Peter Burke (1978) makes the point in "Traditional Forums" in the text titled Popular Culture in Early Modern Europe that many celebrations, rituals, and public events functioned simultaneously as a form of social control and social protest. One of the key examples of this paradox described by Burke (1978) is Carnival, the period leading up to Ash Wednesday and the 40 days of Lent, during which Christians typically fast and give up pleasure to focus on the coming crucifixion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ at Easter. The riotous nature of Carnival or Mardi Gras as it is called in the United States, functions as an opportunity to protest the rigorous fasting and deprivation that will occur during Lent and the iron control of the Church over life in early modern Europe as well as a permitted and thereby controlled opportunity to enjoy life.
The paradox outlined by Burke (1978) is that by permitting such things as public executions, floggings, and other punishments, society in early modern Europe sent a strong message to the public about the consequences of breaking the law while also allowing crowds to vicariously experience the satisfaction of seeing an offender punished. This particular paradox liberated people's emotions while at the same time causing them to reflect upon the law and the consequences of misbehavior.
Burke, P. (1978). Popular Culture in Early Modern Europe. New York: New York University Press.
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