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. 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 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. The city’s famous Mardi Gras parades, such as the Rex and Zulu parades, feature elaborate floats and costumes in the traditional colors. The colors are also used in the city’s architecture, with many buildings and landmarks featuring purple, green, and gold accents. We’ll look at the origins of how these colors came to represent Mardi Gras in New Orleans and the roles they play in the parades, costumes, and celebrations. Understanding the background of the Mardi Gras colors provides a deeper appreciation for the rich culture and customs around this world-famous carnival. A key part of the visual identity of Mardi Gras are the traditional colors of purple, green and gold that are found everywhere during the celebrations. The Meaning Behind the Colors. The three official colors of Mardi Gras each have their own significance: Purple represents justice. Green represents faith. Gold represents power. The first ball was held in 1857 by the Mistick Krewe of Comus. Comus hosted the first parade, followed by Rex in 1872, which debuted the king of Mardi Gras. The Rex parade gave Mardi Gras the official colors of purple to represent justice, green to represent faith, and gold to represent power. The three colors were to represent the “king.” 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. Each color has a specific meaning, and understanding their importance is crucial to appreciating the true essence of Mardi Gras. The Colors of Mardi Gras. The traditional colors of Mardi Gras are purple, green, and gold. These colors are often displayed in the form of elaborate floats, costumes, and decorations, and are an essential part of the This association with royalty continued to resonate throughout the years, solidifying purple’s place as a cornerstone of Mardi Gras tradition. Purple in Mardi Gras Parades. 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. What's the story behind this trio of colors, though? Like most things Mardi Gras, the tradition has historic roots. The Rex organization in New Orleans first proclaimed purple, green, and gold the official Mardi Gras parade colors in 1872, according to Mardi Gras New Orleans. In 1892, the organization declared that purple represents justice Mardi Gras is a colorful mix of cultural experiences that unite people in amazing ways. It happens in New Orleans and other Gulf Coast cities. These activities make memories that last a lifetime for everyone involved. Traditional Parade Customs. Mardi gras parades are the core of the carnival. They feature floats with detailed designs moving Click on the Mardi Gras krewes below for further information about the krewe and to see their usual route for each parade. Please note: Events and activities are subject to change without notice. Stay tuned to the site for further info. Prefect Party Favors : Our Mardi Gras Bead Necklaces makes great accessories for Mardi Gras costumes and Parades. Ideal For Mardi Gras Party Favors, St Patricks Day Dressing up Costume, Irish Party Favor, Carnival Dress-ups, Party Dress-up, Mardi Gras Bulk Parade Throws, Halloween Parties, Party Decorations and Party Supplies. High quality and As the Rex Organization chose the Mardi Gras colors before the parade was visited by Russian royalty, it makes sense that a royal color was selected to honor this guest. The name Rex literally translates from latin to mean “king”. Carriers with lit flambeaux on Napoleon Avenue, just before the start of a parade, 2007. One of the many Mardi Gras throws which krewes fling into the crowds, doubloons are large coins, either wood or metal, made in Mardi Gras colors. Artist H. Alvin Sharpe created the modern doubloon for The School of Design (the actual name of the Rex The first Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans was in 1837. But Mardi Gras parade floats didn’t appear in parades until 1857 when the Mystic Krewe of Comus debuted the first parade float. Since 1857, the Mardi Gras parades have only been cancelled 14 times due mostly to wars and pandemics. Not even Hurricane Katrina could cancel the Mardi Gras Rex, one of the oldest Mardi Gras krewes, has been participating in parades since 1872 and established purple, gold and green as the iconic Mardi Gras colors. Louisiana is the only state in which Perfect for Mardi Gras flapper costume, Just tie a knot in the bottom and you are ready to go. SUPER VALUE, Includes 72 Party Pack Metallic Multi Colors. One size fits all. 72 NECKLACES, 33 inch 7mm Metallic Multi Colors, Mardi Gras Beads, Beaded Necklace; These 33" LONG, beaded necklaces come in a party pack of 72 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.
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