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. The colors of Mardi Gras – purple, green, and gold, can be found as early as 1872 at a carnival organized by the company Rex for a Russian aristocrat’s arrival. Rex has held parades in New Orleans for 148 years and continues to be its most prominent parade organizer to date. 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.” The vibrant colors of purple, green, and gold are now closely associated with Mardi Gras celebrations around the globe, but they symbolize much more than just festive decorations. Their deep-rooted significance dates back to 1872 when the Rex Organization, one of the leading Carnival krewes in New Orleans, first brought them into the celebration. The colorful tradition of Mardi Gras has spread far beyond the festivities in New Orleans and wider Louisiana. Mardi Gras is now celebrated in cities across the United States and around the world – and purple, green and gold go along for the ride. Anywhere Mardi Gras is observed, the three colors dominate proceedings. Purple reigns supreme in Mardi Gras parades, adorning the elaborate costumes of krewes, the majestic floats, and the vibrant throws that rain down upon the revelers. From the regal capes of the royalty to the shimmering beads and trinkets, purple permeates every aspect of the parade experience, creating an atmosphere of grandeur and celebration. During the 1892 Rex parade, themed “the Symbolism of Colors”, the Mardi Gras colors received their meanings: purple = justice, green = faith, and gold = power. In 1893, Louisiana State University ‘s school colors changed, from blue and white, to purple and gold. The colors purple, green, and gold have become an iconic symbol of Mardi Gras celebrations across New Orleans. Though the palette was chosen originally by Rex in 1872, the traditional trio has taken on rich meaning aligned with faith, justice, and power. As Mardi Gras approaches, the streets come alive with vibrant hues of purple, green, and gold. These iconic colors aren't just a random selection; they carry a rich history deeply embedded in the traditions of this festive celebration. In this post, we'll delve into the captivating history of the Mardi Gras colors and the cultural significance they hold. Purple: Symbolism of Justice The regal The Evolution of Mardi Gras Colors. While the core meanings of purple, green, and gold have remained consistent throughout history, the way these colors are displayed and interpreted has evolved over time. In the early days of Mardi Gras, the colors were primarily associated with the costumes and floats of the krewes. About Mardi Gras Purple Color and Meaning. Mardi Gras Purple is a shade of Purple. It got its name from the Mardi Gras carnival celebrated in France on Shrove Tuesday or Fat Tuesday. Purple is one of the official colors for Mardi Gras Fat Tuesday, along with green and gold. 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. Step into the spotlight with our Mardi Gras Sequin Color Block Overalls, designed to make a bold statement at every festive celebration!Featuring vibrant purple, green, and gold sequins, these overalls bring the iconic Mardi Gras spirit to life. Green is the correct liturgical color for the weeks of Ordinary Time between Epiphany and Lent: that’s Mardi Gras season, so it fits well. Purple, then, is included for the season of penance This set of 3 Mardi Gras designs are featured in a classic color pattern of purple, green and gold. My plan is to create busted canvas art with the diamond pattern as the backdrop and the Mardi Gras mask as the feature image. If you have been wanting to jump on the busted canvas craze, join my Busted Canvas Crafts Facebook Group. It’s free During Mardi Gras, it is customary to wear purple, green, and gold. According to legend, these colors were chosen in 1892, when the Rex Parade’s theme was “Symbolism of Colors.” Why Are Mardi Gras Colors Purple And Green? The colors of Mardi Gras – purple, green, and gold – were chosen in 1892 by Rex, the King of Carnival. Understanding the Sacred Colors of Purple, Green, and Gold. The Mardi Gras colors of purple, green, and gold are more than decorations. They hold deep symbolic meanings that capture the celebration’s spirit. Walking through Carnival streets, these colors turn the scene into a living art. Each color in the Mardi Gras palette has its own meaning. There are three Mardi Gras colors to represent a flag with three colors. According to the site Mardi Gras New Orleans, when local historian Errol Flynn Laborde researched the 125th anniversary of V isit New Orleans for Mardi Gras and if you’re lucky, you’ll get tossed a strand of purple, green, or gold beads or maybe even one strand with all three and get to enjoy a slice of king cake Mardi Gras Multi-Color Shatterproof Ball Garland, 6' Includes a mixture of large glittery balls and smaller shiny balls in the iconic Mardi Gras colors Drape around your mantel, doorway, tree, table, or anywhere you want to add some holiday flair Purple, green, and gold colors are sure to blend seamlessly with your existing holiday decor Shatterproof beads are safe and easy decorating for the
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() |