COLORS

The three colors of Mardi Gras first appeared in 1972 on a Krewe of Rex carnival flag that had been especially designed for the visit of the Grand Duke of Russia. The colors quickly became universal.

Green stands for FAITH.

Gold stands for POWER.

Purple stands for JUSTICE.

KREWES

Krewe is a generic term for a Mardi Gras carnival organization. They consist of a king, queen, maids, and dukes. Maids are usually college co-eds and dukes usually are men in the business community. The first official Krewe to conduct a parade was the Mystic Krewe of Comus. The first parade was in 1851.

BEADS & DOUBLOONS

During the 1920s, pretty glass and ceramic beads were used, but by the 60s, plastic beads came on to the scene. Necklaces of beads have become very heavy and ornate. People no longer wanted the cheap little beads that used to be coveted.

A doubloon is a large, round aluminum coins that are thrown during a parade. They are the creation of engraver H. Alvin Sharpe, who introduced them in the 1960 to the Krewe of Rex. On one side of the coin is the Krewe name and insigna; on the other the theme of that year's parade. Common ones are silver, but the most desired ones are minted in the Mardi Gras colors. Krewes have also thrown black and wooden doubloons.