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 But the practice of encouraging drunk women to bare their breasts in exchange for glass beads is a controversial one, and isn’t considered an official part of the Mardi Gras festivities. The 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 The act of throwing beads might be one of the most prominent activities that take place during Mardi Gras. What is known by locals and Mardi Gras goers as “throws,” happens when beads and 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. Well, they are exactly what they sound like - items that krewe members on floats throw to parade-goers as the floats pass by! Throws often include doubloons, beads, cups, homemade trinkets, toys and more! The thing to remember when it comes to celebrating Mardi Gras is that flashing for beads isn’t considered a tradition by the locals, so, obviously, you don’t have to feel pressured to do it. 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. 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 Aaron Franklin,12, gets ready to hand down a prized spear gets ready to throw a coveted spear from the A&B Tire and Truck Services float Krewe of Good Friends of the Oaks Mardi Gras parade in Port The most common food items that are thrown during Mardi Gras parades are beads, candy, and doubloons (metal coins). However, anything edible can be fair game. So, why do people throw food during Mardi Gras parades? There are a few reasons. First, it is seen as a way to share the spirit of Mardi Gras with others. 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 problem is that petroleum-based plastic beads typically thrown at Mardi Gras, produced from natural gas and oil-derived feedstock, degrade very slowly, releasing heavy metals and other toxins into the environment with devastating effects. 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. In the '70s and '80s aluminum and plastic beads became ubiquitous at Mardi Gras parades. Logically we can assume it's because they're cheaper, easier to mass produce and less likely to injure 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? Beads: Mardi Gras beads come in various materials, such as glass and plastic. Glass beads are often considered more valuable as they are intricate and delicate, while plastic beads are more common. You’ll see beads in an array of colors, each with its own meaning. So, discover how to get beads at Mardi Gras to enjoy this carnival experience How to Choose the Perfect Mardi Gras Beads. When choosing Mardi Gras beads, it’s important to select ones that resonate with you. Here are some tips to help you make the best choice: Color: Go for colors that reflect your personality or the theme of your celebration. Size: Consider the size of the beads. Larger ones can be more eye-catching Best Place To Buy Mardi Gras Beads Online & In Louisiana! We carry a huge selection of Mardi Gras throw beads in all shapes and colors! 33" Mardi Gras Throw Beads A: The Iris (also known as the “Mardi Gras” iris) Q: What do people throw during Mardi Gras parades? A: Beads, coins (doubloons), and other trinkets. Q: In what year was the first Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans? A: 1837. Q: What is a “krewe”? A: A social organization that puts on a parade or ball for Mardi Gras
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