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One of the Mardi Gras symbols that is found year round in New Orleans is the fleur-de-lis. It is tied to everything from the French monarchy, to football teams, and from flowers to Mardi Gras. Let’s look as the history and meaning of the fleur de lis symbol to see how it connects to New Orleans and Mardi Gras. One of the most famous symbols of Mardi Gras (and New Orleans) is the fleur de lis. You may recognize it as the symbol of the Saints, New Orleans NFL football team. Fleur de lis is a French word meaning “lily flower” and has a fascinating religious and cultural history. Louisiana's rich French Catholic history influences the symbols and traditions of Mardi Gras. What Do Bead Necklaces Mean in New Orleans? Bead necklaces in New Orleans hold significant meanings during Mardi Gras. They symbolize camaraderie, celebration, and unity, often thrown from parade floats to spectators. Different colors carry specific Used first by the Mistick Krewe of Comus in 1857, krewe is the generic term for all Carnival organizations in New Orleans. Lundi Gras. French for Fat Monday, Lundi Gras is the day before Mardi Gras. It was celebrated from 1874 to 1917 with Rex’s arrival by steamboat. Venetian masks are some of the most popular and recognizable, and it is obvious that Mardi Gras draws inspiration from them. There are even entire stores in Louisiana dedicated to masks, most notable of which being Maskarade in New Orleans. Located only a minute away from the St. Louis Cathedral, it is home to a huge selection of Mardi Gras masks. New Orleans became the epicenter of Mardi Gras celebrations in the early 18th century, showcasing a unique fusion of French, Spanish, and African influences. The festivities reflect the city’s rich cultural tapestry. Key Symbols. Several symbols capture the essence of Mardi Gras: Masks: Masks allow participants to embrace anonymity and 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 fleur-de-lis is a commonly used symbol in Mardi Gras, representing the city of New Orleans and its French heritage. It is a stylized lily or iris flower, often associated with royalty and nobility. In the context of Mardi Gras, the fleur-de-lis symbolizes the grandeur and elegance of the festival. 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. Mardi Gras History and Traditions Learn about the famed celebration's cultural roots and traditions. Mardi Gras is so much more special when you understand what you’re celebrating and what each tradition means to the generations of parade-goers who have stood on parade routes before you. 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. Every year, each Mardi Gras krewe has their own unique parade theme. In 1892 the Rex krewe’s Mardi Gras parade theme was “The Symbolism of Colors”. 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. Mardi Gras beads have become a symbol of New Orleans’ cultural identity, reflecting the city’s rich history and heritage. The tradition of throwing Mardi Gras beads has been adopted by cities and communities around the world, reflecting the city’s cultural influence and its connection to the global community. The seven symbols for Mardi Gras are king cakes, Mardi Gras masks, parades, Mardi Gras throws, the fleur de lis, Mardi Gras beads, and the official colors of Mardi Gras. Head to our Mardi Gras symbols guide for an in depth look at the history and meanings behind the symbols of Mardi Gras. 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 » Mardi Gras in New Orleans In the heart of New Orleans, where jazz notes linger and the aroma of delectable treats fills the air, King Cakes stand as symbols of joy, unity, and indulgence. These oval-shaped wonders, adorned in royal hues of purple, green, and gold, carry profound significance, symbolizing justice, growth, prosperity, and wealth Beyond the glitter and glamour, Mardi Gras offers excitement for kids, especially with activities like bead tossing and mask-making. Teens, too, find intrigue in New Orleans’ heritage and the opportunity for creative expression. Mardi Gras Symbols and Meanings for Kids Unpacking the Purple, Green, and Gold Colors This city is Mardi Gras city and it's Mardi Gras city all year 'round! Fun fact: In the late 1800s, the King of Carnival chose the Mardi Gras color scheme because they were the colors of a visiting Russian Grand Duke by the name of Alexis Alexis Alexandrovich Romanoff—quite the mouthful! Anyway, the colors do stand for something. Green is for Each Krewe spends a whole year planning their mardi gras floats and parade themes. They work hard to make sure everything is perfect. “A Krewe is more than an organization – it’s a family of celebration and tradition” – New Orleans Carnival Expert. Exploring mardi gras krewe traditions shows a world of social networking and pride Mardi Gras masks in particular originated in ritual celebrations. New Orleans has been celebrating Mardi Gras for hundreds of years, and is the largest masked party in North America. In the beginning, masks worn during Mardi Gras allowed wearers to escape society and class constraints.
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Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
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