What Is Mardi Gras? Should Christians Celebrate Mardi Gras (Shrove Tuesday)? ucg.org

Mardi Gras, also known as Shove Tuesday, is a name of near instant recognition. It is associated with excess in everything from eating and drinking to scant clothing and illicit behavior. Built within the celebration is the idea of sinning heartily before deciding to do anything about it. That’s why Mardi Gras is followed by Ash Wednesday, which is the first day of Lent. Lent, a Roman Catholic observance, lasts 40 weekdays beginning with Ash Wednesday and ending on Easter. It is considered a period of fasting and penitence. However, its origins are not biblical. It carries with it the attitude of taking God’s instruction lightly as if sin is not truly wrong and, therefore, God is not truly right.