The typical colors of Mardi Gras beads, also called “throws,” were established in 1872. The traditional colors of the beads are purple, green, and gold, which represent justice, faith, and Mardi Gras throws are strings of beads, doubloons, cups, or other trinkets passed out or thrown from the floats for Mardi Gras celebrations, particularly in New Orleans, the Mobile, Alabama, and parades throughout the Gulf Coast of the United States, to spectators lining the streets. The "gaudy plastic jewelry, toys, and other mementos [are Mardi Gras is an annual pre-Lent celebration and New Orleans tradition. Probably the most well-known of the traditions is the throwing of beads from floats. The idea was to toss the color If you’re at a Mardi Gras parade and want to get a throw you can yell out “throw me something mister!”, as people have done for decades in hopes of getting a throw. Mardi Gras beads meaning. One of the most common parade throws are Mardi Gras beads. A krewe called the Rex Organization introduced these beaded necklaces in 1921. The tradition of throwing Mardi Gras beads to spectators during the parade started in the early 1870s with an individual dressed as Santa Claus passing out gifts to spectators as he passed by. Wikipedia Meaning and Symbolism Behind the Colors. The official colors of Mardi Gras were established in 1872 by the Krewe of Rex and represent justice Mardi Gras Beads & Throws . The throwing of trinkets to the crowds was started in the early 1870s by the Twelfth Night Revelers, and is a time-honored expectation The History of Mardi Gras Beads. The tradition of throwing beaded necklaces dates back to the early Mardi Gras parades in New Orleans in the late 1800s. At first, the beads were made of glass and were much fancier and elaborate than the plastic beads used today. Float riders toss beads, cups and doubloons to fans and revelers in the 2013 Krewe of Bacchus Mardi Gras Parade on Feb. 10, 2013, in New Orleans Skip Bolen—Getty Images Beads and Throws The tradition of throwing beads at Mardi Gras started in the early 1900s, and it was initially just small glass beads. However, the practice really took off in the 1960s, when plastic beads became more widely available, and the size and variety of beads increased. The meaning behind Mardi Gras beads is steeped in symbolism. Each year, more than 1 million people descend on New Orleans for Mardi Gras, an organized parade of debauchery and alcohol-induced torpor where plastic beads are tossed as a kind of currency. Mardi Gras beads have become a symbol of New Orleans’ cultural identity, reflecting the city’s rich history and heritage. The tradition of throwing Mardi Gras beads has been adopted by cities and communities around the world, reflecting the city’s cultural influence and its connection to the global community. Sadly, many bystanders caught in this crowd will never return to Mardi Gras, because they don't realize they did not experience the "real" Mardi Gras. The flashing for beads and related behavior does not occur in other areas of the city. The famous tradition of throwing beads at Mardi Gras has a long and mysterious history that dates back centuries. Liam McEneaney | Published: Mar 2, 2022 04:41 am 0. In the Beads Beyond Mardi Gras: Year-Round Meaning. Although Mardi Gras is the most prominent time to flaunt bead necklaces, their significance extends beyond the festive season. In New Orleans, bead necklaces are also associated with other events and occasions such as Saints football games, music festivals, and various parades throughout the year. What do Mardi Gras beads symbolize? Mardi Gras beads symbolize generosity, indulgence, and the festival’s heritage. Their colors—purple for justice, green for faith, and gold for power—reflect deeper meanings tied to the celebration’s origins. When did the tradition of throwing beads at Mardi Gras begin? Sadly, many bystanders caught in this crowd will never return to Mardi Gras, because they don't realize they did not experience the "real" Mardi Gras. The flashing for beads and related behavior does not occur in other areas of the city. It wasn't until the 1920's that krewes began throwing necklaces made of small glass beads. Throwing the beads from the floats became such a huge hit, all krewes adopted the practice, and Mardi Gras has never been the same. But, is there a meaning behind the throwing of beads? Well, kind of. What Do Mardi Gras Beads Represent? The throwing of trinkets to the crowds was started in the early 1870s by the Twelfth Night Revelers, and is a time-honored expectation for young and old alike. Read more. During his visit in 1872, the newly founded Krewe of Rex chose the colors of the duke’s royal house for the beads that krewe members would throw from their parade float into the crowds of Mardi There’s plenty to know about Mardi Gras, but we’ll be focusing on one specific aspect of the celebration for this post the iconic Mardi Gras beads. In this blog, we’ll explore the rich history of Mardi Gras beads and reveal how their meaning has evolved and changed over time. Before we get there, though, let’s take a quick look at
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | |
![]() | |
![]() | ![]() |