Keywords
Mardi Gras, Culture, Costume, Maid, Queen, Identity
Abstract
Every Mardi Gras season, the city of New Orleans witnesses a timeless tradition where hundreds of women, adorned in opulent attire, are introduced to society at grand Mardi Gras balls, known as tableaus. This rich tradition has remained for two centuries; however, the existing body of literature failed to establish a consensus on the meanings and implications of the tableau. To explore this tradition, the researcher conducted six interviews with women who participated in New Orleans Mardi Gras as a maid, queen, or dressmaker. After transcribing the interviews, the researcher conveyed thematic patterns in the data. The data elucidated the intricate Mardi Gras dressmaking tradition, its nuances across different krewes, and its influence on the social identity of the women. Beyond the external transformation, the Mardi Gras costuming experience resonated deeply with the six participants. Additionally, the maids and queens expressed that these costumes, coupled with traditional Mardi Gras practices, transformed their identity.
Recommended Citation
Falgoust, C., & Hubert, S. (2024). A Photo-Elicitation of the New Orleans Mardi Gras Costume Tradition and an Exploration of Its Impact on the Identity of Participants. Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences, 25(1). Retrieved from https://scholarworks.uark.edu/discoverymag/vol25/iss1/8