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 shape the Mardi Gras carnival in New Orleans: purple, green, and gold. Discover how these colors represent justice, faith, and power in heraldry and culture. Theory 2: New Orleans Family Ties . According to New Orleans legend, the Mardi Gras colors were first established in 1892 by the Rex Organization, whose members chose the purple, green and gold theme based on their personal ties to Russian nobility. Purple, green and gold were the heraldic colors of the Romanoff dynasty, the royal house of Russia. 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 The colors traditionally associated with Mardi Gras in New Orleans are purple, green, and gold. The colors were first specified in proclamations by the Rex organization during the lead-up to their inaugural parade in 1872, suggesting that balconies be draped in banners of these 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. Some say the Mardi Gras colors were inspired from the colors of the house of the grand duke. Errol Laborde, editor of the New Orleans Magazine, wrote a different explanation in his book called Marched the Day God: A History of the Rex Organization (affiliate link). Mardi Gras Colors. In 1872, Rex, the king of Carnival, proclaimed the official colors of Mardi Gras to be purple, green and gold. While Arthur Hardy believes they were probably chosen simply because they looked good together, Rex assigned a meaning to the colors in his 1892 parade titled Symbolism of Colors: Purple represents justice, green stands for faith, and gold signifies power. 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. Whether in New Orleans, Rio, or elsewhere, the colors of Mardi Gras are a symbol of community, creativity, and excess, reflecting the joy and revelry of this beloved celebration. Recap: Key Points. The colors of Mardi Gras – purple, green, and gold – have their roots in the French tradition of using colors to symbolize the Christian faith. 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. Big Chief Demond Melancon wears his Red Cloud suit amongst other members of Mardi Gras Indian tribes [+] during Mardi Gras 2014. In February 2021, the usual bustle of New Orleans’ Canal Founded in 1933, the Krewe of Mid-City is the 5th-oldest continuously parading organization of the New Orleans Mardi Gras season. Often called "The best day parade in Mardi Gras," Mid-City has gained a reputation for having themes dedicated to children and for having some of the best bands in Mardi read more » 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. The official colors of Mardi Gras are purple, green, and gold. Purple represents justice, green stands for faith, and gold symbolizes power. Mardi Gras Around the World. While New Orleans is synonymous with Mardi Gras, this celebration is observed in various forms across the globe. Each location adds its own unique twist to the festivities. Mardi Gras in New Orleans Came from a Secret Society. Mardi Gras krewes, has been participating in parades since 1872 and established purple, gold and green as the iconic Mardi Gras colors. Most locals refer to Mardi Gras as the final two weekends of the celebration, when most of the parades and events take place. When to Visit for Mardi Gras in New Orleans. You can visit any time during Carnival (between January 6th and March 4th, 2025) to experience parades and festivities. The throwing of trinkets to the crowds was started in the early 1870s by the Twelfth Night Revelers, and is a time-honored expectation for young and old alike. Read more. Mardi Gras Doubloon Learn more about this iconic parade throw. What makes New Orleans Mardi Gras parades unique from— and much more fun than—parades across the country is simple: active crowd participation. Carnival royalty, the queens and kings of Mardi Gras, are a uniting factor of every krewe. Some are New Orleans natives, others are celebrities from afar, but all bring the pomp and circumstance to an otherwise informal time. There’s typically a toast with the Mayor of New Orleans, a key to the city presented, and lots of scepter waiving
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