Carnival typically involves public celebrations , including events such as parades , public street parties and other entertainments, combining some elements of a circus. Elaborate costumes and masks allow people to set aside their everyday individuality and experience a heightened sense of social unity. Traditionally, butter, milk, and other animal products were not consumed "excessively", rather, their stock was fully consumed during Shrovetide as to reduce waste.
This festival is known for being a time of great indulgence before Lent which is a time stressing the opposite , with drinking, overeating, and various other activities of indulgence being performed. For example, pancakes , donuts, and other desserts are prepared and eaten for a final time. During Lent, lacticinia and animal products are eaten less, and individuals make a Lenten sacrifice , thus giving up a certain object or activity of desire.
As such, during the season of Shrovetide, it is customary for Christians to ponder what Lenten sacrifices they will make for the coming Lent. On Shrove Tuesday the final day of Shrovetide , churches burn these palms to make the ashes used during the services held on the very next day, Ash Wednesday.
The term "Carnival" is traditionally used in areas with a large Catholic presence, as well as in Greece. The celebration is known as Fastelavn in historically Evangelical Lutheran countries.
This dates back to celebrations before the Advent season or with harvest celebrations of St. Martin's Day. The word "Carnival" is of Christian origin. Alternative names are used for regional and local celebrations. The word is said to come from the Late Latin expression carne levare , which means "remove meat"; a folk etymology derives it from carne vale , "farewell to meat".
