What is the meaning of mardi gras beads?
While Mardi Gras traditions in New Orleans are varied, one common factor is that Mardi Gras celebrations always seem to include beads of every shape, size and color. The history behind these beads is as interesting as the celebration itself.Carnival KrewesCarnival “krewes” hold lavish parades throughout downtown New Orleans and surrounding neighborhoods. According to NationalGeographic.com, these first Mardi Gras parades began in the 1830s, but the tradition of throwing beads to the onlookers didn’t begin until the 1920s.Rex KreweRex Krewe has been handed the distinguished honor of being the first krewe known to toss beads to onlookers. Rex Krewe is also the krewe credited with the production of the first plastic doubloons, another Mardi Gras collectible favorite.Color SchemeThe traditional colors of Mardi Gras beads have special meaning as well. Purple stands for justice, gold symbolizes power and green represents faith.Bead MaterialsThe beads thrown in the 1920s were glass trinkets i
