New Books in Popular Culture Doug MacCash, "Mardi Gras Beads" (Louisiana UP, 2022)
Nov 17, 2025
Doug MacCash, a seasoned New Orleans arts journalist, shares insights from his book on Mardi Gras beads. He explores the fascinating history of these vibrant tokens, tracing their origins to the 1870s and discussing their evolution from glass to modern plastic. MacCash reveals quirky anecdotes, such as the strange journey of radioactive glass beads, and the geopolitical implications tied to their production. He also reflects on family traditions around Mardi Gras and the emotional resurgence of parades after the pandemic, highlighting the cultural significance of this cherished celebration.
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Early Throws Began As Promotions
- Early parade throws began as promotional giveaways like toys from a 1871 Santa Claus carriage.
- MacCash suggests such giveaways likely inspired later parade riders to toss trinkets to crowds.
Beads In The Food Chain
- Mardi Gras beads end up in storm drains and sometimes oyster beds, occasionally surfacing in restaurants.
- MacCash recounts a friend finding a Mardi Gras bead inside a raw oyster served at a restaurant.
Radioactive Glass Beads
- Pre-WWII glass beads sometimes used uranium for a pale green glow and are mildly radioactive under black light.
- MacCash collected such beads and notes they're historically quirky but safe according to online sources.
