17/05/2020
Carnival, a festival celebrated across the globe from the vibrant streets of Nice and Rio to the historic canals of Venice, is a time of joyous abandon and spectacular revelry. While traditions may vary from country to country, the fundamental purpose of this popular festival is to break down conventions and allow for uninhibited extravagance. It’s a period where the ordinary is set aside for the extraordinary, and a unique vocabulary has evolved to capture its spirit.
The Essence of Carnival: A Time for Transformation
At its heart, Carnival is about transformation and temporary liberation from everyday life. It's a period of feasting and merriment before the austerity of Lent, a time when social norms are playfully inverted, and inhibitions are shed. The very word 'Carnival' is believed to derive from the Latin 'carnelevamen', meaning 'to take away meat', signifying the abstention from meat during the Lenten period that follows. This historical context highlights Carnival as a final burst of indulgence before a time of solemnity.
Key Elements and Vocabulary of Carnival
To truly appreciate Carnival, understanding its associated terminology is key. These words not only describe the visual and sensory aspects of the festival but also hint at its deeper cultural significance.
10. Déguiser (To Disguise)
The act of disguising oneself is central to the Carnival experience. It offers a unique opportunity to step into another persona, to be whoever you wish for a fleeting moment. The word 'déguiser' itself is formed from the negative prefix 'dé-' and the noun 'guise', meaning 'manner of being'. Originally, it meant to 'cover to make unrecognizable'. By extension, it came to mean 'to modify to deceive' or 'to conceal'. In its pronominal form, 'se déguiser' means to dress in such a way as not to be recognised. So, what role will you embody this Carnival season?
9. Masque (Mask)
The mask is arguably the most crucial element of a Carnival costume, serving to conceal one's identity and transform the wearer. Borrowed from Italian, 'masque' appeared with the meaning of a 'false face worn for disguise'. It can be a piece of fabric or a rigid object that covers all or part of the face, representing a human, animal, or imaginary countenance. Metaphorically, 'masque' signifies 'deceptive appearance'. Common expressions like 'to remove the mask' or 'to unmask someone' refer to revealing one's true self or exposing falsehood. So, let the masks be lowered!
8. Maquiller (To Make Up)
For those who love playing with colour, Carnival is the perfect canvas for artistic expression through makeup. From glittering butterflies and animal heads to superhero visages, there's something for every taste. Did you know that the verb 'maquiller' originated from slang, initially meaning 'to work', 'to steal', or 'to make'? It wasn't until the 19th century that it acquired the meaning of 'to falsify appearance to deceive', particularly in card-playing jargon. The pronominal form, 'se maquiller', emerged from theatre slang, meaning 'to apply makeup for the stage', before entering common usage. So, get your palettes and brushes ready!
7. Char (Float)
The parade of floats is one of the most beloved aspects of Carnival festivities. These elaborate structures move along the avenues, carrying giant masks and characters, all staged according to the Carnival's theme. The word 'char' traces its roots back to the Latin 'carrus', which designated a large chariot used by the Gauls to transport their belongings and surround their camps at night. Over time, the word came to refer to various types of vehicles, including the decorated cars of Carnival. All sorts of eccentricities are permitted, such as the famous citrus-adorned floats of the Menton Carnival!
6. Échasse (Stilt)
Who hasn't been captivated by the tall figures gracefully navigating parades on stilts? Deriving from an ancient Germanic verb meaning 'to run fast', 'échasse' initially meant 'crutch' or 'wooden leg'. By extension, it came to denote a long pole with a stirrup, used for traversing difficult terrain. Figuratively, 'échasse' appears in expressions like 'to be mounted on stilts', meaning to have long legs. The derivative noun 'échassier' refers to various species of long-legged birds, as if they were perched on stilts themselves!
5. Gras (Fat)
'Gras' is perhaps the most fitting adjective to describe the Carnival period. In Christian tradition, the day before Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent, is the last day of the 'seven fat days'. This was a time to use up reserves of eggs and butter before the fasting period, combining practicality with pleasure. Shrove Tuesday, often coinciding with Carnival day, is when delicious doughnuts, waffles, and pancakes are prepared for the delight of gourmands.
4. Beignet (Doughnut/Fritter)
Carnival doughnuts are a treat for both young and old. Made with milk, flour, eggs, and various flavourings like citrus zest or vanilla extract, they are shaped by hand and deep-fried. The word 'beignet' is thought to originate from 'beigne', which initially meant 'small bump' due to their puffy appearance after cooking. Carnival doughnuts have as many regional names as they have variations: 'bugnes', 'bottereaux', 'merveilles', 'oreillettes' – a good reason to embark on a culinary tour of French Carnivals!
3. Crêpe (Pancake)
In northwestern France, doughnuts might be replaced by crêpes during Carnival, using similar ingredients as for Candlemas. The word 'crêpe' comes from the Latin adjective 'crispus', meaning 'curly' or 'wavy', referring to the texture the crêpe develops during cooking. Crêpes are enjoyed year-round and are particularly popular in Brittany, as evidenced by the term 'crêpe bretonne'. Traditionally made with wheat and buckwheat flour (the latter often called 'galettes'), crêpes feature in several familiar expressions related to their cooking method, such as 'to flatten', 'to flip', or 'to drop like a pancake', used both literally and figuratively.
2. Confetti (Confetti)
The traditional confetti battle often marks the grand finale of Carnival festivities. Large quantities of confetti are thrown at the crowds of revellers eagerly awaiting the event. The word 'confetti' is borrowed from Italian 'confetto' (plural 'confetti'), meaning 'sugared almond' or 'bonbon', as it originally referred to small plaster balls thrown into the crowd, shaped like these sweets. These were later replaced by tiny discs of coloured paper. Perhaps they are less unpleasant to receive in the face?
Carnival generally takes place before Lent, a 40-day period of fasting and abstinence for Christians leading up to Easter. This is why the word 'Carnaval' originates from the Latin words 'carne' and 'levare', meaning 'to abstain from meat', as fasting in the Christian tradition primarily involves abstaining from meat. The word also refers to a grotesque effigy, often representing winter ('King Carnival' or 'Mr. Carnival'), which is burned at the end of the festivities to celebrate the arrival of spring. An exception to the rule: the plural is 'carnavals', not 'carnavaux'.
Carnival: A Global Celebration
The spirit of Carnival is a testament to humanity's desire for collective joy, creative expression, and a temporary escape from the mundane. Whether through elaborate costumes, lively parades, or simply the shared experience of festive food and drink, Carnival provides a unique cultural phenomenon that unites people in celebration.
Frequently Asked Questions about Carnival
What is the main purpose of Carnival?
The main purpose of Carnival is to provide a period of intense celebration, feasting, and revelry before the solemn observance of Lent. It's a time for breaking social conventions, indulging in pleasures, and engaging in creative expression through costumes and parades.
Where did Carnival originate?
While specific origins are debated, Carnival traditions have roots in ancient pagan festivals celebrating the end of winter and the arrival of spring, combined with Christian traditions leading up to Lent. The name itself is linked to the Latin 'carnelevamen', meaning 'to take away meat', highlighting its pre-Lenten timing.
What are some common Carnival traditions?
Common traditions include wearing elaborate costumes and masks, participating in parades with decorated floats, dancing, music, feasting on special foods like doughnuts and pancakes, and engaging in public celebrations.
What is the significance of Mardi Gras?
Mardi Gras, or 'Fat Tuesday', is the day before Ash Wednesday and marks the final day of feasting and indulgence before the start of Lent. It is often the culmination of Carnival celebrations in many regions.
Why are masks and disguises important in Carnival?
Masks and disguises allow individuals to temporarily shed their everyday identities, transform into different characters, and participate in the playful inversion of social norms. They foster a sense of anonymity and encourage uninhibited expression and creativity.
Carnival is more than just a party; it's a cultural phenomenon rich in history, symbolism, and vibrant traditions that continue to captivate people worldwide.
If you want to read more articles similar to The Vibrant History and Meaning of Carnival, you can visit the Automotive category.