Ellington

We've officially gone past the 12th day of Christmas, bringing the holiday season to a close. That holiday season, anyway. Many people celebrate another one, and, no, I'm not talking about Valentine's Day. The new year brings a new season—Mardi Gras. Jan. 6, also known as Epiphany, marks the start of the colorful and fun holiday.

Interesting facts:

• Epiphany, or King's Day, marks the Majis' visit to Jesus Christ after his birth.

• A French king cake, called gallete de rois, is actually a round cake made out of puff pastry with frangipane—almond filling— and a ceramic figure somewhere in the cake.

• The first incarnation of krewes were called Cowbellions after Cowbellion de Rakin Society, a group of men who began parading on New Year's Eve in the 1830s.

• Pope Gregory XIII made the holiday official in 1582.

• Comus, named after the Greek god of revelry, was the first krewe. Most krewes are named after Greek gods.

• Mardi Gras falls on the Tuesday that is 46 days before Easter, right before Ash Wednesday.

• Jan. 6 is also known as the Twelfth Night of Christmas because the Majis are said to have reached Jesus 12 days after Christmas. Many people do not undecorate for Christmas before that night.

• Mardi Gras colors are purple for justice, green for faith and gold for power.

(source: nola.com)