Mardi gras throws

Mardi Gras Throws are small gifts or trinkets passed out or thrown from New Orleans Mardi Gras parades to spectators lining the streets. The "gaudy plastic jewelry, toys, and other mementos (are) tossed to the crowds from parading floats". New Orleans Mardi Gras. [http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/02/0220_040220_mardigras.html “The Rich History of Mardi Gras Trinkets ”] ] "The goodies, or 'throws,' consist of necklaces of plastic beads, coins called doubloons which are stamped with krewes' logos, parade themes and the year, plus an array of plastic cups and toys such as Frisbees or figurines". New Orleans Mardi Gras. [http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/02/0220_040220_mardigras.html “The Rich History of Mardi Gras Trinkets ”] ]

Spectators have traditionally shouted to the krewe members, "Throw me something, mister!", a phrase that is iconic in New Orleans' Mardi Gras street argot. Just as iconic is a request for women to expose their breasts as an incentive to receive the best throws.Shrum, W. and J. Kilburn. [http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0037-7732(199612)75%3A2%3C423%3ARDAMGC%3E2.0.CO%3B2-2 Ritual Disrobement at Mardi Gras: Ceremonial Exchange and Moral Order] . "Social Forces", Vol. 75, No. 2. (Dec., 1996), pp. 423-458.]

Some krewes have specialty throws, for example the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club gold painted coconut New Orleans Mardi Gras. “Zulu Mardi Gras Coconut”] or the Krewe of Muses shoes and mirrors.

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