Quiz: Pass This Quiz On Mardi Gras

Mardi is French for Tuesday, and Gras means fat. The day is called 'Fat Tuesday' because it was the last day to eat rich, fatty foods before the Lenten fast.

New Orleans is world-renowned for its Mardi Gras, though Mobile, Alabama, actually hosts the oldest Carnival celebrations in the U.S. (1703).

Rex, the King of Carnival, selected these colors in 1872: purple for justice, green for faith, and gold for power.

The King Cake celebrates Epiphany (Three Kings Day). The baby symbolizes baby Jesus, and finding it brings good luck and responsibility for hosting the next party.

A krewe is a social organization that stages a parade and/or ball for Carnival. The oldest krewe is the Krewe of Comus (1857).

Ash Wednesday marks the first day of Lent, a 40-day period of fasting and reflection leading to Easter. Mardi Gras is the final day of indulgence.

The Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club began throwing coconuts in the early 1900s. Coconuts are now handed out rather than thrown for safety.

This iconic call, 'Throw me something, mister!', is heard throughout New Orleans parades. Riders often target people who yell enthusiastically.

Carnival officially starts on Twelfth Night, also known as Epiphany (January 6), which celebrates the visit of the Magi to baby Jesus. It ends at midnight on Mardi Gras.

Rex, 'King of Carnival,' was first introduced in 1872 by the Krewe of Rex. The Rex organization also chose the official Mardi Gras colors and wrote the anthem 'If Ever I Cease to Love.'

The Krewe of Comus staged the first themed parade with floats in 1857, introducing many traditions like the tableau ball. Comus is named after a Greek god of festivity.

Doubloons were introduced by the Krewe of Rex in 1960 and quickly became a popular throw. They are usually embossed with the krewe's emblem and year.