At first, much of the celebration had been chaotic and violent, evoking more fear than joy, but when the Comos Organization was established in 1857, they gave the celebration sense of safety and beauty. They were able to do so as the six original members had been former cowbellions, men who had organized New Year's Parades, along with the floats and ball associated with the New Year's celebration. Because of their experience, the Comos Organization was successfully able to change the attitude surrounding Mardi Gras from suspicion to joy.
The parades became increasing larger after the Grand Duke Alexis Alexandrovitch Romanoff of Russia visited New Orleans in 1872, during which the official Mardi Gras colors were established, as green, purple and gold were the Romanoff Family colors, and the tradition of having Kings and Queens began in order to greet the Grand Duke.
The tradition of starting each parade with a King and Queen, along with their "royal" party and Krewe members was typically reserved for the upper class, those with power and money and associated with or members of exclusive groups. This has changed as anyone who can pay the fee and other costs can typically ride on the floats, although there is still a hint of exclusivity. Some "super" parades, such as Endymion and Muses, have positions passed down through families or through personal relations with past krewe members, although members must still pay about $1,800 per parade, which includes throws, dues and fees. Members though, cannot be chosen based off of religion, race, sexual orientation or gender, as stated by the 1991 Discriminatory Rule, which also states that all floats and parades must have parade permits and public licenses.
Around the late 19th century (turn of the century) krewe members started throwing beads off the floats, typically in Mardi Gras colors, although it was't until the late 20th century, around the 1990s that krewe members began to throw goods other than beads, such as stuffed animals and LED gadgets.
The Mardi Gras celebration embraced another change around the 1940s and World War II when despair and sorrow hung in the air. The parades and celebrations were a way for the people to forget about the misery regarding the war and its aftermath and instead enjoy life and celebrate . Many celebrities and public figures began to appear in floats around this time as well, such as Louis Armstrong who was the King of the Zulu parade in 1949, further adding popularity and national interest in Mardi Gras celebrations.
After World War II the parades became a way for people to relax, celebrate and enjoy life, which is the feeling it has maintained to this day. People view Mardi Gras season as a way to recharge, be merry and forget about stress, problems and anxiety in their lives momentarily.
I find it funny that the colors came from the fact that they were the Romanoff family colors. Also there's definitly some exclusivity regarding positions in Krewes. My parents are part of the Krewe of Hermes and they once told me to become a king or queen you almost have to be born into the right family.
ReplyDeleteIberville is very popular in the history of New Orleans, but what I did not know is that he is responsible for the whole thing. It is interesting that he brought French tradition over and it stopped when Spanish ruled. I guess that is why the French king cake is as good as ours, because they have been celebrating Mardi Gras before us. Also, I did not no where we came up with the King and Queen idea. That was some interesting to learn about. The videos were awesome!
ReplyDeleteI didn't do much for Mardi Gras this year, the weather was horrible. I was really looking forward to it, and was a little bummed out I missed all the festivities, but I can't really say I love Mardi Gras, the people get too crazy, and when I go out, I make sure to watch out for shootings because that happens a lot during that time of year.
ReplyDeleteMardi Gras fell really late this year. There were way too many people out there. So many people from other states were on Spring Break during the same week. The streets were totally packed.
ReplyDeleteIt's always interesting to read about the History of Mardi Gras. I really just think its cool that in the US, only New Orleans really has a Mardi Gras celebration. Durng Mardi Gras, I just thought it was awesome to go online and see all sorts of stuff about that carnival season and see pictures from New Orleans included. It really is a lot more worldwide than I knew.
ReplyDeleteI find it really fascinating how parades cannot choose their members based on race, gender, or religion, considering how a large portion of the bigger parades have a specific focus on certain demographics. For example, Zulu prominently celebrates African American culture and has even started many social organizations and charities for the African American community, and Muses is focused on the celebration of women and being proud of your gender. However, you do not have to be black or a women to celebrate in the parade. I just think that's really cool.
ReplyDeleteI really liked this post. It is really cool to learn about the royalty of Mardi Gras. I had a friend who was queen of the Metairie Krewe of Argus last year. It was such a huge deal. A small group of us were fortunate enough to come to a lot of the events such as teas and brunches with the royal family, banquettes and of course the ball itself.
ReplyDeleteI think this post was extremely informative. I definitely think there is a lot of misconceptions about Mardi Gras as a whole and I am really glad I got to experience it first hand this year. The festivities were extravagant and I was at times overwhelmed simply by the amount of people in the streets.I think it is worth while to understand the traditions behind the parades and festivities in order to more fully appreciate celebrating them.
ReplyDeleteI never Mardi Gras was such a big deal back then. Mardi Gras is one of the most amazing holidays ever. I hope they can keep the tradition alive and make it better and better every year.
ReplyDeleteI find it interesting that in the beginning, Mardi Gras was "chaotic and violent, evoking more fear than joy" because that was how I always pictured Mardi Gras in New Orleans to be. I always imagined that being in New Orleans for Mardi Gras was a chaotic, unsafe, and out of control couple of days. Also, I thought that Mardi Gras was only one day (Fat Tuesday). After being here in New Orleans for the entire Mardi Gras experience, however, I realized how much fun the entire week of Mardi Gras is. The parades were very fun and there were children everywhere, which I never ever would have thought before coming here. I think that the evolution of Mardi Gras from the unorganized chaos to the extravagent, glamorous Krewes and parades they are today helps give it more credit as a historical and important time of the year in New Orleans.
ReplyDeleteThis post taught me a lot, not being from here I held the same stereotypes that Stephen Colbert had. After experiencing it first hand and reading this post I have a greater appreciation for it and it's history. I had always thought the colors of mardi gras had something to do with the Catholic church, little did I know it involves the visiting of the Romanoff family in 1872. Their family colors were purple, gold and green and those are still the mardi gras colors used today.
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