Mardi Gras Feather Masks.Org

Mardi Gras is known as the largest free show on earth. Mardi Gras means parties, parades, floats, costumes, and beads.

So what is the big deal about Mardi Gras beads? Well the beads that people collect and wear during Mardi Gras seem to be one of the most lasting symbols of Mardi Gras. They symbolize the spirit and color of Mardi Gras and some feel the beads bring them good luck. All of these beads go well with feather masks.

It is interesting that beads do not have specific significance to the barer but colors of the beads do have a significance. The colors of purple, green, and gold are the traditional colors of Mardi Gras. The color purple refers to justice, the color green suggest faith, and the color gold signifies power. Plastic beads come in many colors, but you should strive to collect those beads that are purple, green, and gold. You find that you can not get enough them! The more the merrier, to trade, to collect and to throw.

Pirate Medallion Beads

These beads are a real treasure for Mardi Gras collectors and great for Mardi Gras parties. Pirate Medallion Beads includes strings of assorted gold, silver, green, purple, blue or red beads with a Pirate Medallion on each. Medallions have a skull & crossbones on one side and crossed swords on the other.

Mardi Gras Mask Beads

These Mardi Gras Mask Beads are great for throwing as you stroll the street of the French Quarter or march in the Mardi Gras parade. These necklaces are a staple for all the royal festivities.

Mini Cards & Dice Beads

These mini cards and dice necklace of beads are a must-have for any high roller! Whether you are taking a stroll down St. Charles Avenue or gambling the night away, these beads are perfect if you know when to hold ‘em and know when to throw ‘em! These strands are approximately 16.5″ long and 33″ around.

33″ Round Beads

Nothing beats a classic necklace of beads! These vibrant beads are a New Orleans staple! Includes Glitzy Gold, Emerald Green and Royal Purple strands of beads. These strings of plastic, metallic beads are approximately 16.5″ long and 33″ around.

Jumbo Ball Beads

These jumbo Ball Beads is one strand of Mardi Gras made up of green, purple, and gold jumbo size ball beads separated by smaller ball beads. The jumbo size ball beads are approximately 2″ wide. They are a Fat Tuesday must-have! Whether you are marching down Bourbon Street in a Mardi Gras parade or taking a stroll down St. Charles Avenue, these beads are not only a great item to throw but has been a staple in all the royal festivities for years.

36″ Mardi Gras Jester Beads

Makes a perfect accessory for any Jester costume whether a fun jester or an evil jester! Celebrating Mardi Gras with Jester Beads is a must! These style of beads feature Mini Jester Heads in purple with round beads and bead clusters in gold, green and purple. These necklaces are approximately 18″ long and 36″ in circumference. They will makes a real stylish Fat Tuesday fashion statement! Don’t forget a Jester Hat or Party Wand

The throwing of beads from the Mardi Gras parade floats was started by the Krewes in early 19th century. The beads along with other cheap throw items were thrown from the floats. Those strings of beads are thought to bring good luck for those that caught and wear the beads. Beads became more and more popular during the early 20th century.

While beads are not made of expensive materials, beads of the past were made of higher quality materials. The original glass beads were considered dangerous, so the Krewes began throwing plastic beads. These plastic beads continued to be the most popular today.

Mardi Gras belongs to the City of New Orleans every year! You can drive down St. Charles Avenue any day of the year and see all styles of beads hanging in the huge oak trees that line the road.  You can also see them hanging from the balcony railing. Living in New Orleans and seeing those wayward strands is a daily reminder that carnival season is just around the corner!

10 Responses to “Mardi Gras Beads”