History of Vintage Mardi Gras Beads – "Fat Tuesday" During Mardi Gras in the 1920's and 30's, it is said that the Krewe of Rex began the tradition of throws by tossing inexpensive necklaces of glass beads down to the screaming crowds. These beads were from Czechoslovia and later Japan. Many beads did not survive the throw but were often snatched from the ground by parade revelers after (and sometimes during) the parade, often risking serious injury to their hands. Beads were then re-strung and are still being re-strung today.  I include these re-strings in the collection as "the bits and pieces of the great parades", as well as the ones that made the throw to the catch! Due to cost, liability, and political change, the custom of throwing glass beads was discontinued and replaced with beads of plastic and metal. Some beads offered on this site still have the original paper tags attached to the beads - good catch. Let's bring back the "Old Glass Beads!"

Through many hours of research, the history of how Czech beads came into play in the great parades is difficult at best and shrouded in political obscurity. It is my conclusion that the beads featured on this site were Mardi Gras specific. It is a known fact that the Czechs (Czechoslovakia being founded in 1917) were famous for their beads and I also conclude that somewhere along the road, someone(s) (krewe of Rex?) contracted with the glass factories or importers to manufacture beads that could be handed out to the revelers, yet inexpensive to craft. Many of the strands were strung in the homes of beaders. The Czechs were renowned for their molds of funky shapes and color - very flamboyant in design . Sadly, in 1939 upon Nazi occupation these wonderful beads all but disappeared, thus my conclusion that these beads were made during the 20's and 30's. Most factories (along with glass and molds) were abandoned by the owners who fled the country (the ones who could) seeking asylum to escape from the Third Reich - a machine so evil it took many lives to turn it off; a tragedy for most Europeans and Americans who were forced to endure. Upon the end of the war, the Soviet occupation took over the factories, producing utilitarian goods. Objects of art were no longer manufactured or crafted. Currently, the original molds are being rediscovered and repaired to bring back days gone by of the celebration of glass. One last word, I highly recommend that your beads be checked for wear on the string and re-strung if necessary, using a beading thread strong enough for glass beads. Like all strung beads (including pearls) the string can break down over time. I will be offering these beads that I will restring however this will increase the price. That said, enjoy - and if you are attending the Mardi Gras, wear your beads - you will be surprised at the comments.

Just some magic for the Soul.... I just finished shooting 100 or so pictures of "The Beads" and as I downloaded my camera into my photo software, I decided to run a slide show with Loreena McKennitt singing "Snow" for background ambience. Upon viewing and listening, a total array of pictures washed over me, and not the ones in which I was viewing. It was as though the hands stringing theses beads were my very own. And, the anticipation and uncertainty of the winds of war was so overwhelming, but I just kept stringing the beads. The colors, sparkles and feel of the shapes imposed a inner calm before the storm and instilled hope to my soul. These beads are truly magical - I sense the many hands and the spirit of these proud peoples from the depths of Czechoslovakia to the screams of revelers at the great parades in the French Quarter of New Orleans...

Links

About Czech Glass Bead History, Designers, and Manufacturers
The following sites offer information on the history of the old Czech glass factories, designers and craftspeople.

Bohemica.com - Essays and Translations
A brief overview of Czechs and Slovaks in Louisiana

Mardi Gras History 101
A brief history of Mardi Gras and links to other Mardi Gras Sites.

Restringing Your Beads
The following sites offer advice and instruction in restringing your Mardi Gras (or other) beads.

How To Retring Beads
A "Home and Garden" instruction on stringing beads.