"Throw Me Something Mister"

“Throw Me Something Mister” will be heard and said in Eunice beginning Sunday with the annual Children’s Mardi Gras run and parade beginning the three-day festivities.
When one says “Throw Me Something Mister” most people young and old-alike immediately thinks of Mardi Gras beads, doubloons and other colorful trinkets.
Beads and other “throws” are traditional components of Mardi Gras revelry.
As a newspaper reporter/photographer I sometimes, and more than often, get hit by ‘thrown’ Mardi Gras beads during a run and the parades. I have learned since past experiences to try to duck ...haha.
The following, courtesy of Newspaper Metro, gives the meaning and orgin behind Mardi Gras beads:
Mardi Gras beads are an enduring symbol of the carnival celebration. Revelers will wait in crowds along parade routes eager to catch the beads that are tossed down upon them.
The meaning behind Mardi Gras beads has never been entirely clear. In fact, the beads take on different meanings depending on the person.
Some people associate the beads with good luck, while others believe the “jewelry” is reminiscent of royalty who could afford lavish baubles. The less fortunate would stand on the side of roads begging for trinkets from the wealthy, and the phrase, “throw me something, mister” can still be heard during Mardi Gras celebrations.
Others view the beads as a form of currency that could buy favors from others, perhaps even a glimpse of flesh during more raucous celebrations.
Mardi Gras beads were once made of glass, but less expensive plastic beads are now used. Some Mardi Gras festivities feature large, novelty beads that tie into a particular theme.
Beads are just one of the many types of “throws” cast to partygoers during Mardi Gras.
Krewes, or carnival organizations that are part of parade planning, may also toss doubloons, money and other trinkets. Some krewes also have other events, such as private dances or parties, that may or may not feature the distribution of throws.
Krewes also are responsible for electing the king of the parade. The Rex Krewe, founded in 1872, is one of the premier krewes of the Mardi Gras celebration. Their traditional colors are purple, green and gold, which have become the official colors of Mardi Gras Carnival. Their throws, including specially struck coins like the gold Rex doubloon, are sought-after pieces.
Many of the traditions associated with Mardi Gras have ancient origins. Many of the festivities enjoyed in New Orleans, one of the more popular places to enjoy Carnival, include French customs brought by early settlers to the area.
Since Mardi Gras is the last day before the start of the Christian Lenten season, which is a time of repentance and remembrance of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice, revelers engage in a final party before the solemnity of Lent. Early celebrations and processions were impromptu, but over time Mardi Gras festivities became more orderly and were planned months in advance.
Several different traditions culminate to form the Mardi Gras celebrations enjoyed today. Parades, parties, cakes, and feasting are some of the enjoyable activities, but Mardi Gras beads remain one of the quintessential symbols of the Carnival.