Mardi Gras throws

Tree covered with Mardi Gras beads, probably thrown during a parade and landing on the tree unintentionally

Mardi Gras throws are strings of beads, doubloons, cups, and other trinkets passed out or thrown from the floats in the New Orleans Mardi Gras parades to spectators lining the streets. The "gaudy plastic jewelry, toys, and other mementos (are) tossed to the crowds from parading floats"^[1]. Mardi Gras celebrations in other Gulf Coast cities, such as Mobile and Lafyaette, have adopted the custom. "The goodies, or 'throws,' consist of necklaces of plastic beads, coins called doubloons, which are stamped with krewes' logos, parade themes and the year, plus an array of plastic cups and toys such as Frisbees or figurines".^[1]

Spectators have traditionally shouted to the krewe members, "Throw me something, mister!", a phrase that is iconic in New Orleans' Mardi Gras street argot. Just as iconic is a request for women to expose their breasts as an incentive to receive the best throws.^[2]

Some krewes have specialty throws, for example the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club hand painted coconut^[3] or the Krewe of Muses shoes and mirrors.

Notes

1. ^ ^{a b} Roach, John (February 20, 2004). "The Rich History of Mardi Gras's Cheap Trinkets". National Geographic News. http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/02/0220_040220_mardigras.html. Retrieved April 1, 2011. 
2. ^ Shrum, W. and J. Kilburn. Ritual Disrobement at Mardi Gras: Ceremonial Exchange and Moral Order. Social Forces, Vol. 75, No. 2. (December 1996), pp. 423–458.
3. ^ New Orleans Mardi Gras. "Zulu Mardi Gras Coconut"