Today is

By: Ikedi Ani-okoye.

Mardi Gras beads

No matter where you go in the world, you can find Mardi Gras beads keeping the time-honored Mardi Gras tradition alive. In fact, the beads have become a type of international symbol representing not only New Orleans and Mardi Gras, but the free-for-all, devil-may-care attitude that is associated with Carnival in New Orleans. These days, the beads come in all the standard colors. There are even chrome reflective and glow-in-the-dark green Mardi Gras beads to be found on parade floats and at parties around the world.

Beads in Africa

The last week of October is Beads Weekin Ghana in West Africa. Exporting beads has become a major source of income for many in poverty stricken areas of Africa, besides being a major source of cultural exchange between Ghana and Italy.

Ghana and Italy have long been linked in history. As early as the 15th century, makers of glass beads began shipping their products to Ghana in Western Africa. The beads were important for increasing the status of Chiefs and Queens and were used in ceremonies that marked rites of passage.

Glass bead making

Glass making and glass bead making within the Czech Republic is dated back as far as the early bronze age, when the region was settled by Celts who possessed the skills of glass-making and enameling. Not only were the Celts involved in bead making and glass making, but so were the Monks in Benedictine monasteries.

Beads history

The art of beading has been around nearly as long as humans have been. From the moment an ancient human found a shell or stone with a natural perforation and strung it on a piece of vine to wear around their neck, beading has been popular in one form or another. Whether those objects were worn as a religious symbol, for personal adornment or to permeate them with special powers doesn't matter. Bead stringing is the first form of beading and it persists to today.

CONCLUSION

Glass beads present an artistic spectrum of beauty with value. They come in vibrant colors, shape and finishes, and add a magical touch to the product. There are different types of glass beads like Czech glass beads, handmade dichroic glass, Millefiori, lamp work beads and even bumpy glass beads. They are available in different colors and sizes which artisans pick up to complete their canvas.