When you think about Mardi Gras, you don't think about some of the traditions that are a part of the celebration like Mardi Gras beads.
In fact, how many people even know the symbolism behind the beads? It takes some research for most people to understand why certain things are done and why they are traditional parts of the Mardi Gras celebration.
For over a century it has been a tradition for those in the parade to throw out beads or other trinkets to any spectator shouting the phrase, "Throw me something, mister.
" It may seem like a small symbolism to be sure, but the tradition has endured for over a century, and will likely endure for another one.
Sometimes it is not beads but trinkets or doubloons, which are coins in the size of a silver dollar.
The beads are actually plastic necklaces in different colors, shapes, and sizes that represent jewelry royalty would wear.
In addition to beads and doubloons, cups are sometimes tossed to the spectator yelling the famous phrase.
The cups bear the Krewes emblem as well as the theme for that year's celebration.
Don't think that you cannot have your own celebration because you're not having a parade in order to follow the tradition.
You can have a mini-parade or you can have a drawing or play a game with the winner becoming the recipient of the beads, doubloon, or cup.
If you don't know where to find what you need for your own Mardi Gras party, your local party store should be able to direct you.
If you don't have a party store in your area or one that carries Mardi Gras supplies, an online search will provide websites where you can find all of the supplies you need for your Mardi Gras celebration.