avatarAllison Wiltz

Summary

The web content discusses the tradition of King Cakes during Mardi Gras, its significance in New Orleans culture, and the impact of COVID-19 on these celebrations.

Abstract

The article titled "King Cakes During COVID" delves into the cultural importance of King Cakes in New Orleans during Mardi Gras season, a time traditionally marked by communal gatherings, parades, and the sharing of King Cakes. It describes the excitement of finding a plastic baby within a slice of cake, which bestows the honor of providing the next cake. The author reflects on their personal experience of discovering the baby in their first-grade class. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a shift in how these traditions are observed, with an emphasis on home celebrations and the popularity of mailing King Cakes to maintain the spirit of the festivities despite social distancing measures.

Opinions

  • The author expresses nostalgia for the traditional Mardi Gras celebrations, highlighting the joy of finding the baby in the King Cake.
  • There is a sense of concern about how the coronavirus pandemic will affect the century-old traditions of Mardi Gras, which are deeply rooted in the community.
  • The author acknowledges the resilience of the community, noting that people will find ways to celebrate, such as sending King Cakes through the mail.
  • The piece suggests that while the pandemic poses challenges, the essence of Mardi Gras can still be enjoyed through adapted traditions like sharing King Cakes at home.

King Cakes During COVID

Haiku▾

Photo Credit | Chron

Sure, I’ll take a slice

purple sprinkles with icing

Is that a baby?

For those not familiar with New Orleans traditions, allow me to explain. Mardi Gras season comes but once a year, and with it comes food, friends, and parades. Each week, someone brings a King Cake. As each person enjoys their slice, someone will find a small, plastic baby inside. I got the baby for the first time in my first grade class. Whoever holds the portion with the baby must bring the cake next time. I told my mom, and she said we could get two — one for class and the other for our family.

Photo Credit | Mardi Gras Spot

I wonder how my friends and family will fair this Mardi Gras. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, city officials want people to stay in their homes. It won’t be easy to quell this celebration — the tradition surpasses 100 years. My people love to second-line, listen to live bands, and smile with friends and neighbors. At least they can have their cake and eat it too. People love getting King cake in the mail.

Tagging: Cocoa Griot| Julia E Hubbel| Obinna Morton| Charlotte Zobeir Ali| Melanie J. if you’re up to it and anyone else interested in today’s prompt: What would be an absurd thing to receive in the mail? Go wild with your imagination on this one!

Thanks for the prompt Lucy The Eggcademic (she/her)

Another story about Mardi Gras traditions:

A story by Rebecca Stevens A.

Culture
BlackLivesMatter
Cake
New Orleans
Mardi Gras
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