Special Beads for the Season Mardi Gras Metallic Beads No mystery here - just Laissez les bons temps rouler! While Mardi Gras means many things to many people, one item that is incorporated into almost every Mardi Gras celebration is beads of every size, shape, and color. But how did this tradition come to be? And more importantly what do those beads stand for? The bead phenomena is a relatively new one considering that while the first Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans occurred in the 1830s, it wasn't until the Rex parade threw inexpensive handmade glass necklaces sometime in the 1920s that the tradition was born. Since that time the Mardi Gras bead industry has grown larger with each year and the cries of "throw me something, Mister!" that parade goers yell to catch the attention of the floats passing by gets louder along with more creative ideas to secure those precious trinkets. However, many people don't know that the traditional Mardi Gras bead color scheme: purple, green, and gold holds special meaning as well. The Purple, represents justice; the Green symbolizes faith; and the Gold exemplifies power. Though as the celebrations grow larger with each year that passes, beads and necklaces now come in every shape and color imaginable. Our Previous Contest March 2011   These beads from the March 2011 meeting have been identified. Ken Rogers, Niki Donahue, Tim Meikle and others share the bragging rights. A full list of correct identifiers will follow. CLICK HERE for more information on other mystery beads.