Fasching is one of the three most celebrated carnivals in the world today.
They are the "Mardi Gras" in the Americas, the Pancake Days in England and the
"Fasching" in German-speaking Europe. All three of these carnivals take place during the days just prior to
Lent.
(This year, early-February)
The origin of ,"Fasching" dates back to the days of the Babylonians and Egyptians. It was the time when they honored the gods of fruitfulness by going through the towns in long procession, thanking the gods for past harvests and asking for further blessings. In the temples and on the street the people were given wine - as much as they wanted and at no cost. Is there any wonder that this carnival developed into a rowdy, drunken revelry? In the processions were big ships set onto wheels and lavishly decorated which were also pulled through the towns and then into the sea or the river. These ships were called
"Carrum navale," and from this term comes the word carnival. The revelry of the people knew no bounds and the masks which the people wore helped them to feel completely irresponsible during this time.
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