Carnival .... now where did this word originate?

Image Source: Mauricio Santana

So it seems rather inane, but according to some we might be wrong with this.  Carnival is something we equate to fun and pretty lights and people celebrating but this word seems to have a very dark past. 

Nimrod who was known also as Baal brought in a demented idea of human sacrifice and cannibalism to the ritual practices.

“The priests of Nimrod or Baal were necessarily required to eat of the human sacrifices; and thus it has come to pass that ‘Cahna-Bal’ (cahna meaning priest & Bal referring to Baal) is the established word (cannibal) in our own tongue for a devourer of human flesh.” - Alexander Hislop

Hence this innocent sounding word 'Carnival' also relates to the same dastardly history. Cannibalism derives from Caníbales, the Spanish name for the Caribs, a West Indies tribe that formerly practiced cannibalism. 

The Korowai tribe located in the south-eastern area of Indonesian West Papua is reported to be one of the last known tribes of the world who take part in ritual cannibalism. A local cannibal cult killed and ate victims as late as 2012.  

So after reading the histories of several cultures who engaged in this practice - it is clear to me that the Japanese who ate prisoners during the war was a terribly low point in humanity. 

So is Carnival and Cannibal distantly related?  Probably, because festivals were originally times of offerings to the Gods for good favor for the year ahead or for giving thanks.   Today's festivals both secular and religious all stem from these original practices.

Saltwater - Freshwater Festival, Coffs Harbour NSW

Images @ Eminpee Fotography