As I wrote in my essay on The Root, Mardi Gras is definitely "More Than Beads, Booze and Breasts [11]." Here in this photo, I've collected beads, doubloons (fake coins) and toys thrown from massive decorated floats. I did not have to flash any body parts to earn these trinkets – just a smile.
My family has been partying with the Zulu krewe for as long as I can remember. This year, the Zulu "Social Aid and Pleasure Club [15]" is celebrating its 100th anniversary. Here member Alfred Washington greets ball guests with a traditional second line dance with a decorated umbrella.
Ornate handmade regalia made to look like traditional Native-American dress is an important fixture of Mardi Gras. Legend has it that this tradition was started by slaves who dressed up as Native Americans because blacks were banned from participating in the annual festivities.
Links:
[1] http://www.theroot.com/print/6127
[2] http://www.theroot.com/printmail/6127
[3] http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/mardi-gras-noir
[4] http://www.facebook.com/share.php
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[9] http://www.google.com/bookmarks/mark?op=edit&bkmk=http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/mardi-gras-noir&title=Mardi Gras Noir
[10] http://twitter.com/share?text=| @TheRoot247: Mardi Gras Noir &url=http://wapo.st/4mimuK&counturl=http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/mardi-gras-noir
[11] http://www.theroot.com/views/more-beads-booze-and-boobs
[12] http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/fashion-week-la-michelle
[13] http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/you-got-robbed
[14] http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/post-it-new-civil-rights-stamp-collection
[15] http://www.kreweofzulu.com/
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