NEW ORLEANS EVENTS - Mardi Gras Lingo

You never know what you'll see at Mardi Gras. But some things never change. Many newcomers are surprised to find out just how far back some traditions go. Many date back to before the turn of the last century, and even the Civil War. But there are also new traditions coming along. Here's a quick look at the traditions, symbols and happenings that make Mardi Gras.

It wouldn't be Mardi Gras Without:

PARADES
For all of the many Mardi Gras traditions, the parades are the most public and celebrated events of Mardi Gras. More than 60 private Carnival organizations throughout the metro area field floats, marching bands and other units in parades scheduled for the last three weeks of Mardi Gras. The parades come in all shapes and sizes, each with their own distinct style and spirit. The first parade with floats and a band was staged by the Mystick Krewe of Comus in 1857.

BALLS
Traditionally, the parades were fancy processions to krewe balls for members and their guests. Many still are, but now some of the krewes invite the general public to the balls as well. Some krewes hold masquerade parties but no longer parade and other krewes never paraded. In a coronation ball, the parties present the krewe's chosen royalty to the members. Tableau balls use costumes and props to stage elaborate storytelling sequences from myth or history. In a modern addition to Carnival, several of the gay Mardi Gras krewes are known for their outrageously costumed and elaborate court and tableau presentations.

MASKING
Before there were organized krewes and parades, New Orleanians celebrated Mardi Gras by donning masks and costumes and taking to the streets. The earliest records of Mardi Gras show that masking was outlawed at various times for various political reasons in the original Louisiana colony, before it became an American territory. For many, masking on Mardi Gras Day is still the highlight of Carnival. The French Quarter fills with an amazing collage of the wildest costumes imaginable.

BALCONIES
In recent years, balconies on Bourbon Street have become higher profile vantage points as corporations have tried to associate their brands with Mardi Gras. Playboy.com and Maxim magazine have had a balcony presence on the strip since the late-90s, which has called unwanted attention to the risqué side of Mardi Gras. But all parade route and French Quarter balconies make great vantage points to watch all the costuming and parading. Reserving a hotel room with a balcony for Mardi Gras requires advanced planning and should be made this year by people who want them for next year.

COLORS
The official colors of Mardi Gras are purple, green and gold. They were selected for the initial Rex parade in 1872 but not for any stated reason. In 1892, another Rex parade designated their symbolic meanings: Green for faith ; Purple for justice; Gold for power.

KING CAKE
While it's a relatively simple coffee cake with purple, green and gold icing or sugar on top, King Cake is the semi-official food of Mardi Gras. A plastic baby is hidden inside the cake and the person who draws it is responsible for throwing the next party or buying the next cake. Traditionally, the baby meant the recipient was the king or queen of the party. The Twelfth Night Revelers introduced the custom to New Orleans Mardi Gras in 1871.

MYTHOLOGY
Most of the krewes choose figures from ancient myth for their names and symbols. Greek and Roman gods and heroes are common. You'll also find figures from ancient Egypt and Africa. Other krewes favor historical figures and literary places and characters. A few are named for the neighborhoods where they were formed.

MARDI GRAS INDIANS
Mardi Gras Indians debut their new suits on Mardi Gras Day. There are roughly 30 tribes of Indians, each representing a particular New Orleans neighborhood. The Big Chief and several other tribe members spend up to an entire year sewing feathers, glass or acrylic beads, dyed ostrich plumes and other elements into their suits. On Mardi Gras Day, the tribes march to show off the new feathers. The Indian tradition stretches back as far as the turn of the 20th century but there is no authoritative written history. The spirit of the Indians recalls the early colony of Louisiana and the kinship between escaped slaves and Native Americans. The tradition also bears many similarities to West African tribal costumes, masks and ceremonies. The Mardi Gras Indians also have their own repertoire of marching songs and several tribes have adapted their music and perform at local music clubs.