question about reincarnation
Carnival certainly shares a common etymology with the carne-associated, flesh-related words (Originally meaning raising flesh/removing meat).
I'm not sure of a reincarnation link though, there is a link bettween the 'carne' words and carnation, but that's referring to the colour and, I assume, the flower. I wonder if it has anything to do with 'returning to flesh' or rebirth?

EDIT: I just read Faldage's post above - explains the removing meat and incarnation thingy. Sorry I didn't notice it before - hence any repetition.)