But first,what is confetti???

Confetti are small pieces or streamers of paper, mylar or metallic material, usually thrown at celebrations, especially parades and weddings. The origins are from the Latin confectum, with confetti the plural of Italian confetto, small sweet. Modern paper confetti trace back to symbolic rituals of tossing grains and sweets during special occasions, traditional for numerous cultures throughout history as an ancient custom dating back to pagan times, but adapted from sweets and grains to paper through the centuries. Confetti are manufactured in multiple colors, and commercially available confetti come in many different shapes. A distinction is made between confetti and glitter; glitter is smaller than confetti (pieces usually no larger than 1 mm) and is universally shiny. Most table confetti is also shiny. While they are called metallic confetti they are actually metallized PVC. Most party supply stores carry paper and metallic confetti. Confetti are commonly used at social gatherings such as parties, weddings, and Bar Mitzvahs. The simplest confetti are simply shredded paper (see ticker-tape parade), and can be made with scissors or a paper shredder. Chads punched out of scrap paper are also common. A hole punch makes small round chads, and a ticket punch makes more elaborate chads. Most pieces of paper flats will flutter as tumblewings giving long flight times.

In the early 21st century the use of confetti as a cosmetic addition to trophy presentations at sporting events became increasingly common. In this case, larger strips of paper (typically measuring 20 mm × 60 mm) in colors appropriate to the team or celebration are used. For smaller volumes of confetti, ABS or PVC "barrels" are filled and the confetti is projected via a "cannon" (a small pressure vessel) using compressed air or carbon dioxide. For larger venues or volumes of confetti, a venturi air mover powered by carbon dioxide is used to propel significantly larger volumes of confetti greater distances.

THE HISTORY OF CONFETTI!

Since the Middle Ages, in northern Italy it was common usage for it was common usage for the participants of carnival parades to throw objects at the crowd, mostly mud balls, eggs, coins or fruit. These traditions are still present in some towns in different forms, such as the "Battle of the Oranges" in Ivrea.

The throwing of objects at parades is well-documented in Milan from the 14th century. The nobles would throw candies and flowers during the parades, while dames threw eggshells filled with essences and perfumes. Lower-class people mocked the nobles by throwing rotten eggs, and battles among enemy factions or districts became common. In 1597, the city governor Juan Fernández de Velasco y Tovar imposed a ban on egg-throwing and squittaroli (spraying liquids in the street) along with other immoral behaviors. The custom disappeared for about a century, re-emerging in the 1700s in the form of thrown small candies, typically sugar-coated seeds. The seeds used were mostly coriander, a common plant in the area: the Italian name for confetti is coriandoli, from the name of the herb.

The candies were expensive, and the lower classes often used small chalk balls instead, called benis de gess (chalk candy). Those were officially defined as the only material allowed to be thrown during the parades in an edict by the Prefect of Milan in 1808, but the battles fought with them in the 1800s became too large and dangerous, with hundreds of people involved, leading to a ban of the chalk pellets. Some circumvented the ban by throwing balls of mud.

In 1875, an Italian businessman from Milan, Enrico Mangili, began selling paper confetti for use in the upcoming carnevale di Milano, the yearly parade held along the streets of the city. At that time, the province of Milan was one of the main hubs of silk manufacturing. Mangili begun collecting the small punched paper disks that were left as a byproduct from the production of the holed sheets used by the silkworm breeders as cage bedding, and selling them for profit. The new paper confetti was well received by the customers, being less harmful, cheaper and more entertaining than the alternatives, and their use quickly replaced previous customs in Milan and northern Italy.

Scientific American recorded that the throwing of paper confetti (in the form of plain shredded paper) occurred at the 1885 New Year's Eve in Paris. Paper confetti became common in all of Europe within the next two decades (unlike ticker-tape parade, which never received as wide a diffusion as they did in the U.S.).

AND NOW!!! LET'S DIVE INTO SOME DIFFERENT CONFETTI TYPES SHALL WE!!!

Rice

Rice confetti is one of the older traditions and it still has its place. It’s cheap, and it’s natural, but be aware, it may be a little hard on your skin when it is thrown.

Dried Petals

Real dried petals are proving to be a popular choice for wedding confetti, with them.You can also DIY wedding confetti petals, this can be a time-consuming process but if you have the time can save you money. The results can be just stunning too. You could vary the flower type for different colours or sized petals. being eco-friendly.

Wool Pom Poms

Wool pom poms look amazing in images. Wool pom poms are easy to make, are soft and look fab in photos. Be sure to collect up the wool pom poms after the throw so they don’t litter your outdoor space.

You can keep and use the pom poms in a future craft project too.

Glitter

Glitter confetti creates a really sparkly effect in your wedding photos. But be sure to use biodegradable and eco-friendly glitter to save any damage to the environment.

Sprinkles

Or how about using cake sprinkles? Dainty, pretty and edible, what’s not to love?

Paper Hearts

Paper confetti is perhaps the most popular choice, with biodegradable options available to buy easily. However, you can also DIY your wedding confetti pretty simply. Get a paper stamp in the shape of your choice and get crafty.

 Lavender

Lavender seeds are a beautiful confetti idea as they will smell amazing. But are also biodegradable and look stunning.

DIY Tissue Paper Confetti

The beauty of making your own confetti is being able to customize your colours and shapes. Biodegradable tissue paper is a good option and you can go wild with colour and shape.

There are also a lot of alternative confetti ideas around since the original rice confetti was born. These can be great if you don’t want confetti, but are still looking for a photographic opportunity.

Origins of Rave Culture

Rave culture emerged in the late 1980s in the UK and US, influenced by the post-punk and acid house movements. This was a time of great social and cultural change, with the rise of electronic dance music (EDM) and the decline of traditional club culture. Rave culture was characterized by underground parties and secret locations, often held in abandoned warehouses, fields, or other non-traditional venues.

The early days of rave culture were marked by a sense of rebellion and nonconformity, with participants often using coded messages and secret flyers to promote events. This air of mystery and exclusivity helped to fuel the subculture's growth and appeal.

Key Characteristics of Early Rave Culture

• Underground parties and secret locations

• Use of coded messages and secret flyers to promote events

• Rejection of mainstream culture and values

• Emphasis on self-expression and nonconformity

Music and Art in Rave Culture

Rave culture is dominated by electronic dance music (EDM) genres such as techno, trance, and drum and bass. These genres are characterized by their fast-paced rhythms, synthesized melodies, and often, a sense of euphoria or tension.

EDM Genres in Rave Culture

Genre

Characteristics

Techno

Fast-paced, repetitive rhythms, often with a minimalist aesthetic

Trance

Dreamy, atmospheric soundscapes, often with a build-up/breakdown structure

Drum and Bass

High-energy, fast-paced rhythms, often with complex drum patterns

Visual art and light shows are also integral to the rave experience. Raves often feature elaborate lighting systems, lasers, and video projections, creating an immersive and dynamic environment.

DJs and producers are celebrated for their creativity and innovation, often pushing the boundaries of what is possible with electronic music.

The Role of DJs and Producers in Rave Culture

• Create and perform original music

• Mix and blend different tracks to create a unique sound

• Use live performances to connect with the audience and create a sense of energy and excitement

Fashion and Identity in Rave Culture

Rave culture is known for its distinctive fashion styles, which reflect the subculture's values and aesthetics. Fashion is used as a form of self-expression and identity, with participants often incorporating elements such as neon clothing, glow sticks, and futuristic accessories into their outfits.

Key Fashion Elements in Rave Culture

• Neon clothing and accessories

• Glow sticks and other glow-in-the-dark items

• Futuristic and avant-garde clothing and hairstyles

• Comfortable and practical clothing for dancing

The use of fashion in rave culture is not just about aesthetics; it's also about creating a sense of community and belonging. Participants often use fashion to signal their affiliation with the subculture and to connect with others who share similar values and interests.

The Intersection of Fashion and Identity in Rave Culture

In this graph, we can see how fashion is used in rave culture to express oneself and signal one's identity, ultimately leading to a sense of community and belonging. 

Conclusion

Rave culture is a vibrant and eclectic subculture that has captivated youth worldwide with its unique blend of music, fashion, and self-expression. From its origins in the late 1980s to the present day, rave culture has continued to evolve and adapt, incorporating new sounds, styles, and technologies into its fold.

As we have seen, rave culture is characterized by its emphasis on self-expression, nonconformity, and community. Whether through music, fashion, or art, participants in rave culture are encouraged to express themselves freely and to connect with others who share similar values and interests.