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There are a wide variety of beads at Mardi Gras. Most krewes toss out Mardi Gras beads, and some krewes even have their own custom beads (in the colors of their krewe) to represent them. The more traditional Mardi Gras beads were in the colors of Mardi Gras. Each color of beads has its own meaning! Colors of Mardi Gras. The first Mardi Gras 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 official colors of Mardi Gras were established in 1872 by the Krewe of Rex and represent justice (🟣), faith (🟢), and power (🟡). If you’re curious about the deeper meanings behind these colors, you can discover more about what Mardi Gras colors signify. These beads and other throws have become essential to the Mardi Gras 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. 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. 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. There is some dispute as to the exact meanings of the three official Mardi Gras colors chosen to represent the day. The colors are thought to have ties to the Catholic religion and its traditions. The generally accepted meanings are: justice, represented by the color purple; faith, represented by green; and holy power, symbolized by gold. Mardi Gras comes to a close on Tuesday night, and soon, those who celebrate will exclaim “Laissez les bons temps rouler,” or “Let the good times roll” for the last time this Carnival season. 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 Over time, the tradition of throwing beads to the crowds evolved, and they became a staple of Mardi Gras celebrations. The Early Years of Mardi Gras Beads. The early Mardi Gras beads were made from glass and were often decorated with intricate designs and patterns. They were initially used to decorate floats and other parade vehicles, but soon Why are beads thrown at Mardi Gras? Beads are thrown at Mardi Gras as a way for people on the floats to interact with the crowd and share in the celebration. It has become a tradition to throw beads, along with other items like stuffed animals and light-up necklaces, to the spectators during Mardi Gras parades. What do the beads mean in Mardi Gras Krewes are social organizations or groups that put on parades, balls, and other events during the Carnival season leading up to Mardi Gras. Krewes are a significant part of Mardi Gras celebrations, organizing and participating in various festivities, including elaborate parades featuring floats, costumes, and throws (items tossed to What Does Mardi Gras Mean? Mardi is the French word for Tuesday, and gras means “fat.” In France, the day before Ash Wednesday came to be known as Mardi Gras, or “Fat Tuesday.” Symbolism of Beads: Beads at Mardi Gras symbolize generosity, indulgence, justice (purple), faith (green), and power (gold), reflecting the festival’s cultural roots. Historical Context: Originating in the 1880s, Mardi Gras beads transitioned from glass to plastic, becoming an integral part of the celebrations and enhancing the festive Some say that the beads represent the gifts that the three kings gave to the baby Jesus. Others believe that the beads represent the rewards that sinners will receive in the afterlife. Regardless of their specific meaning, Mardi Gras beads are a cherished part of the Mardi Gras tradition. 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 Mardi Gras King (New Orleans) in 1982 gave each color its own meaning: purple for justice, green means faith, and gold represent power." The act of throwing the beads to parade goers is really just a way to get people riled up. Discover the rich symbolism of Mardi Gras in this engaging article that goes beyond the festive parades and lively music. Explore how Mardi Gras embodies cultural heritage, community spirit, and themes of renewal and joy. From its origins in ancient pagan celebrations to modern-day traditions in New Orleans and beyond, learn about the significance of masks, beads, and King Cake. Celebrate life
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