Why Do People Wear Beads During Mardi Gras?
Mardi Gras is a celebration also known as Fat Tuesday, which marks the fast days prior to the arrival of Lent (Ash Wednesday). Colorful beads are worn in celebration of this holiday. Mardi Gras occurs worldwide, but the carnival, parades and true tradition of Mardi Gras happen in New Orleans. Does this Spark an idea?
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History of the Beads
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In the early 1800s, the first Mardi Gras parade took place, as did the evolution of the beads, although it's stated that the tradition began in the 1920s when the Rex (king of the carnival) decided to throw necklaces instead of medallions, which they did earlier in history. These beautiful glass beads were grouped with almonds and coated in sugar and thrown along with other confections into the peasant crowds that begged for them on the side of the road.
Mardi Gras Colors
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The beads thrown now are made of plastic, but prior to the '60s they were made of glass. Mardi Gras beads now come in every color and design, but the most prized colors are the Mardi Gras colors--green, purple and gold. These colors were selected by the Rex in 1872 but were given meaning in 1892. The green represents faith, gold represents power and purple is for justice.
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Zulu Coconut
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Aside from the beads and trinkets that are exciting to receive during Mardi Gras, there's another trinket called the Zulu coconut or the Mardia Gras coconut, which is the most sought after item to receive during the parade. It's a hollowed-out coconut that's carved and meticulously decorated (by hand) with beautiful colors--they are limited in number each year. They were given out in the early 1900s by a group called the Tramps, later named the Zulu. The Zulu originally handed out walnuts, which were also painted gold, prior to painting coconuts and distributing them during parades. The coconut then was known as the Golden Nugget, and so to receive one is a special treat. For insurance reasons, these coconuts are no longer allowed to be thrown but can be handed to the crowd.
Parade Tips
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Every year, Mardi Gras parade-goers dress up in outrageous costumes and do the most outrageous things to get the most throws. It's appreciated and entertaining when the crowd dresses up in honor of the celebration. Bring a large plastic or cloth bag to collect all your throws as there will be too many to wear around your neck. Call out "Throw me something, mister!" to the riders on the float and they will throw beads and trinkets in your direction. Be careful not to bend down to pick up any throws as your fingers could get stepped on or you could get trampled by the crowd.
Misconceptions
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Nowadays, most people think that to compete for Mardi Gras beads, you have to flash discreet body parts (particularly women). This is not part of the true tradition and, according to long-time attendees, this happens only in the French Quarter, which houses mainly strip joints. The true spirit of Mardi Gras still prospers and remains fun and enjoyable for the entire family.
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References
- Photo Credit mardi gras image by Edward Cooper from Fotolia.com
