The party is about to get started again. What party? It’s Mardi Gras – the last big hurrah before Lent. Every year, Mardi Gras which is French for Fat Tuesday falls on a different date. In 2008, the big day is February 5th.

Mardi Gras marks the end of Carnival, a multi-day celebration that allows revelers to enjoy themselves before beginning their sacrifices for Lent. While people celebrate Mardi Gras all over the world, one of the most well-known of these parties is the one in New Orleans and that’s where the connection between the big day and beads got its start. And that’s why if you’re planning a Mardi Gras party of your own, you’d better be ready to toss out some beads to your guests.

A History Lesson on Mardi Gras Beads

Green, purple, and gold beads have come to signify Mardi Gras more than any other symbol. However, that wasn’t always the case. Here’s how it got started.

In New Orleans, different Krewes are responsible for putting together the parades. These Krewes (pronounced just like “crews”) have complete control over their event. One of those krewes, known as Rex, was the first to start tossing cheap glass bead necklaces to all of the bystanders. The beads were a huge hit and soon all of the krewes – today there are more than four dozen of these groups – began tossing beads to the crowd. Eventually, they also began throwing other items, too, but the beads have been the most notable.

Now you may also have heard that the beads can be used for bartering to get a glimpse of a woman’s bare body parts on the streets of New Orleans. This custom actually came along later. After the parades were banned from the French Quarter of the city because the streets were deemed too narrow, people gathered in the area and the intoxicated party-goers started the trading game.

Beads & Mardi Gras Party Invitations

Because beads have become so synonymous with Mardi Gras, they make a great theme for your Fat Tuesday party. Both the Colorful Beads and the Beads and Masks invitations would be perfect choices for your celebration. Remember you can now buy actual beads in most party supply stores and at many online vendors at affordable prices. They make great party favors or game prizes – you could give out necklaces for correct trivia answers then give the guest with the most necklaces a bigger prize.