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In response to Tai-Won Kim's inquiry about Mardi Gras, as an Alabamian I must point out that the celebration in New Orleans was originated by French settlers about 25 years after the similar one in Mobile, c.1730 and 1705 respectively. Both are, of course, similar to Carnivale in Rio de Janiero, which is perhaps better known worldwide as the last festive fling before the Christian penitential season of Lent, which begins today. I, too, thought there might be some connection with Early English drama. Part of the Mardi Gras season in this part of the South is a series of formal balls that include "tableaux," masque-like entertainments put on by the members of the secret societies who sponsor the balls. Society members wear costumes and masks, playing usually silent parts in a show narrated by a professional person from the community--a local television newsman or a well-known speaker. According to Stephen Orgel, however (in an e-mail inquiry in 1992), these events are descended from French traditions unrelated to the English masques. Further back, there might be a broader relation with religious drama, but I don't know whether there is a French equivalent to mystery or morality plays. Best wishes, Karen Pirnie University of Alabama