The origin of carnival
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The origin of carnival is rooted in ancient Egyptian known then as Kemet, agricultural and spiritual life, which were tightly bound to the concept of Maat, the divine order, balance and truth that maintained the universe. The annual earthly harvest, was not merely a physical event, to become overburdened by carnal drivers, which could trigger a devastating flood, but a restoration of this balance which produced the successful yearly outcome, celebrated with festivities that shares elements which thread into and are still associated with carnival. The ancient festive was also filled with music, dance and original costumes
and often included symbolic expressions of purification and renewal
Maat dictated the natural rhythm of the Nile waters including the Akhet (inundation) and Shemu (harvest) the future world, was seen as a manifestation of Maat, validating the ruling ability to maintain social unions and balance within community life. The Goddess Maat symbolic, was often decorated using a bird feather(s) representing truth balance to restore prosperity.
Shem el nessim – expressed in Arabic, is a more modern Egyptian Coptic spring festival, drawing upon the ancient Kemet expression of “SMW” Shemu – seasonal cycle of low water with Joyful celebration, unlike the more solemn western catholic religious establishment, some festivals associate patterns, which were being formed by our colonial inheritance after slavery ended allowing for public joy, dancing and relaxation, reflecting the festival’s diverse atmosphere found in todays modern carnivals.
In essence, the harvest in ancient Kemet, was a period where in accordance with Maat the society celebrated the success of their labour through festivals that combined spiritual/cultural gratitude with Joyful often rowdy community celebration. The best example to associate these specifically ancient traits, can be found similarly today, in West Indian Labour day parade, a yearly carnival in Brooklyn New York City.