Part 5/8:
Carnival's celebrations varied greatly with regions but generally consisted of feasting, mischief, and merriment before the austere period of Lent began. Notably, France initiated the festivities with the Feast of Fools, where societal norms were subverted, and individuals could act freely, reflecting both joy and chaos associated with the time.
The Cultural Significance
The revelries of Carnival provided a much-needed release for the populace, allowing them to vent frustrations against societal norms. This period could be likened to modern interpretations of freedom, akin to a temporary escape from the day-to-day struggles of peasantry in medieval life.