Did you celebrate Mardi Gras on Tuesday? If not come and join us for a Belated Mardi Gras celebration!
The traditional colors of Mardi Gras are Purple symbolizing justice, Green symbolizing faith and Gold symbolizing power. The accepted story behind the selection of these colors goes back to 1872 when the Russian Grand Duke Alexei Alexandrovich Romanoff was visiting. It is said that the Grand Duke came to the city in pursuit of an actress named Lydia Thompson. During his stay he was given the honor of selecting the official Mardi Gras colors which are also the colors of the House of Romanoff.
One tradition of Mardi Gras is wearing a mask. During early Mardi Gras celebrations hundreds of years ago, masks were a way for their wearers to hide their social status. Mask wearers could mingle with people of all different classes and could be whomever they desired for at least a few days. These masks could be simple eye masks or elaborate full face masks ornately designed with feathers and bright colors. Did you know that in New Orleans float riders are required by law to have a mask on? On Fat Tuesday masking is legal for all Mardi Gras attendees although many store owners will post signs asking that masks be removed before entering.
Another tradition is throwing beads. (No throwing tonight or showing anything to earn more. ;) ) During the late 1800s inexpensive necklaces made of glass beads began to be tossed into the crowds. The beads were an instant hit among the crowds of New Orleans residents and visiting Mardi Gras tourists. It is believed that a man dressed up as Santa Claus was the first person in a New Orleans parade to use the beads in his costume. Now most beads are plastic or aluminum although there is a trend towards more ecofriendly material. According to an article in the LA Times an estimated 25 million pounds of beads are thrown each year.
Meet us for an evening of Mardi Gras fun from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at the NEW
Panera Bread
28681 Telegraph Rd
Southfield, MI
There will be geocaching bingo mixer games and maybe some other games too. As usual there will also be a raffle table. Bring a donation if you can but it's not required to join in the fun.
Each attendee will receive one raffle ticket. You can earn additional tickets in several ways.
--Wear all three Mardi Gras colors of Purple, Green and Gold = one ticket
--Wear a Mardi Gras costume = one ticket
--Wear a typical Mardi Gras mask = one ticket
--Donation to the raffle table = one ticket
--Play geocaching bingo (or other event game) = one ticket
--Arrive at this event wearing Mardi Gras beads.
But most of all come to have fun!
A trackable geocoin will also be available. These are the mint sample pictures. Pictures of the actual coins will be posted when they arrive.
