world religion world religion maps world religion symbols |
Encyclopedia of Religion entry forCarnivalA word composed of two Latin terms and denoting either a farewell to flesh-meat or a solace of the flesh. It is an institution in Roman Catholic countries. A carnival is held on the three days pre-ceding Lent. It " is a special season for feasting, dancing, masquerading, and mirth of all sorts," and is observed in Rome as well as in other places. " In itself this custom is innocent, although the Church from Septuagesima onwards assumes the garb of penance, and prepares her children, by the saddened tone of her office, for the Lenten season " (Addis and Arnold). See Cath. Dict. citations: Encyc. of Rel., Canney
article created 2006-04-12 , last updated 2006-04-12 |
|
|
|
||