The term Mardi Gras and Carnival, refer to events of the Carnival celebrations, beginning on or after Epiphany (Jan 6) and ending on the day before Ash wednesday. Mardi Gras is French for “Fat Tuesday”, Shrove Tuesday, referring to the practice of the last night of eating rich, fatty foods before the ritual fasting of the Lenten season, which starts on Ash Wednesday.

What Is The Meaning Of Mardi Gras Beads?

What is the meaning of Mardi Gras beads? Certainly, they are a universal sign that a great party is about to start, and they are one of the most enduring symbols of Mardi Gras. The beads themselves have a meaning that shifts depending on what you are looking for from Mardi Gras. They can represent good luck, they can represent the spirit and color of Mardi Gras or-depending on your age and inclination-they can be used as a bartering tool for a glimpse of bare flesh.

The Evolution Of Mardi Gras Beads
The beads were only one of several different types of “throws,” or cheap items tossed by members of krewes from Mardi Gras parade floats. Krewes, pronounced “crew,” is an organization that puts on the parade or a ball for the “Carnival Season.” All of these throws signified good luck. However, the beads did not become popular until the early 20th century.

Beads were never made of expensive materials, the beads of the past were of higher quality than the cheap plastic used today. The original beads were made of glass, but the glass was considered dangerous, so began the practice of tossing out plastic beads instead.

While the beads themselves do not have a specific significance, their colors do. The colors of Mardi Gras are purple, green and gold. Purple refers to justice, green indicates faith and gold means power.

Happy Mardi Gras!