Why We Really Throw Beads at Mardi Gras

LAFAYETTE, La. (KMDL-FM) - Mardi Gras isn’t just a party, it’s a celebration full of history, culture, and traditions that stretch back hundreds of years. One of the most iconic and fun parts of Mardi Gras are of course the beads.

But why do we throw beads at Mardi Gras, and what do they really mean?

Let’s break it down.

The Tradition of Throwing Beads

Throwing beads during Mardi Gras originated in the late 1800s and early 1900s in New Orleans. Early Mardi Gras parades didn’t even include beads, it was more like royalty throwing trinkets to their “subjects.”

According to history.com, it wasn’t until the Rex Organization and other krewe groups popularized the custom that beads became a permanent part of Mardi Gras. Throwing beads was a fun way for riders to engage with the crowds, and people loved it.

READ MORE: 8 Great Ideas on What to Do With All of Those Mardi Gras Beads

Today, it’s one of the most anticipated parts of parade season.

What Mardi Gras Beads Represent

The act of tossing beads doesn’t hold deep religious meaning, it’s mainly about fun and tradition. But, the colors of the beads do have symbolic significance:

Purple - Justice
Green - Faith
Gold - Power

These meanings were assigned in the late 19th century by Mardi Gras organizers and have stuck ever since.

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Early Mardi Gras beads weren’t plastic. According to famousinreallife.com they were originally made out of glass and usually imported from Europe, particularly Czechoslovakia.

Eventually, plastic beads became the norm because they were cheaper, more durable, and easier to throw in bulk.

READ MORE: Acadiana’s Full 2026 Mardi Gras Parade Schedule

Why We Love Mardi Gras Beads

Mardi Gras beads remain a core part of the celebration. People love catching them and trading them, and float riders love throwing them. Whether you’ve collected one strand or hundreds, those bright colors are part of what makes Mardi Gras unforgettable.

Read more at history.com.