Get Your M&MS Right Here!

Saturday night belonged to the letter "M" when it came to parades. First up was the Maids of Mirth (MOM's). Typically the ladies and queen of the Mardi Gras Court are plucked from the garden of this society, which consists of Mobile aristocracy, or bluebloods.  I have searched endlessly and still cannot locate their emblem, even though they held their 61st parade Saturday.  Their theme this year is "Pardon My French." The Budweister Clydesdales also were part of their parade.  An interesting factoid did emerge from my research: the MOM's were the first to throw moonpies, way back in 1974! That is a subject for another entry, however.

Following the MOM's was the Butterfly Maidens, which was founded in 2000 and paraded for the first time in 2002. Their theme this year was "Butterflies Under the Big Top."

Last but not least, the Krewe of Marry Mates took to the street. This society is composed entirely of married couples, the only one of its kind, and paraded for their 17th consecutive year. The theme this year was "Movie Night with the Mates."

Mobile Mystics

A relative newcomer to parading, the Mobile Mystics was founded in 1993. Their first parade was held in 1995. They parade during the day, which makes for a more family-oriented feeling.   This year's parade theme was The Wild, Wild West. 

Inca Dinka Doo!

The Order of Incas, founded in 1956, paraded last Friday night. It was first founded as a non-parading society. In its early years it supported the Joe Cain procession but in 1974 it began holding its own annual parade. This society's parade is one of the most anticipated each Mardi Gras season. The maskers are known for their unbridled enthusiasm and generosity as they pelt the parade-watchers with candy, trinkets, beads, and other goodies.

It takes its name from the Peruvian Inca Indians.  The king of the organization is called the "Mighty Inca." The society's officers are dressed in costumes depicting ancient Inca Indian warriors. They ride along with their 'king' to protect him, with the emblem float depicting an Incan Indian temple of stone.

Be Sure to Dot Your "I's"!

Once again, rainy weather caused yet another parade to be delayed. The Order of the Polka Dots, a ladies mystic society, had to postpone their parade from last Thursday night to Friday.

The Polka Dots were founded in 1949. My mother belonged to this society when I was a little girl. The history of their emblem is interesting. It depicts a Hungarian gypsy queen. The emblem masker rides in a chariot pulled by Pegasus, the mythological winged horse. Nine board members of the society dress in costumes of the Greek muses, protectors of their Queen. They ride on the second float.  There are usually fourteen floats in the Polka Dots parade and they usually follow magical, adventurous themes.

Mystic Pharoahs and Conde Cavaliers Parades

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6v-HcTn5HM&feature=player_embedded#

Due to rain last Friday, the Conde Cavaliers paraded along with the Mystic Pharoahs and Conde Explorers last Saturday night.  Standing out in the freezing cold for three parades must have been quite an experience.

The video link above is a time lapse of the back-to-back-to-back parades.  Unless you have seen a parade in person, you can't really imagine how colorful the floats are, especially at night.

Mardi Gras Floats Are Floating (literally)!

This has got to be one of the rainiest Mardi Gras seasons I can remember in many years. I've lost track of the parades that have been rained out and/or rescheduled.  Plus it's darn cold!!!!!

I think the history of Mardi Gras mystic societies is interesting. Although I don't belong to one (too expensive) it's fascinating to me how some folks get caught up in the pageantry and partying (especially partying). After all, it's the one time of the year when it is acceptable to be drunk in public!  Mardi Gras is a big money-maker for Mobile, so I don't begrudge people who enjoy this kind of thing.  I went to every parade that I could cajole my parents into taking me to when I was a kid. My own children marched in parades since they were in the marching band of Murphy High School. 

Who dat? Who dat? Who dat say gonna beat dem Saints?

The "who dat" phrase has been around for years. The exact origin of the phrase is muddled. Some say that Southern University used the phrase first, but during the l980's the Saints took it as their rallying cry and Saints fans proudly proclaim to be members of the "Who Dat Nation."

The phrase may just possibly have its roots as far back as the late 1800's. It was apparently used in minstrel shows and vaudeville acts, and may have worked its way into the lingo of jazz musicians.  In any event, it is now a permament part of the vernacular of those who are loyal Saints fans.

And yes, the Saints did win the Super Bowl last night!