Is the Merry Widow, truly merry?

What is a MERRY widow? I have seen them most of my life at Mardi Gras on Joe Cain Day. They are all dressed in black, even their heads and faces are veiled in black that is dense enough that you cannot see any hint of the face that is hiding on the other side. I have never seen a truly “Merry” one.

These seemingly  wacky, grief stricken ladies will wale and cry all day long. Usually I can only take this grief in short spurts otherwise I find myself fighting the urge to punch them in the throat. I have known two of the “widows” over time, one who is a current practicing weeper and the other has aged and thrown in the towel on those shenanigans. I understand there is a large number of these widows that practice weeping but the maximum number of practicing weepers is reached when they can no longer fit another one into the van that transports them to the events of the day. 

The remaining Joe Cain widows must wait their turn for an opening to publicly scream and wale all day, march in the Joe Cain Parade and tell of their woe and sadness since the loss of their dear husband Joe.

I think I know a few other widows in the group based on the familiar voices, but they have chosen not to reveal their identity to me. 

I am not sure what I feel about this practice but I do know that I have considered the pluses and minuses of being one of these Merry Widows and this is my thoughts on the matter.

Plus:

1. Almost no one knows who you are, that can be fun as you walk through the crowd
2. You do not need to wear make-up or even comb your hair, who would know?
3. It is mysterious and a bit exciting
4. You can cry and scream and yell and get out all of your frustrations without guilt
5. You never have to decide what to wear on Joe Cain Day.

Minus:

1. All the clothing and veils prevent eating and drinking without a big struggle
2. Going to the bathroom requires lifting layers of dress and crinoline petticoats
3. You must walk and mingle all day then end up in the cemetery weeping at Joe’s grave
4. It wouldn’t be appropriate to laugh or tell jokes on this normally festive day
5. When you finally get home, you have a REAL husband who is hungry, tired and often drunk       

So, when I think of things I want to do, I will always eliminate Merry Widow of Joe Cain. I do not mean to disrespect these widows at all. It just looks like a lot of work with little reward. If you are in fact a Merry Widow and are reading this, please tell me what I am missing and why you think it is an enjoyable pastime. Thanks.
P.S. I have a picture of one of the older Merry Widow's butt as she bent over, lifted a ton of black satin and taffeta to reveal her bloomers that had this embroidered in white stitching:
                                                     I'M JOE'S FAVORITE!

I guess was proud enough and brazen enough to show her butt to anyone who would look. I envy her courage.