Everything You Need to Know About Mardi Gras Rings and Celebrations

The History and Significance of Mardi Gras Rings

Mardi Gras rings are a popular accessory worn by revelers during the annual Mardi Gras celebrations. Characterized by vibrant colors like purple, green, and gold, these rings pay homage to the rich history and culture of the Mardi Gras festival.

The Origins of Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras can trace its roots back to medieval Europe, when people would celebrate before the fasting season of Lent. It originated as a Christian holiday, but over time it evolved into a more secular celebration of indulgence and merriment before the period of abstinence and repentance. When French colonists settled in what is now New Orleans in the 1700s, they brought the Mardi Gras traditions with them. The first organized Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans took place in 1837.

The Significance of the Colors

The official colors of Mardi Gras are purple, green, and gold. Each color holds special meaning:

• Purple represents justice
• Green represents faith
• Gold represents power

It is thought that the colors were first established in 1892 by the Krewe of Rex, one of the oldest krewes that puts on parades and balls for Mardi Gras. The colors gave the celebration a sense of formality and nobility.

Traditions of Mardi Gras Rings

Wearing a Mardi Gras ring is a time-honored tradition during the Carnival season. The rings feature the symbolic colors of justice, faith, and power. Gaudy and oversized cocktail rings are popular choices that allow wearers to show off their Mardi Gras spirit. The rings often incorporate common symbols of the holiday, like masks, crowns, fleurs-de-lis, and beads.

Many revelers will wear a different Mardi Gras ring each day of the Carnival season leading up to Fat Tuesday. The rings are typically worn on the right hand. This leaves the left hand free for more rings or for catching beads thrown from parade floats. After Mardi Gras ends, the rings are put away until the next year's festivities.

Where to Buy Mardi Gras Rings

Mardi Gras rings can be purchased from several sources:

• Jewelry stores in New Orleans and other Mardi Gras-celebrating cities
• Online retailers that specialize in Mardi Gras merchandise
• Artisan sellers on sites like Etsy
• Pop-up shops and vendors at Mardi Gras parades and festivals

When shopping for a Mardi Gras ring, look for one that reflects your personal style. Go for bold colors and embellishments if you want to stand out in a crowd. Opt for a more understated design if you prefer something more low-key to get into the Mardi Gras spirit.

How to Wear and Care for Your Mardi Gras Ring

Mardi Gras rings are statement pieces, so let them take center stage in your Carnival outfit. Wear your ring on your dominant hand to show it off. Pair it with neutral clothing so the vibrant colors really pop. For maximum authenticity, coordinate your outfit and makeup to match the colors of your ring.

Take proper care of your Mardi Gras ring to enjoy it for years to come:

• Remove ring before showering, exercising, cleaning, etc. to prevent damage.
• Store ring in a separate jewelry box or pouch to avoid scratches.
• Use a soft toothbrush and mild soap to gently clean ring as needed.
• Avoid using harsh chemicals like bleach, ammonia, etc. that can damage the metal and stones.

With the right care and storage, a quality Mardi Gras ring will become a treasured keepsake to bring out each Carnival season.

How to Make Your Own Mardi Gras Ring

Making your own Mardi Gras ring is a fun way to create a customized Fat Tuesday accessory on a budget. With some simple jewelry supplies and creativity, you can fashion a one-of-a-kind statement piece.

Supplies Needed

Here are the basic supplies you'll need to make a Mardi Gras ring:

• Ring base (adjustable metal ring, plastic ring blank, etc.)
• Jewelry pliers
• Jewelry glue or E6000 adhesive
• Acrylic paint in Mardi Gras colors
• Paint brushes
• Rhinestones, beads, charms, etc. for embellishments

You can find these supplies at most craft stores. Make sure to get a ring base that fits your finger size. An adjustable band makes it easy to get the perfect fit.

Design and Paint the Ring

Start by planning out the design for your Mardi Gras ring. Decide which colors you want to use and where you want to place them. Keep symmetry in mind.

Once you have a design, use acrylic paint to color the ring. Paint each section completely before moving onto the next color. Allow the paint to dry fully before proceeding.

Consider adding additional textures and effects like polka dots, stripes, or glitter paint. This helps liven up plain colored sections.

Affix Embellishments

Next, decorate your painted ring with rhinestones, beads, charms, etc. You can glue these decorations into place with jewelry glue or strong adhesives like E6000. Good embellishments to consider are:

• Rhinestones or beads in Mardi Gras colors
• Mini plastic beads, coins, or masks
• Sequins, feathers, or ribbons
• Glitter enamel shapes like fleurs-de-lis or crowns

Add touches of glitter, metallic paint pens, or decals to finish it off. Have fun getting creative with the decorations!

Seal and Protect the Ring

To keep your homemade Mardi Gras ring looking vibrant, apply a sealant like Mod Podge or clear nail polish when you're done decorating it. This will protect the paint and embellishments. Consider covering the inside band with clear tape or glue strips to prevent skin irritation. Then show off your customized Fat Tuesday bling!

Throw an Epic Mardi Gras Themed Party

Want to bring the spirit of Carnival into your own home? Throw an incredible Mardi Gras themed party with these ideas:

Decorations

• Show off Mardi Gras colors with streamers, tablecloths, flowers, etc.
• Make DIY bead garlands for walls and railings
• Set up a selfie station with Mardi Gras props like masks, hats, boas, etc.
• Display balloon letters that spell "Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler" (Let the good times roll!)

Food and Drinks

• Serve New Orleans classics like jambalaya, gumbo, po' boys, and beignets
• Make festive cocktails in purple, green, and gold
• Garnish food with beads, feathers, doubloons, etc.
• Bake an iconic Mardi Gras King Cake for guests to enjoy

Music and Entertainment

• Play lively jazz, zydeco, and Dixieland music to set the mood
• Hire local musicians to perform live New Orleans-style music
• Set up fun activities like mask decorating and bead stringing
• Have a costumed fortune teller provide tarot readings for guests
• Screen a movie like "Girls Trip" that highlights Mardi Gras

With the right mix of food, music, and ambiance, you can give your guests a taste of Bourbon Street revelry. Laissez les bons temps rouler!

FAQs

What are the official colors of Mardi Gras and what do they symbolize?

The official colors of Mardi Gras are purple, green, and gold. Purple represents justice, green represents faith, and gold represents power.

When did the tradition of Mardi Gras parades start?

The first organized Mardi Gras parades with float processions started in New Orleans in 1837. Today, dozens of krewes put on elaborate parades and balls for Mardi Gras revelers.

What time of year is Mardi Gras celebrated?

Mardi Gras takes place every year in late winter, in the period leading up to Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent. The exact date changes annually but is generally between early February to early March.

Where can I buy an authentic Mardi Gras ring?

Some good places to buy authentic Mardi Gras rings are jewelry stores in New Orleans, online Mardi Gras specialty shops, artisan sellers on Etsy, and vendors at the Mardi Gras parades and festivals.

What are some fun activities to include at a Mardi Gras themed party?

Great activities for a Mardi Gras party include mask making and decorating, bead stringing, costume contests, tarot card readings, screening Mardi Gras movies, and having jazz musicians perform.