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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 In fact, Mardi Gras, aka Fat Tuesday, has a long history that predates the colonization of the U.S., and actually started in medieval Europe.In New Orleans, the celebration of Mardi Gras started In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the history and significance of Mardi Gras beads, including their cultural origins and what they symbolize. We’ll also explore the different types of beads you can expect to see at Mardi Gras and why they are such a sought-after prize for party-goers. 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 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 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. 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. 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 Plastic beads rose to popularity as recently as the 1960s. The first recorded bead “throw” occurred in the mid- to late-1800s. Then, however, krewes threw beads created with handmade glass from Czechoslovakia. These more delicate beads were supplanted by the plastic throws that now account for over $11.8 million in sales. Mardi Gras is a Christian holiday and popular cultural phenomenon that dates back thousands of years to pagan spring and fertility rites. Other lasting customs include throwing beads and other 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 Some people refer to Carnival and Mardi Gras interchangeably, although Carnival technically stretches the whole season from January 6th to Fat Tuesday, while Mardi Gras is Fat Tuesday itself. No matter when Fat Tuesday falls in a given year, there is an entire Carnival season leading up to it, filled with weeks of parades, parties, and 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 became a popular way to celebrate the Carnival season. The first Mardi Gras parade, held in 1837, featured floats What we do know is that if you’re headed to NOLA for Mardi Gras, you’ll want to wear your best purple, green and gold—it’s a surefire way to get more beads and trinkets tossed your way 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 If you think women flashing their breasts during Mardi Gras is a relatively new phenomenon, then you are mistaken. The act — and I use the word "act" here because any longtime NOLA resident will 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. 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 Final Beads. Mardi Gras isn't just a party; it's a cultural phenomenon with deep roots and vibrant traditions. From its origins in ancient Rome to the colorful parades in New Orleans, this celebration has evolved into something truly unique.
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