Mardi Gras Jewelry
19 02 2006
This week, many states across the southern United States are celebrating Mardi Gras, most notably New Orleans, where, though still reeling from Hurricane Katrina, the city’s Mardi Gras celebrations are still going strong.
The Mardi Gras tradition was first brought to the United States in 1699 by the French explorers who settled New Orleans. Mardi Gras, which means “Fat Tuesday,” is celebrated 47 days before Easter Sunday. Although this year the actual date of Mardi Gras falls on Tuesday, February 28th, Mardi Gras celebrations will last for days and include parades, drinking and the distribution of Mardi Gras beads, in the traditional Mardi Gras colors of purple, green and gold.
These colors were chosen in 1872 by King Rex, the King of the Carnival (an invented title given to a member of the Mystick Krewe of Comus, a secret society which for years organized New Orleans’ Mardi Gras ceremonies). Purple is said to represent justice, green, faith and gold, power.
Though I am not traveling to New Orleans myself, nor do I collect Mardi Gras beads, I would like to highlight these lovely pearl necklaces and bracelets, which though lovely for year round, brought to mind the Mardi Gras celebrations, as they looked to me like elegant versions of the traditional Mardi Gras beads. (But don’t give these out to strangers. They are too precious to give away, except to someone you love).
This beautiful freshwater cultured pearl necklace makes for an elegant addition to both a business suit and dinner atire, while this delicate necklace and bracelet set is perfect for Easter dinners (47 days after Mardi Gras, so we may as well start planning now) and June weddings.
My final choice for the day is this black, gray and peach cultured pearl necklace which almost looks like it contains the Mardi Gras colors. But remember, this is pearl not plastic and should be worn accordingly!
