Mardi Gras Doubloons - Throw Me Something Mister!

!±8± Mardi Gras Doubloons - Throw Me Something Mister!

In 1960, King Rex introduced the current series of Mardi Gras doubloons as a carnival throw, in New Orleans. Doubloons were used as currency in Spain and Spanish territories through the mid-1800s. The doubloon is one of the most lasting symbols of Mardi Gras. These detailed and brightly colored coins are tossed from the parade floats down to the excited crowds hollering "Throw me something Mister!"

The word "doubloon" is from the Spanish word dobla, which means, "double".  It refers to the fact that the doubloon was worth twice that of the regular Spanish gold coin. The "pieces of eight" heard in pirate tales would have been worth around 1/16 of a doubloon.

Doubloons were originally made from solid gold, which explains why they were such a sought after item for piracy. Nothing set a salty sea dog's pulse racing more, as they were obsessed with scoring a treasure chest full of golden doubloons.

Although no longer made of precious metal, that same tradition of landing a handful of doubloons has been passed down to revelers at today's Mardi Gras celebrations.

The original doubloons have been circulated in America near since the beginning of our country's history. One of the most famous is the Basher Doubloons. At an auction held in 1978, a 1787 Basher coin sold for about $ 625,000 dollars.

The present day local inventor and artist H. Alvin Sharpe designed Mardi Gras doubloons. Each doubloon displays the Krewe's emblem, name, and founding date on one side, and the theme, year of the ball and parade on the opposite side.

Between 1960 and 1970, King Rex threw 2.75 million doubloons out to the thrilled parade watchers. It was not long before the other Krewes followed in line and were tossing out coins to the gathered festival participants. 

Doubloons of real gold or silver continue to be made and offered for sale to the public. These are minted in very small quantities, which make them a valuable collectible. The newer 90s Mardi Gras doubloons are worth more because fewer of the coins exist.

In recent times, Krewes have moved into throw versions similar to doubloons: the casino-type poker chip. Every carnival lover counts on taking home dozens of doubloons to add to their collection and remember all the excitement of attending Mardi Gras.

After the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, authentic Mardi Gras doubloons grew in popularity. Since most of New Orleans was destroyed, doubloons have become a historic reminder of past Carnivals.

The resilient people of New Orleans do not plan to let the hurricane damper the spirits of their yearly Mardi Gras festivities. With every passing year, New Orleans comes alive bigger and better than the previous years. Come join in on the fun and take home a coveted bag full of gold, purple, or green doubloons as keepsakes. 

For your planned Carnival celebration, doubloons make an excellent party favor. It is just not a party unless you have treasure chests stashed with gold and silver doubloons. Mardi Gras doubloons are the annual bribe that the kings toss, that will always be the score to keep us coming back for more. 

Mardi Gras Doubloons - Throw Me Something Mister!

Good Simmons Spa Collection

Pirate Fancy Dress Costumes

!±8± Pirate Fancy Dress Costumes

Long John Silver, Captain Hook, Black Sam, Black Bart and Jack Sparrow. The adventure and romance of pirates appeals to nearly everyone. The sad truth is that many pirates ate poorly, and often lived on bananas and limes. Very few actually became fabulously wealthy and many of them died at a young age.

For as long as people have used the oceans as trade routes there have been pirates. The earliest documented instances of piracy date back to the 13th century BC.

And for as long as people have had fancy dress costume parties there have been pirates! (Although it is uncertain as to when the first documented instance was...)

If you are thinking about going to a fancy dress costume party dressed up as a pirate then you might want to consider what items of clothing are most pirate-like.

For a man the obvious possibilities would include- a black and white stripey top, a waistcoat, dark trousers/jeans with boots over the top and an eye patch. You might even go as far as a bandana but a parrot on the shoulder would probably only appeal to the brave. Don't forget about authentic looking pirate weaponry (obviously not real or you'll end up walking the plank!). Perhaps you could equip yourself with a plastic sword or musket. Behaviour at the event should be as realistic as possible with regular exclamations of 'Aaarr!' and, if it is a chilly evening, the odd 'Shiver me timbers!'

As a buccaneer a lady can become decidedly wicked and adventurous with her costume! There are a lot of pirate design costumes that are saucy and exciting. Some costumes may even include telescope, eye-patch and dagger! If you are feeling daring then you could opt for dressing as a sexy pirate wench complete with a lace up front halter dress, fishnet stockings and a sash round your middle.

For the meeker lady Renaissance Fairy peasant garb is just as acceptable. A chemise or peasant blouse with full sleeves, a bodice or corset, and under-skirt and accenting over-skirt. If she was a lady pirate, she may also be wearing a frock coat over this costume, but for sure she will also be carrying all traditional weaponry, including a (plastic) bodice dagger!

If you are organising a themed pirate fancy dress costume party then you could also make up some pirate-style games and activities for your guests. How about a treasure-hunting game?

Try drawing a map on a piece of plain paper, stain it with coffee and burn the edges for an authentic looking treasure map.

At the end of the treasure trail you could even have some appropriate booty! How about a treasure chest full of chocolates and goodies, instead of the usual boring old jewellery and sovereigns?

There are all sorts of possibilities for a really good party. Let your imagination go wild.

Whether you are dressing in pirate garb for a fancy dress costume party or you are planning a themed evening with friends you can be sure that it will great fun!

Pirate Fancy Dress Costumes

Bobeches For Chandeliers Review Crew 6 Travelpro Right Now Quoizel Tiffany Lamps Review