The Truth About the Purple, Green, and Gold of Mardi Gras. Apparently, most of New Orleans is wrong about the origin of Mardi Gras colors. Yes, they’re purple, green and gold. And in 1892, the Rex parade theme "Symbolism of Colors" gave meaning to these colors. Purple Represents Justice. Green Represents Faith. Gold Represents Power. Learn the origins and symbolism of the three colors that represent Mardi Gras, the carnival in New Orleans. Purple stands for justice, green for faith, and gold for power, according to heraldry. What do the Mardi Gras colors mean? LiliGraphie/Getty Images. The Mardi Gras colors weren’t given an official meaning until 1892, when the Rex parade had the theme “Symbolism of Colors.” Learn how purple, green and gold became the official colors of Mardi Gras and what they represent. Discover how they are used in costumes, floats, throws, king cakes and more. Choosing purple, green and gold as the colors of Mardi Gras would mean their flag would contain three colors that were unlikely to be seen in other flags, making it more recognizable. The colors of Mardi Gras meaning. While the Mardi Gras colors were chosen in 1872, it wasn’t until 1892 that they were each assigned their meanings. The Enduring Legacy of Mardi Gras Colors. The iconic colors of Mardi Gras have transcended their original meanings to become a symbol of joy, celebration, and cultural heritage. They evoke a sense of history, tradition, and the enduring spirit of this beloved festival. The Origins of Mardi Gras Colors. The history of Mardi Gras colors dates back to the 17th century, when the French and Spanish monarchies ruled over the Americas. During this time, the colors of the French and Spanish royal families became synonymous with the Mardi Gras celebrations. The French monarchy, in particular, played a significant role The colors have become so intertwined with Mardi Gras that their mere presence can evoke the spirit of the celebration, even in places far from New Orleans. Cultural Evolution and Global Influence. The impact of these Mardi Gras colors has spread well beyond their initial purpose, inspiring artists, designers, and cultural festivities globally. The colors have also taken on a deeper meaning, symbolizing the values and ideals that Mardi Gras represents. In New Orleans, the birthplace of Mardi Gras in the United States, the colors are an integral part of the city’s cultural heritage. To find out how these colors were chosen and why I went directly to the source Mardi Gras New Orleans.. Official Mardi Gras Colors Meaning. Rex, the King of Carnival, selected the Mardi Gras colors in 1872 to honor the visiting Russian Grand Duke Alexis Alexandrovich Romanoff, whose house colors were purple, green and gold. The Mardi Gras Indians symbolize a unique connection between African and Indigenous heritage in the Crescent City. During the Mardi Gras parade in 1872, the krewe of Rex assigned Mardi Gras its colors. Twenty years later in 1892, the Rex krewe threw a parade called “the Symbolism of Colors”. It was then that the Rex krewe gave the colors of Mardi Gras their own individual meanings, as they relate to Mardi Gras. “The colors tell a story deeper than mere decoration – they are the visual language of Mardi Gras.” The colors’ meaning goes beyond looks. Krewes pick costumes, floats, and decorations with these colors in mind. You’ll see purple, green, and gold in masks and parade designs, creating a visual story of New Orleans’ favorite celebration. Conclusion. The Mardi Gras colors of purple, green, and gold are an integral part of the celebration’s tradition and culture. They are used to represent the three virtues of faith, justice, and charity, and are often worn as a symbol of one’s devotion and commitment to their faith. Coming from Mardi Gras’ Catholic ties to Lent, I was thinking there is a mix of liturgical colors, royal insignia, and that sort of thing. Turns out, even the best historians are unsure. 2. Mardi Gras' Purple, Green, And Gold Colors Have Special Meaning. On Fat Tuesday, there are displays of purple, green, and gold in every direction you look. What's the story behind this trio of colors, though? Like most things Mardi Gras, the tradition has historic roots. What do Traditional Mardi Gras Colors Mean? The traditional Mardi Gras colors are purple, green, and gold. Green represents faith, purple represents justice, and gold symbolizes power. This color scheme is thought to be borrowed from one of the oldest New Orleans krewes, or social clubs, Rex Krewe. This order reinforces Rex’s goal of establishing the deeper meaning of Mardi Gras. The colors serve as a message to celebrate joyfully but not lose sight of faith and sacrifice during the Carnival season. Exceptions to the Color Order. Most New Orleans Mardi Gras krewes follow Rex’s purple, green, gold color order. The Mardi Gras colors have also become a symbol of the city of New Orleans, representing its rich cultural heritage and vibrant spirit. The Symbolism of Mardi Gras Colors The Symbolism of Mardi Gras Colors. The Mardi Gras colors of purple, green, and gold have a rich symbolism that goes beyond their historical and cultural significance.
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