“Mardi Gras is the love of life. It is the harmonic convergence of our food, our music, our creativity, our eccentricity, our neighborhoods, and our joy of living. All at once.” –
– Chris Rose
Mr. Rose’s thoughts on this extravagant celebration in the Big Easy and elsewhere echo what Roses in the Alley is here to be – a community that shares the love of life through all forms of creativity.
The Rose obviously means a lot to us, but today is a day to focus on another symbol, the Fleur de Lys.
Few cities are linked with one beautiful symbol quite like New Orleans and the Fleur de Lys. The Big Easy’s emblem traces way back, but for their purposes it is linked to the French royal House of Bourbon. Bourbon street is also an homage to them.
The three petals of the flower are said to represent the Holy Trinity to some. Others say they represent three social classes: those who work, those who fight, and those who pray.
Hundreds of artists have given us their interpretation of the Fleur de Lys and there is no right version. One of the most marvelous things about art is that there is rarely a right version.
I’d like to think the three petals represent the Holy Trinity, but also what’s in each of us, – every man and woman willing to work, fight, and pray for their family.
Some have to work tonight, all should pray, hopefully no one fights. Indulge a little tonight, because we know what’s around the corner.
Happy Fat Tuesday!
Nothing makes me think of Bourbon Street quite like When The Saints Go Marching In.