Mardi Gras, Shrovetide, Carnival, Fasching, Pancake Week. Catholics worldwide are often familiar with these terms used to describe the pre-Lenten days, and sometimes more specifically, the celebration that occurs just before Ash Wednesday. This pre-Lenten period is one that typically involves parades, dancing, and eating many foods that will later be avoided during Lent.
One particularly unique commemoration of this period in the Catholic calendar is the Czech tradition of Masopust. After marrying a Czech, I learned about Czech history, holidays, and customs, many of them unfamiliar to people who were raised outside of the central European region. Years ago, I had the opportunity to witness my first Masopust celebration, and I was absolutely intrigued.
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“Masopust” means “meat fast,” or “farewell to meat.” This may sound familiar, as the word “Carnival” comes from the Latin carnelevarium, “removal of meat.” Czech cuisine is traditionally very meat-oriented to begin with, so as one might imagine, the meat consumption is a bit off-the-charts come Masopust. Some of the typical foods eaten for Masopust celebrations include koblihy (deep-fried donuts), Boží milosti (fried dough pastries shaped like bows), pork in numerous formats from bacon to pork schnitzel, and countless types of sausages and cold cuts. Years ago, it was also commonplace to have large-scale pig roastings that were open to the public, and even now, some rural areas of the country still participate in this ritual.
But what really makes Masopust stand out among pre-Lenten celebrations are the famed parades, balls, and processions, some of which are very specific to certain towns or regions, such as Hlinsko and Roztoky. Many of the processions feature figureheads that represent Death, Fast, and Fertility. Some Czech villages’ Masopust celebrations showcase handmade masks and special costumes, and jugglers, magicians, and stilt-walkers will often participate in parades or town square revelries.
Americans and Brits accustomed to seeing trick-or-treaters on Halloween might be surprised to find that this was (and still is, in some locales) a common tradition for Masopust in the Czech Republic — revelers go door-to-door in disguise, generally receiving food and drink in return. Similar to other central European countries with rich Catholic heritage, the Czech Republic’s Masopust period is when many balls take place in major cities.
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In the early years in the Czech lands, when the population was predominantly pagan, rituals to commemorate the Roman god Bacchus and agricultural festivals were held around this time of year. Later, with the adoption of Catholicism, some of the rituals were absorbed into Catholic commemorations of the pre-Lenten period that became Masopust.
As with many other Catholic religious festivals and celebrations, the traditions surrounding Masopust were largely abandoned or ignored under Communism. However, Masopust has since been revived to a large degree.
Though it may seem frivolous at first glance, sometimes a big celebration can be exactly what a community needs. In Nehemiah 8:10, we’re reminded: “Go, eat rich foods and drink sweet drinks, and allot portions to those who had nothing prepared; for today is holy to our Lord. Do not be saddened this day, for rejoicing in the Lord is your strength.” From a spiritual perspective, Masopust can be a wonderful time for people to come together in joy, and the act of being happy together can help strengthen the bonds between villagers and city-dwellers. Young and old can showcase their creative talents to commemorate the pre-Lenten period, and something like a Masopust parade provides a fantastic opportunity for artists and performers to give back to the community.
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In Luke 14:13-14, we read: “Rather, when you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” During Masopust, both many years ago and now, charity is an important aspect of merrymaking. While alms are given during the Lenten period, it is also important to take care of community members in need during Masopust itself. Therefore, collections are taken up for various charitable organizations at many celebrations, and sometimes local soup kitchens and churches provide special Masopust meals for those in need.
The reversal of roles in the context of Masopust, where historically, a low-ranking peasant had a more important status in the celebrations and activities than royalty and lords, also carries an important message for us to think about during this period. Regardless of someone’s wealth, status, or title, Masopust’s communal traditions remind us of the Church’s spiritual message of equality: every member of a congregation, village, community, or city has a part to play.
