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. When they were first introduced, the beads were made of glass and hand knotted on necklaces. Though they began as glass, most of the Mardi Gras beads you see thrown today are made of 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 Beads act as a type of currency during Mardi Gras season in New Orleans. They hold symbolic value and can be used to barter for favors or goods. Beads serve as a conduit between parade-goers and krewe members on the floats. As beads are thrown from floats into the outstretched hands below, it builds a connection. The beads and other throws are not just random trinkets, but they actually hold a more profound meaning related to the festive spirit of Mardi Gras. Moreover, the tradition of throwing and catching beads is also about having fun, connecting with others, and collecting as many tokens of the festivities as possible to remember the experience. 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 Mardi Gras beads are one of the most recognized and common parade throws, dating back to 1921 when the New Orleans Krewe of Rex Organization introduced them. Initially crafted from glass and hand-knotted, today’s beads are made mostly of plastic, making them more accessible to parade watchers. The meaning behind Mardi Gras beads is steeped in symbolism. The colors of the beads have significance, with gold representing power, green representing faith, and purple representing justice. These colors were chosen because they were the colors of the flag of the Russian Grand Duke Alexis Alexandrovich Romanoff, who visited New Orleans in 1872. 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. Today, beads are by far the most popular Mardi Gras parade throws. They're sold year round as a symbol of New Orleans' French Quarter, where Mardi Gras reaches its most raucous heights. In other parts of the city, parades are festive family events and balls are lavish and elegant, but on Bourbon Street (which isn't actually part of the parade Mardi Gras is French for "fat Tuesday" and embodies the abandonment and indulgence that many engage in before plunging into the 40 days of Lent that immediately follow. The beads that many revelers wear and pass around during the festivities are purple, green and gold, representing not just the celebration's Catholic roots, but also an homage Mardi Gras is an annual pre-Lent celebration and New Orleans tradition. The idea was to toss the color to the person who exhibited the color’s meaning. Beads are a good time and can really In this article, we’ll delve into the meaning behind the colors of Mardi Gras beads, exploring their origins, symbolism, and significance in modern-day celebrations. The History of Mardi Gras Beads. Mardi Gras beads have their roots in the medieval European tradition of throwing flowers and other decorations during Carnival celebrations. What do Traditional Mardi Gras Colors Mean? The traditional Mardi Gras colors are purple, green, and gold. Green represents faith, purple represents justice, and gold symbolizes power. This color scheme is thought to be borrowed from one of the oldest New Orleans krewes, or social clubs, Rex Krewe. Modern Mardi Gras beads often feature flashing LED lights, fiber-optic elements, and a wider range of vibrant colors. The traditional Mardi Gras color palette of green, gold, and purple is still often seen on strands of beads, but usually alongside other eye-catching hues. What’s New in Mardi Gras Throws? The first Mardi Gras was held by French settlers on March 3, 1699, in Mobile, Alabama, once the capital of the Louisiana territory. In the late 1820s, the custom of dressing in colorful costumes Mardi Gras masks are more than just festive accessories—they carry a rich history and cultural significance. Every detail, Mardi Gras color and design tells a story, and the artists who craft Mardi Gras is a Christian holiday and popular cultural phenomenon that dates back thousands of years to pagan spring and fertility rites. It's most famously celebrated with parades in New Orleans 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 BONUS: According to legend, Mardi Gras colors influenced the choice of school colors for archrivals Louisiana State University and Tulane University. They say when LSU was deciding on its colors, the shops in New Orleans had stocked up on purple, green, and gold for the Mardi Gras season.
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