<P> Traditionally, the feast also was a time to indulge sexual desires, which were supposed to be suppressed during the following fasting . Before Lent began, all rich food and drink were consumed in what became a giant celebration that involved the whole community, and is thought to be the origin of Carnival . </P> <P> In many Christian sermons and texts, the example of a vessel is used to explain Christian doctrine: "the nave of the church of baptism", "the ship of Mary", etc . The writings show that processions with ship - like carts were held and lavish feasts were celebrated on the eve of Lent or the greeting of spring in the early Middle Ages . The Catholic church condemned this "devilish debauchery" and "pagan rituals". As early as the year 325, the First Council of Nicaea attempted to end these pagan festivals . </P> <P> The Lenten period of the liturgical calendar, the six weeks directly before Easter, was historically marked by fasting, study, and other pious or penitential practices . During Lent, no parties or celebrations were held, and people refrained from eating rich foods, such as meat, dairy, fat, and sugar . The first three classes were often totally unavailable during this period because of late winter shortages . </P> <P> While Christian festivals such as Corpus Christi were church - sanctioned celebrations, Carnival was also a manifestation of European folk culture . In the Christian tradition, the fasting is to commemorate the 40 days that Jesus fasted in the desert, according to the New Testament, and also to reflect on Christian values . It was a time for adult converts to prepare for baptism at Easter . As with other Christian festivals such as Christmas, which was originally a pagan midwinter festival, the Christian church has found it easier to absorb the pagan Carnaval into its religious tradition than to eliminate it . </P>

What is the meaning of carnival in the caribbean