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 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 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 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. 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 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. 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 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 One of the most popular customs of Mardi Gras is the throwing of colorful beads from parade floats to the crowd on onlookers below, a tradition with an interesting history. Origins of Mardi Gras Mardi Gras originated with pagan Roman Carnival celebrations that took place in mid-February and celebrated the end of winter. Why Do We Throw Mardi Gras Beads? According to ehow.com, Mardi Gras started in Medieval Europe and eventually moved to New Orleans.In 1703, the small French-Canadian settlement of Fort Louis de la Mobile held its first Mardi Gras celebration. Judy Weitz: I just had to respond to your comments about Mardi Gras here in New Orleans. I am a fifth-generation New Orleanian with two children, and when they were nearing their teenage years, I actually felt guilty for going to and enjoying parades! Why? Because Mardi Gras is and always has been a family event! It is not for drunks and never 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. 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 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 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. 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. Mardi Gras Throw Beads. In bead parlance, "throw" is not a verb but rather an adjective signifying necklaces typically purchased in bulk and meant to be thrown—i.e., from a balcony or Mardi Gras float—or given away as freebies. When we yell “Throw me something, Mister!” at Mardi Gras in New Orleans, we really mean “throw me something cool.” Unlike parades in other parts of the world where you just watch, Mardi Gras parades are an interactive activity and the better your booty haul at the end of the night, the better you consider the parade. While Mardi Gras beads are the most common Mardi Gras throw, they are not the most coveted. The most prized Mardi Gras throws are the “signature throws” that some krewes make and give out. Each krewe with a signature throw is known for that particular throw, and gives them out year after year.
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |