Mardi Gras is a festive celebration that takes place every year before the start of Lent in Christian tradition. The Carnival season kicks off on January 6th and culminates with Fat Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday. One of the most iconic symbols of Mardi Gras are the colorful beads that are thrown from the parade floats to eager crowds along the route. But what do the different colored beads actually mean and symbolize at Mardi Gras?
The History of Mardi Gras Beads
The tradition of throwing beaded necklaces dates back to the early Mardi Gras parades in New Orleans in the late 1800s. At first, the beads were made of glass and were much fancier and elaborate than the plastic beads used today. The glass beads were imported from Czechoslovakia and over time evolved into the beads we know now.
As the parades grew larger and more popular, tossing necklaces from the floats became a way to interact with the spectators. It started as a fun way to engage the crowd and tossing inexpensive beads was a good way for krewes to give people an affordable souvenir. Over time, plastic beads mass produced overseas became the norm since they were cheap to purchase in bulk.
Colors and Meanings
Today, there are several common bead colors seen during Mardi Gras and they each have their own meaning:
| Color | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Purple | Justice |
| Green | Faith |
| Gold | Power |
| Silver | Diversity and harmony with all people |
| Rose | Love and compassion |
| Orange | Strength |
| Red | Energy and enjoyment of life |
Purple, green, and gold are considered the traditional Mardi Gras colors. Purple stands for justice, green for faith, and gold for power. These colors were chosen back when Mardi Gras began in New Orleans because they also represent royalty and the crown. King’s robes were purple, the fleur-de-lis – a symbol of France – was green, and gold jewelry was worn by those with money and influence.
Throwing beads of these meaningful colors was a way for the early Mardi Gras krewes and royalty to symbolize sharing their power and status with the public. The colors have endured over time and remain the most popular bead colors along parade routes today.
Rare and Special Beads
While single strand plastic beads in the traditional colors make up most of what’s thrown today, there are also more valuable and rare finds:
– Double and triple strand beads – Several strands or loops of beads connected rather than just one. More intricate to make so more prized by catchers.
– Long beads – Extra long bead strands (over 50 inches) that stand out in the crowd. Long enough to wrap around several times or share with others.
– Special shapes – Beads that are not just spheres, but different special shapes like animals, flowers, dinosaurs, etc. Fun and unique finds.
– Glow beads – Beads that glow in the dark. They charge up from sunlight during the day and illuminate at night.
– Gemstone beads – Beads made with crystals, gemstones, rhinestones, etc. Much more brilliant and sparkly than regular plastic beads.
– LED light up beads – Beads with little LED light bulbs inside that flash and blink. Requires batteries so more expensive.
– Medallion beads – Large decorative medallion beads that lay flat with designs like fleurs-de-lis, krewe names, etc. Often very ornate with rhinestones.
– Lagniappe beads – Extremely rare signature medallion beads specific to each Mardi Gras parade krewe. Only tossed by special members.
Catching any of these special beads is considered good luck and a coveted souvenir. The rarer the beads, the more excitement and sense of accomplishment for those who catch them along the parade route.
Beads as Currency
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.
Catching and wearing beads symbolizes being part of the revelry. Beads can be traded and gifted among friends and strangers, further spreading the festive spirit. More people can share in the experience if valued beads are passed around.
Rarer beads have higher value and can be used to barter for better viewing spaces along the route, access into private parties, and favors such as kisses blown from float riders.
Beads Reign Supreme
While other “throws” like stuffed animals, toys, cups, hats, etc have grown in popularity, beads still reign supreme at Mardi Gras. Though they are inexpensive to purchase in bulk, plastic beads take on special meaning during the Carnival season and are intricately woven into the fabric of the celebration.
No Mardi Gras parade would feel complete without hordes of shiny, colorful beads flying through the air. Beads embody the generosity and jovial essence of Carnival. They represent one of the simplest and most widespread ways parade krewes and riders can share the festive spirit with the masses below.
For parade-goers lucky enough to catch them, beads act as badges of honor and tangible symbols of being part of something bigger. While seemingly simple, beads capture the collective effervescence that makes Mardi Gras magical. Their significance has evolved over generations and will continue being passed down for years to come.
Conclusion
Mardi Gras beads are more than just plastic trinkets. Their colors hold symbolic meaning tied to the history and traditions of Carnival. Rare specialty beads are coveted treasures. Beads act as currency to spread festivity. Though cheap to produce, beads embody connection during Mardi Gras celebrations. For over a century, these shiny necklaces have maintained their prominence as icons of the season, representing generosity, community, and the spirited joy of Carnival.
