hebrew TaRaH strongly prohibits the worshiping or bowing down to statues made of wood or stone, considering it as idolatry and a violation of the first of the Ten Commandments. In various passages, such as Exodus 20:4-5, Deuteronomy 4:16-19, 27:15, and 29:17, worshiping idols or graven images is condemned, and the Israelites are commanded to worship only the one true God, YaHuWaH, and to avoid making any carved images for worship.

Exodus 20:4-5 is a commandment from YaHuWaH given to Moses, instructing the Israelites to not make or worship idols or graven images. It emphasizes that they should not bow down to them or serve them, for YaHuWaH is jealous, punishing those who worship idols and showing mercy to those who love Him and keep His commandments.

Deuteronomy 4:16-19 prohibits the creation and worship of carved images or any likeness of male or female forms, animals, birds, or creeping things. It emphasizes that such practices are detestable to YaHuWaH and warns against being seduced into worshiping the sun, moon, or stars, which YaHuWaH has allotted to all the peoples under heaven.

Deuteronomy 27:15 warns against making idols or images of any kind, emphasizing that they are detestable to YaHuWaH, and those who make or worship them are cursed.

Deuteronomy 29:17 emphasizes the grave consequences of idolatry, warning that those who turn away from YaHuWaH to worship idols made of wood, stone, silver, or gold will face divine wrath and destruction. This scripture highlights the folly of placing trust and devotion in man-made objects rather than in the one true God of Israel, YaHuWaH.

MARDI GRAS ETYMOLOGY

Pancake or “Shrove” Tuesday

Shrove Tuesday, also known as Fat Tuesday, Pancake Tuesday, or Mardi Gras, is observed on the day before Ash Wednesday in many Christian countries. It marks the culmination of Shrovetide, the three days preceding Lent, during which believers seek absolution and forgiveness for their sins. On Shrove Tuesday, churches traditionally ring the Shriving Bell to call believers to confession services, where they confess their sins and seek absolution. Additionally, it is a day for finalizing one's Lenten sacrifice and participating in rituals such as the burning of the previous year's Holy Week palms.

The association with pancakes and other sweets on Shrove Tuesday stems from the practice of consuming rich foods before the austerity of Lent begins. The term 'shrove' is derived from the word 'shrive,' meaning to seek absolution or forgiveness, emphasizing the spiritual significance of the day. While Mardi Gras often refers to the entire Carnival period leading up to Shrove Tuesday, the term 'mardi gras' specifically translates to 'Fat Tuesday' in French, highlighting the indulgence associated with the day. In Irish, Shrove Tuesday is known as 'Máirt Inide,' reflecting its cultural significance in different regions."

Pancake Tuesday or Shrove Tuesday is a movable holiday that always falls on the day before Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of the Lenten season in the Christian calendar. The date of Easter, which determines the date of Shrove Tuesday, is calculated based on the lunar cycle. Easter Sunday is celebrated on the first Sunday after the Paschal full moon, which occurs after the Vernal Equinox. Shrove Tuesday is always exactly 47 days before Easter.

Around 600 A.D., Pope St. Gregory the Great issued a decree prohibiting Christians from consuming meat and animal products during the Lenten season. This led to the tradition of using up these ingredients before Lent began. Christians combined flour, milk, sugar, and eggs to make pancakes, symbolizing the "using up" of these foods before the fasting period.

Pancake or Shrove Tuesday has become associated with indulgence and gorging before the austerity of Lent. In addition to consuming pancakes, various cultures have developed unique traditions to mark the occasion. One such tradition is the pancake race, which originated in Olney, England, in 1445. According to local lore, a housewife rushed to church with her frying pan and pancakes still in hand after hearing the shriving bell ring on Shrove Tuesday. This event inspired the annual pancake race in Olney, which continues to be celebrated to this day.

Mardi Gras, although referring to a specific day, is not merely a single-day celebration. Every year, beginning in January, Carnival festivities unfold daily, leading up to the grand culmination on the final climactic day of Mardi Gras, which occurs the day before the start of Lent, a 40-day period of self-denial in the Christian calendar. Mardi Gras serves as the last opportunity for revelers to indulge in the pleasures of the flesh before the solemn observance of Lent.

The term "Carnival" itself conveys this idea of bidding farewell to earthly pleasures, as it derives from the Latin words "carnis" (flesh) and "vale" (farewell), meaning "farewell to the flesh." This festival is celebrated worldwide and is immensely popular, attracting millions of participants each year. For example, in New Orleans alone, three million people converge annually to partake in what is often heralded as "the greatest free show on earth." The economic impact of Mardi Gras is substantial, contributing an estimated $1 billion to the city's economy. During the week leading up to Fat Tuesday, the population of New Orleans more than doubles as visitors and locals alike immerse themselves in the vibrant festivities.

While Mardi Gras or Carnival is widely celebrated and attracts large crowds, it's essential to question whether it's truly harmless fun. Just because something is popular doesn't necessarily mean it aligns with the principles of YaHuWaH. As always, it's important to examine the origins of Mardi Gras to gain deeper insights into its significance and implications."

ANCIENT PAGAN FESTIVAL

Mardi Gras has ancient origins that predate modern Christianity. Its earliest roots can be traced back to ancient fertility festivals celebrating the arrival of spring, seen as a time of renewal and rebirth. In Rome, this festival was known as Lupercalia, dedicated to Lupercus, the Roman god of fertility. Lupercalia was marked by revelry and merrymaking, often devolving into drunken orgies, with participants indulging in their carnal desires. Afterward, a period of fasting for 40 days followed. Masks and costumes were worn during these festivities, allowing for anonymity and the freedom to engage in behavior typically prohibited. The celebrations honored Bacchus, the god of wine, and Venus, the goddess of love, with participants engaging in bacchanalian revelry, a term still associated with Carnival celebrations today.

The festival of Bacchanalia indeed represented a period of unrestrained revelry in ancient cultures, characterized by a lack of inhibitions and strictures. However, while it may seem appealing in its depiction of carefree celebration, the reality was often far darker. Bacchanalia, like many ancient pagan festivals, was associated with excesses that sometimes resulted in violence, injuries, and even deaths. Despite this, as pagans converted to Christianity, some aspects of their former celebrations persisted.

Church leaders, recognizing the challenge of dissuading converts from their deeply ingrained customs, sought to integrate certain pagan festivals into Christian practice. Carnival, derived from the Latin phrase "carne vale" meaning "farewell to meat," emerged as a pre-Lenten period of feasting and revelry. During Carnival, participants were permitted to indulge in activities otherwise restricted during the upcoming Lenten season, including feasting, drinking, and merrymaking. While the intent was to channel pagan customs into Christian observance, the excesses of Carnival sometimes mirrored the unrestrained behavior of its pagan predecessors.

The ash mark of a cross placed on foreheads during Lent is a symbolic act representing penance, mortality, and repentance. It signifies the beginning of the Lenten season, a period of reflection, fasting, and preparation for Easter in many Christian traditions. The ashes used are typically made by burning palm branches from the previous year's Palm Sunday celebrations. The cross symbolizes Jesus' sacrifice and serves as a reminder of human mortality and the need for repentance. It is a visible sign of one's commitment to spiritual renewal and turning away from sin during the Lenten journey

The festival that evolved into Mardi Gras has ancient roots and has been celebrated in various forms across different cultures and regions. In Europe, similar pre-Lenten festivals were observed, such as Fasching in Germany and Carnival in France and Spain. During the Middle Ages, feudal lords and monarchs in Europe held feasts and ceremonies before Lent, sometimes involving the conscription of new knights. These festivities often included the distribution of cakes and coins to peasants.

In France, the pre-Lenten festival was known as Mardi Gras, or "Fat Tuesday," which derived from the tradition of consuming rich foods before the fasting period of Lent. The origins of Mardi Gras can be traced back to pre-Christian pagan rituals, including sacrificial offerings to gods seeking fertility and abundance.

The celebration of Mardi Gras was brought to America by French settlers, particularly in Louisiana, where it became entrenched in the local culture. The earliest recorded Mardi Gras celebration in Louisiana dates back to 1699 when the French explorer Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville set up camp near New Orleans. Over time, Mardi Gras festivities flourished in the region, despite occasional bans by colonial authorities.

One account suggests that Mardi Gras in New Orleans was popularized by a group of students who returned from Paris and introduced the tradition of masked balls and street parades. Despite periodic bans by Spanish and later American authorities, Mardi Gras persisted in New Orleans, eventually becoming an integral part of the city's identity. While the specifics of Mardi Gras' origins may vary, its evolution into a vibrant and enduring cultural phenomenon reflects a blend of European traditions, African influences, and local innovations in the American South.

Modern-Day Commercialized Mardi Gras

Six Flags

Businesses also seek to profit from this morally objectionable pagan tradition. Six Flags, which acquired Wet 'N Wild, has integrated Mardi Gras into their water parks. This serves as another avenue to normalize participation in this inappropriate festival from an early age, as parents take their children to partake in the festivities.

Universal Studios

Universal Orlando is indeed the second-largest resort in Orlando, following the Walt Disney World resort, covering 541 acres of land. It stands as one of the most visited resorts globally, boasting an annual attendance of 21 million. Recognizing the draw of Mardi Gras celebrations, Universal Orlando has also embraced this festive tradition. Visitors can now partake in nightly parades featuring extravagant street performers, vibrant costumes, and a plethora of beads tossed into the air. Attendees can also enjoy live concerts featuring some of the industry's biggest names on select nights. Furthermore, authentic New Orleans bands perform each night, accompanied by delectable Cajun cuisine available for purchase.

Notice they are encouraging you to catch the spirit of this wicked and perverted pagan tradition!

We know the Hebrew ToRaH, particularly in the book of Leviticus, certain dietary laws are outlined. Among these guidelines are prohibitions against consuming certain types of seafood, including bottom feeders like shellfish and crustaceans. These dietary restrictions are found in Deuteronomy 14:9-10 and Leviticus 11:9-12.

Deuteronomy 14:9-10 prohibits the consumption of any creature that lacks fins and scales in the waters, emphasizing that they are unclean for consumption. However, the passage permits the consumption of fish that have both fins and scales, indicating that they are considered clean and permissible for consumption.

Leviticus 11:9-12 outlines dietary restrictions regarding bottom feeders, such as fish without fins and scales. The passage prohibits consuming creatures that dwell in the water and do not have fins and scales. This includes various types of shellfish and other aquatic creatures.

These restrictions are not intended to be punitive; rather, they reflect the wisdom of the God of Israel. Similar to pigs, bottom feeders were not designed for consumption but rather to serve as nature's scavengers, cleaning up the refuse of the earth. Abstaining from bottom feeders provides numerous advantages, including minimizing exposure to harmful toxins and contaminants commonly present in these organisms. These dietary regulations were established to promote the Israelites' well-being, encouraging them to adopt healthier dietary habits and ultimately leading to prolonged life.

Disney’s Port of Orleans Resort

Disney's Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter and Disney's Port Orleans Resort – Riverside is a pair of resort hotels located at the Walt Disney World Resort. According to the Walt Disney World News Room Release, "Disney’s Port Orleans Resort kicked off Mardi Gras in style on February 5th with a Mardi Gras parade and float-decorating contest." The parade and contest, which are popular treats for Guests staying at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort, feature cast member-decorated golf carts serving as parade floats. Each year, Port Orleans cast members to parade their imaginative floats around both resorts for guests to see on the official Mardi Gras "Fat Tuesday”.

Mardi Gras parade features Prince Naveen and Princess Tiana from the Disney movie “The Princess and the Frog”. There is a scene in the movie where they are at the pagan festival of Mardi Gras. Here you see people throwing colored beads and a float honoring the Greek deity /ALuWaH (mighty one) Triton.

Jolly Roger Amusement Park

Jolly Roger Amusement Park is indeed an amusement park situated in Ocean City, Maryland. The park is divided into two locations within Ocean City: one situated at the pier, and another located further uptown at 30th Street.

At Jolly Roger’s it’s Mardi Gras all year long when you visit their Mardi Gras fun house. Get lost as you make your way through the Mardi Gras themed Mirror Maze and Glass House. New Orleans style right here in OCMD! Visit us at Jolly Roger to enjoy Mardi Gras and all of our other family-friendly rides and attractions.

Drais Las Vegas

Perched atop The Cromwell on the 11th floor, Drai’s commands a prime location overlooking one of the busiest intersections in Vegas. By day, it hosts a lively beach pool party, while at night, it transforms into a sophisticated high-energy nightclub. However, on Mardi Gras Masquerade night, Drai’s After Hours takes the excitement to the next level! The fifth edition of Imagine Tuesdays featured vibrant New Orleans-inspired decor, turning the chic venue into a celebration reminiscent of "Fat Tuesday."

Attendees adorned themselves with purple, green, and gold-colored beads, donning masquerade masks and festive outfits, while the venue was adorned with colorful balloons. Throughout the event, tables were adorned with bottle presentations, birthday celebrations, and more, while the DJ kept the crowd moving with the latest hits in hip-hop and R&B.

MARDI GRAS IN THE US

Galveston Island City

Galveston, located on the Gulf Coast of Texas, offers a distinctive Mardi Gras experience that combines beachside relaxation with vibrant festivities. Mardi Gras! Galveston, ranked as the third largest Mardi Gras celebration in the United States, allows visitors to enjoy sandy beaches and breathtaking sunsets while immersing themselves in the lively parades that characterize Galveston Island during carnival season.

The upcoming 108th Mardi Gras celebration, scheduled from February 22 to March 5, 2019, is anticipated to attract over 350,000 attendees. The event will feature 29 live concerts, 23 parades, 22 balcony parties, elegant balls, and exciting new additions. With its island flair, Mardi Gras in Galveston offers a unique experience that caters to various preferences. Here are some highlights to help you discover your Mardi Gras style:

Galveston’s historic downtown entertainment district will put you in the center of classic Mardi Gras revelry complete with big crowds and plenty of beads. Nearly all parades go through downtown, where you can enjoy the view from the street or from above at a balcony party. 

Mardi Gras is a massive festival, and as Carnival season approaches, residents in New Orleans decorate the city in the traditional colors of green (symbolizing faith), gold (power), and purple (justice). Commencing 12 days prior to Fat Tuesday, nightly parades take place, growing progressively grander and more intricate as the auspicious festival day draws near. These processions blend elements of regal pomp, playful exchanges, indulgent fantasies, and jubilant revelry, commemorating the myriad "pleasures" of existence. As the final week unfolds, the festivities reach a crescendo in New Orleans and neighboring areas, culminating in the grandest parades of all.

KINGS CAKES

At this juncture, King Cakes are presented, signifying the commencement of the balls and smaller processions. The tradition of king cakes, particularly associated with Mardi Gras celebrations, has roots in ancient European customs and Christian religious practices. The practice of baking cakes with hidden tokens or figurines dates back to ancient Roman times when special cakes were made to honor the Roman god Saturn during the festival of Saturnalia. These cakes often contained a bean, and whoever found it would be designated as the "king" of the feast.

In Christian tradition, the concept of the king cake became associated with the feast of Epiphany, also known as Twelfth Night or Three Kings' Day, which commemorates the visit of the Magi to the infant Jesus. The cake served during Epiphany celebrations often contained a hidden figurine representing the baby Jesus. Over time, as the tradition of Mardi Gras developed, particularly in regions with French influence like Louisiana, the practice of baking king cakes evolved to become a prominent feature of the Carnival season. The cakes, typically sweet and often flavored with cinnamon or other spices, are decorated in traditional Mardi Gras colors of purple, green, and gold, symbolizing justice, faith, and power, respectively.

Inside each king cake, a small figurine, often representing a baby, is hidden. The person who finds the figurine in their slice of cake is traditionally designated as the "king" or "queen" of the celebration and may be tasked with hosting the next gathering or providing the king cake for the following year's festivities. In summary, the origins of king cakes are a blend of ancient pagan customs, Christian religious practices, and cultural traditions associated with Mardi Gras and Carnival celebrations.

parades and themes

During Mardi Gras, each parade typically has its own theme, ranging from history and legends to geography, famous people, and satirical references to current events. The public is invited to the street parades, while more elaborate balls are private events attended by those seeking a deeper and more sensual experience. Celebrations indeed begin early in the morning on Fat Tuesday and continue late into the night, concluding at midnight with the start of Ash Wednesday, which signals the beginning of Lent.

Dryades Street in New Orleans was named in the 19th century and refers to nymph of the woods. The term "Dryades" comes from Greek mythology, where nymphs were semi-divine female beings associated with nature. Additionally, Prytania Street, originally named Rue du Prytanee, is named after the Prytaneum, a place in ancient Greek villages dedicated to the goddess of the hearth, Hestia. The Greek muses, who are goddesses of literature, science, and the arts, are represented in the Lower Garden District of New Orleans, where nine streets named for the nine Muses intersect Prytania Street.

Bourbon Street

Worldwide, Mardi Gras (or Carnival) is renowned for its uninhibited celebration characterized by unrestrained revelry. It's viewed as a time to enjoy oneself without limits, to let loose, and revel in the festivities. On Fat Tuesday, New Orleans streets are packed with continuous partying. The atmosphere is charged with intoxication and unrestricted sexual activity. In the French Quarter, there are costume contests for homosexuals with large audiences. Women openly expose themselves from balconies in exchange for beads. It's common for revelers to engage in casual sex with strangers. Bourbon Street is the epicenter of activity, boasting numerous music clubs, strip clubs, and bars. Following the festival, the streets are left dirty, leading to the humorous nickname "Trash Wednesday," replacing Ash Wednesday.

Now that we've delved into the origins of Bacchanalia (now known as Carnival or Mardi Gras), should we still perceive it as harmless entertainment? Those who maintain a genuine relationship with the Creator YaHuWaH understand the importance of refraining from partaking in festivities characterized by drunkenness, indecency, public nudity, homosexuality, illicit relations, revelry, idol worship and violence.

Mardi Gras embodies a fusion of human-made customs and moral corruption, rooted in ancient pagan fertility rituals. Many of the parades pay homage to false deities of mythology like Bacchus and Venus, while others promote promiscuity and intoxication—actions that lead to broken marriages, shattered families, and spiritual estrangement from YaHuWaH. Those who claim allegiance to scripture while engaging in such practices should take caution: Drunkenness, sexual immorality, and similar revelries are among the behaviors that bar one from inheriting the kingdom of YaHuWaH ALuWaH.

The word for drunken riotous in the Greek is κῶμος G2970

It is hypocritical for anyone who claims they follow the scriptures, love, seek and serve the true ALuWaH to participate in a festival that originates from paganism and promotes immoral behavior. The Hebrew Tanakh contains numerous references to wickedness, emphasizing its consequences and the importance of righteousness. Here are a few examples:

1. Proverbs 10:29 - "The way of the Lord is a refuge for the blameless, but it is the ruin of those who do evil."

2. Proverbs 21:15 - "When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers."

3. Psalm 34:21 - "Evil will slay the wicked; the foes of the righteous will be condemned."

4. Psalm 37:1 - "Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong."

5. Isaiah 5:20 - "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter."

These verses, among others, convey the idea that wickedness leads to destruction and separation from YaHuWaH, while righteousness brings blessings and favor. This certainly applies to Mardi Gras, Carnival or any pagan festival. What about Lent? As mentioned earlier, the Catholic Church incorporated the 40-day fast that the pagans had been long observing and renamed it to Lent. This, too, is an non Hebrew custom, and should be avoided by anyone striving to obey YaHuWaH’s ToRaH. Any festival or religious observance that’s origin is pagan is unacceptable to YaHuWaH ALuWaH (Deut. 12:29-32).

WINGED BEASTS

The Greek god Eros/cupid, the pagan Christian idea of angels comes from paganism because Christianity at its core is pagan.

We have all been conditioned by tradition (and by the religion of Christianity) to believe that angels have wings, however when taking the time to read the Hebrew TaNaKh, the truth is revealing allowing us to emotionally detach from our passed-down lies. The Hebrew TaNaKh mentions MaLAK's (messengers or representatives) of YaHuWaH and NOT angles (winged creatures). The TaNaKh bare record that a MaLAK of YaHuWaH does YaHuWaH commandments, hearkens unto the voice of YaHuWaHs ToRaH, and does YaHuWaH’s pleasure (NOT their own).

We've been conditioned by tradition, particularly in Christian churches, to believe that all MaLAKs (angels) possess wings. Despite the Hebrew ToRaH clarifying that some do, we now prioritize the ToRaH over emotion and falsehoods. Throughout European history, there have been depictions of pagan Roman/Greek mythological creatures with wings, but the Hebrew ToRaH teaches that a MaLAK can be either a human or a majestic/celestial being.

The Hebrew ToRaH specifically refers to MaLAK's (H4397) which are messengers or representatives.

MaLAK -H4397 - מלאך - (these Hebrew letters "מלאך" transliterated into English consonants is "KALM" or "MaLAK") NOT an angel.

ZaMaR 103:20-21 “Psalm”

20 Bless YHWH, ye his MaLAKs, that excel in strength, that do HIS commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.

21 Bless ye YHWH, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do HIS pleasure.

It is a mockery for those who say they love the Creator to wear wings (during these events) believing they are angelic, yet their actions or fruits show they are FAR from YaHuWaH's commandments or His desires. The idea of wings comes by way of paganism, Roman / Greek gods, Catholicism, and mythical creatures have wings, and scripture reminds us that YaHuWaH's MaLAKS come in the form of mankind (human shape).

Judges 13:3-11 

3 And the MaLAK of YHWH appeared unto the woman, and said unto her, Behold now, thou art barren, and bearest not: but thou shalt conceive, and bear a son.

9 And ALuWHiYM hearkened to the voice of Manoah; and the angel of ALuWHiYM came again unto the woman as she sat in the field: but Manoah her husband was not with her.

10 And the woman made haste, and ran, and shewed her husband, and said unto him, Behold, the man hath appeared unto me, that came unto me the other day.

11 And Manoah arose, and went after his wife, and came to the man, and said unto him, Art thou the man that spakest unto the woman? And he said, I am.

Young girl in Rio wearing a pagan winged outfit of beasts mentioned various times in the scriptures

Fitness models on stage wearing pagan winged costumes of mythology

Victoria secret model adorns a pagan wing costume on stage

Those who engage in the festivities of Mardi Gras or any pagan celebration are ultimately discontent. Once the festivities cease, they must confront their realities at home. Mardi Gras, like other pagan holidays, offers only a fleeting distraction and fails to alleviate their troubles. These pursuits offer no lasting peace and often lead to further complications stemming from their imprudent and immoral actions. It's crucial to recognize that every action has consequences. Christians compromising their dignity to acquire insignificant trinkets like colored plastic beads ultimately diminish the true value of their integrity.

Why do people engage in such behavior? Where is the peace and wisdom of the LORD, God, or Jesus that they claim to adhere to? True happiness does not stem from unchecked revelry or embracing falsehoods but from the peace that can only be found by adhering to and following the teachings of the Creator's Torah as outlined in the Hebrew TaNakh. During Mardi Gras or any socially accepted pagan festival, individuals prioritize fulfilling their own desires, gratification, and lusts. Their main focus is on their own pleasure, often attempting to bury or mask their past or present faults. Those lacking the peace of YaHuWaH often erect walls or facades, pretending to have their lives together when, in reality, they are plagued by insecurity. This explains why many, including Christians or those who claim to follow the scriptures, lead such hypocritical and miserable lives. Their focus remains on themselves, their needs, and their desires, rather than aligning with YaHuWaH's ToRaH.

The Hebrew TaNaKh often warns against following the desires of one's heart instead of adhering to the commandments and will of the God of Israel. Here are a few passages that illustrate this:

1. Proverbs 28:26: "Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe."

2. Jeremiah 17:9: "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?"

3. Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in YaHuWaH with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

4. Proverbs 14:12: "There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end, it leads to death."

5. Psalm 37:4: "Take delight in YaHuWaH, and he will give you the desires of your heart."

These passages emphasize the importance of trusting in and following the guidance of the God of Israel rather than relying on one's own understanding or desires, which can lead to deception, folly, and ultimately, spiritual death.

“CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL WRITE-UP ON MaLAKS”

These are FACTS:

1. NEVER once in scripture do we read where the chosen Hebrew prophets celebrated any pagan traditions of the masses.

2. NEVER once in the Hebrew ToRaH are the Israelites commanded to celebrate Bacchanalia (aka Mardi Gras) or ANY of the various pagan holidays or deities of the heathen nations.

3. We are commanded by the Creator YaHuWaH, NOT to add or remove from His ToRaH, so if its NOT in the ToRaH we shouldn’t be adding things in to please our fleshly desires, especially when its comes to spiritual adultery (via pagan worship).

4. YaHuWaH is a jealous ALuWaH and He HATES pagan worship because it is spiritual adultery against him.

5. NEVER in the Hebrew ToRaH does YaHuWaH give any man, women or group of people the authority to change (add or remove) His word.

DaBaRiYM 4:2 “Deuteronomy”

2 Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of YaHuWaH your ALuWaH which I command you.

DaBaRiYM 12:32

32 What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.

The origins of Mardi Gras are deeply intertwined with ancient pagan rituals and celebrations. Here are some lesser-known facts about its ancient origins and connections to pagan worship:

1. Pagan Roots: Mardi Gras traces its origins back to ancient pagan festivals, particularly the Roman festival of Lupercalia, which honored the god of fertility, Lupercus. During Lupercalia, participants engaged in feasting, drinking, and various forms of revelry.

2. Bacchanalian Festivities: The festival of Bacchanalia, dedicated to Bacchus, the Roman god of wine, also played a significant role in shaping the traditions of Mardi Gras. Bacchanalia was known for its excessive indulgence in wine, dancing, and other forms of debauchery.

3. Lenten Preparation: Mardi Gras originally served as a period of excess and revelry before the solemn season of Lent. Participants engaged in feasting and merry-making as a way to indulge in worldly pleasures before the period of fasting and repentance.

4. Masked Revelry: The tradition of wearing masks during Mardi Gras dates back to ancient pagan rituals where participants believed that disguising themselves would ward off evil spirits. Masks also allowed individuals to engage in behavior that would otherwise be socially unacceptable.

5. Pagan Deities: Many Mardi Gras traditions, such as the selection of kings and queens, processions, and the use of symbolic colors, can be traced back to the worship of ancient pagan deities like Bacchus and Venus.

6. Christian Adaptation: As Christianity spread throughout Europe, the church attempted to Christianize pagan festivals by incorporating them into Christian traditions. Mardi Gras was adapted into the Christian calendar as a period of celebration before the onset of Lent.

7. Colonial Influence: Mardi Gras was brought to the Americas by European colonizers, particularly the French, who established the festival in regions like Louisiana. Over time, it evolved into the elaborate and flamboyant celebration known today.

Scholarly Resources:

• "Mardi Gras: A Pagan Festival in Modern Disguise" by Michael E. Youssef

• "The Story of Mardi Gras" by Amy Hackney Blackwell

• "The Louisiana Native Guards: The Black Military Experience During the Civil War" by James G. Hollandsworth Jr.

• "The World of Mardi Gras" by Jennifer Atkins

King Cakes

Here are some lesser-known facts about the ancient origins of Mardi Gras king cakes and their connection to Christianity:

1. Epiphany Cake: The tradition of the king cake is believed to have originated in France and Spain during the Middle Ages. It was initially associated with the celebration of Epiphany, also known as Twelfth Night or Three Kings' Day, which commemorates the visit of the Magi to the infant Jesus.

2. Religious Symbolism: The king cake holds religious symbolism, with its circular shape representing the unity of the Christian community. The cake is often decorated in the colors of purple, green, and gold, symbolizing justice, faith, and power, respectively.

3. Hidden Trinket: A small figurine or trinket, often representing the baby Jesus or a crown, is hidden inside the king cake before baking. This tradition symbolizes the search for the baby Jesus by the Magi and the revelation of Christ to the Gentiles.

4. Role of the King: In medieval Christian tradition, the person who found the hidden trinket in the king cake would be crowned "king" or "queen" for the day and would often lead the festivities. This custom reflects the biblical narrative of the Magi honoring Jesus as the King of Kings.

5. Feast Before Lent: In addition to its connection to Epiphany, the consumption of king cakes became associated with the pre-Lenten celebrations leading up to Mardi Gras. The cake served as a final indulgence before the Lenten period of fasting and abstinence.

6. Continued Tradition: The tradition of baking and sharing king cakes has persisted over the centuries and has become synonymous with Mardi Gras celebrations in regions like New Orleans and other parts of the United States.

7. Evolution of Recipe: While the basic ingredients of the king cake have remained consistent over time, variations in recipes and fillings have evolved to suit different cultural preferences and culinary trends.

Scholarly Resources:

• "The Story of Mardi Gras" by Amy Hackney Blackwell

• "The World of Mardi Gras" by Jennifer Atkins

• "Twelfth Night Cake and the Bean King: A French-English Gastronomic Guide to the History and Lore of the French Gateau des Rois and the English King Cake" by Hugh M. Smith
  

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There is no commandment in the Hebrew ToRaH from the God of Israel stating that all Israelites must pray through someone to commune with Him. Instead, the Hebrew TaNaKh emphasizes direct communication between individuals and YaHuWaH, without the need for intermediaries.

BaT DaBaR 7:14 “2 Chronicles” Hebrew TaNaKh

14 When my people, who bear MY NAME humble themselves, pray, and seek my favor and TURN from their evil ways; I will hear in my heavenly abode, and FORGIVE their sins, and will heal their land.

 MaKhiYaH 6:8 “Micah”

8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth YaHuWaH require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy ALuWaH?

ZaMaR 119:10-11 “Psalm”

10 With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.

11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.