Mardi Gras Beads

Posted by Maire Loughran Feb 17, 2007

I have a very comprehensive textbook on the history of beads - but there is no mention at all in the book about the history of Mardi Gras beads or why green, purple and gold are the traditional colors.

However, I did find a very informative link explaning the history behind Mardi Gras and the symbolism behind those three colors. The three colors represent justice (purple) , faith (green) and power (gold).

The wearing of gold jewelry has been a symbol of power throughout modern history. Gold, being a precious metal, is expensive and the amount of gold worn represented the wearer's standing in the community. And is that not still true today?

If you are headed to New Orleans for Mardi Gras this week and you would like to purchase some jewelry with a purpose my recommendation is Erzulie's Authentic Voodoo located at 808 Rue Royal in the French Quarter. Erzulies does not sell Madri Gras beads - bumble into Jackson Square and I am sure you will find many street vendors selling some cheap.

Erzulies does sell beaded jewelry that is combined and blessed by voodoo practitioners for specific purposes. I was in New Orleans last month and the owner of Erzulies, Anna Parmelee, took me on a tour of her lab and I met some staff at the shop. Believe me - when they say the jewelry was blessed in a certain way or that the seven components used were purchased according to tradition in seven different stores - they mean it.

The name says it all - Erzulies Authentic Voodoo. If you happen to see Anna at Erzulie's please tell her Maire says hello.