Mardi Gras Parade History
The modern celeberation of Mardi Gras as we know it takes place in New Orleans each year. The history of the parades and revelry spans centuries and many cultures. The celebration transformed over time until it was brought to America by a French explorer who founded the city of New Orleans.
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History
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Mardi Gras has its roots in ancient Rome. When the city adopted Christianity political authorities thought the transition would go more smoothly if it incorporated previous pagan rituals. The celebration of Lupercalia was merged with the idea of celebrating before the repentant period of Lent, which is ultimately why the "carnival" season begins on January 6 of each year. January 6 is also known as twelfth night and in Christianity is the official beginning of the Lent season.
Mardis Gras came to America with a French explorer named Iberville in 1699. The celebration of Mardi Gras was happening in France the day he landed and so he named the place Point Du Mardi Gras. He also named the first settlement that eventually became Mobile. A secret masked society was formed and the first Mardis Gras was celebrated in Mobile in 1703. In 1718 New Orleans was established as a trading post and the celebration migrated to that location.
18th Century
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Throughout the first century of Mardi Gras the celebration was held in New Orleans in the form of masked balls and parties. The Spanish owned the New Orleans territory in Louisiana in 1762 and implemented stricter moral codes of conduct based on its Catholic beliefs. Masked balls were banned during the late 18th century. The United States purchased Louisiana in 1803, but it was not until 1827 that the population of New Orleans gained the right to be masked again. This time, the party crowd took to the streets with horses and carriages.
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19th Century
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The first documented parade was in 1837 in New Orleans. Due to much drinking the celebration got a negative reputation for inciting violence. But in 1857 the first "krewe" was formed that promoted and helped to finance the parade. In 1870, The Twelfth Night Revelers krewe started the tradition of throwing trinkets to the crowd during the procession. In 1872 the Rex Krewe introduced the traditional colors of green, gold and purple.
20th Century
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Mardi Gras was canceled during World War I. It suffered further with prohibition and the Great Depression. But, more krewes formed and the parade was on again by 1935, this time with automobiles. Despite being called off during World War II, Mardi Gras saw a resurgence of popularity in the 1940s and extra parades were added in different parts of the city. The unofficial tradition of women lifting their shirts to get beads thrown to them began in the early 21st century.
The Throws
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The term "throws" signifies the items that are thrown from parade floats. In the 1870s the throws were mainly trinkets. In 1884 medallions were introduced by the Rex Krewe. Long strips of plastic beads and cups are also thrown from parade floats as are stuffed animals. Traditionally parade goers have a shout out to the floats saying, "Hey, throw me something mister!"
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References
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- Photo Credit mardi gras image by Edward Cooper from Fotolia.com
