Rex has been the King of Carnival since 1872 and gave Mardi Gras its color theme of purple, green, and gold. Purple symbolizes justice, green stands for faith, and gold exemplifies power.
Mardi Gras beads didn't come into the picture until the 1920's when Rex float riders began throwing inexpensive handmade glass necklaces to revelers. A tradition was born. Beads have gotten more elaborate over time and come in all colors of the rainbow. It's not uncommon forKrewe members to spend from $800.00 to $2,500.00 on bead throws. The most popular length being 33" long.
When I was a kid, Mardi Gras trinkets were made in Japan and considered to be junk. Now, of course, they are manufactured by the Chinese and are still considered junk. Funny thing is, the factory workers are under the impression that these necklaces are valuable and sold in jewelry stores in the U.S. "The owners of the factory have asked me numerous times not to tell the workers that we throw their things into the street," says Dan Kelly, owner of Beads by the Dozen, and a major supplier of Mardi Gras throws. Evidentily, knowledge of this would hurt the workers feelings.
Our sun-room is decorated with beads and the King Cake is baked. Laissez les bons temps rouler!
