The History of Mardi Gras Beads – And Why You Should Never Refuse Them!

Why Do People Throw Beads at Mardi Gras? The Meaning Behind This Colorful Tradition 🎭
Mardi Gras in Louisiana is an explosion of color, music, and revelry—but have you ever stopped to wonder why people throw beads during the parades? This tradition has been around for over a century, and there's more to it than just fun and festivity. In fact, the beads you catch have a deeper meaning tied to the spirit of Mardi Gras!

The History of Mardi Gras Beads

The tradition of throwing beads dates back to the late 1800s when a New Orleans Mardi Gras krewe (a social organization that hosts parades) decided to toss trinkets to parade-goers as a way of spreading joy and excitement. The idea quickly caught on, and soon, bead throwing became a beloved Mardi Gras staple.

Originally, these beads were made of glass, adding an elegant touch to the festivities. Over time, they evolved into the colorful plastic beads we see today—though some krewes still throw special handmade beads as coveted treasures!

The Meaning Behind Purple, Green, and Gold Beads
Mardi Gras isn’t just about catching beads—it’s about embracing the meaning behind them! The traditional colors of Mardi Gras each have a symbolic significance:

💜 Purple = Justice
💚 Green = Faith
💛 Gold = Power

So, the next time you catch a strand of beads, think about the message they carry!

Why Do People Love Catching Mardi Gras Beads?

For many, catching beads is about more than just souvenirs—it's believed to bring good luck for the year ahead! Parade-goers eagerly reach for the airborne treasures, hoping to snag unique, oversized, or rare beads. Some people even have lucky beads that they keep year after year!

Bead throwing also plays a huge role in Mardi Gras krewes, with members designing elaborate floats and tossing out thousands of beads as a way of connecting with the crowd.

Fun Mardi Gras Facts You Probably Didn’t Know!

🎭 Masks are Required by Law – Did you know float riders in New Orleans must wear masks? It’s a tradition that dates back to the early days of Mardi Gras, helping keep the festive mystery alive!

🎭 Signature Throws Go Beyond Beads – While beads are the most popular, some krewes throw unique items like hand-decorated coconuts (Zulu Parade), doubloons, and even plush toys.

🎭 The Eco-Friendly Bead Movement – With millions of beads thrown each year, sustainability has become a big focus. Cities like New Orleans are making efforts to promote recyclable, biodegradable, and reusable beads to reduce waste.

Catch the Magic of Mardi Gras!

Whether you're in New Orleans, Lake Charles, or anywhere in Louisiana, Mardi Gras wouldn’t be the same without the thrill of catching beads! So, the next time you see a strand flying through the air, reach up and grab a piece of history.