Anyone who has traveled to New Orleans knows of its rich history and heritage.  Heck, even if you haven’t visited NOLA, you probably have heard and seen a lot about it.  New Orleans is well known for unique food (creole), music (jazz) festivals and parades (Mardi Gras and many others).

In one of my more recent trips to the city this past April, I noticed the beaded necklaces. It seemed to be an important part of a visit to New Orleans to be walking the crowded streets with several necklaces around your neck and a drink in your hand.  Did I want beads?  Did I need beads? How do I get them?  Well I did a little bit of research over coffee and beignets at Café Du Monde.

Here’s what I learned about the tradition of “earning” beads:            

During Mardi Gras and other parades, social groups (called Krewes) ride the parade route in very large, decorated floats.  Most of the floats are 2-tiered, 16 to 18’ tall, and about 50 feet long.  The Krewes on the floats throw candy, beads and trinkets to parade spectators.  Beaded necklaces are by far the most frequent item thrown from a float.  Catching a thrown item symbolizes good luck and joy!

Here are the best ways to “earn” beads:

1. Make eye contact with a Krewe member and say politely, “Throw me something mister” or “Throw me something lady” Most likely you will have to SCREAM politely…the music blasting from the floats is extremely LOUD!
2. Bring a child – children are favored for throws from Krewe members.
3. Buy them at a store – No parade? No problem.  All the local stores have loads of beads for sale.

I discovered another way:

If you look up into the trees, you will see many beads growing at their source.  Most are ripe and ready to pick and just a little bit of effort will bring rich rewards.  If you don’t believe me, look at the close-up of the tree in the photo. You might have to zoom in, but you should be able to see the beads growing on the tree.  You will need a ladder or a very tall friend, but the beads are there, they are organic and they are free!  Getting them this way will still bring you joy and good luck, as long as you don’t fall off the ladder!

That is how you “earn” beads .

For those of you “Naughty Nellies” that thought I was going to tell you another way to acquire beads…   I’ll have you know that it is mostly frowned upon (and still illegal) to “flash” for them.