BONUS: According to legend, Mardi Gras colors influenced the choice of school colors for archrivals Louisiana State University and Tulane University. They say when LSU was deciding on its colors, the shops in New Orleans had stocked up on purple, green, and gold for the Mardi Gras season. LSU decided upon purple and gold, and bought much of it This Is Why Traffic Lights Are Red, Yellow and Green. Why Are the Mardi Gras Colors Purple, Gold and Green? nambitomo/Getty Images. By Sheryl Nance-Nash. Updated on Jan. 09, 2025. But have you ever wondered why the colors of Mardi Gras are so significant? The answer lies in the rich history and symbolism behind the iconic colors of purple, green, and gold. From the moment the first Mardi Gras parade rolled through the streets of New Orleans in 1837, the colors of the celebration have been a defining feature. 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. Mardi Gras is a huge annual celebration that takes place in New Orleans and other parts of the Gulf Coast. It is a carnival that involves parades, parties, and festivities leading up to the Christian fasting season of Lent. Two colors that are iconic for Mardi Gras are purple, green, and gold. Whatever the exact impetus was, Rex’s color choices proved visionary. The combination of purple, green, and gold perfectly captured the spirit of Mardi Gras and lent the celebration an air of dignity, nobility, and regality. When other Mardi Gras Krewes formed in later years, they quickly adopted the same iconic colors. 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. 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. 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. 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. But the rainbow magic is found in the glaze and sprinkles, which are usually gold, green, and purple. Even the colors of the icing (and royal colors of Mardi Gras) have a deeper meaning. Gold represents power, green is associated with faith, and purple illustrates justice. The colors of Mardi Gras first surfaced in New Orleans, but it's not clear why purple, green and gold were chosen. Those colors appeared in 1872 as part of a spectacle honoring the New Orleans 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. For party animals, few holidays match the joy (and mayhem) of Mardi Gras. If you count yourself among them, you know that the vibrant New Orleans tradition takes place on Fat Tuesday—that’s Purple, Green and Gold: The Colors of Mardi Gras. One of the things that brings Mardi Gras to life are the colors associated with the celebration – purple, green and gold. It is thought that these colors were introduced by the Krewe of Rex in 1872. But it wasn’t until 20 years later that the meaning of the colors was revealed. 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 Each color has a specific meaning. Purple is for justice, gold for power and green for faith. Those vibrant colors are often of the good times rolling celebrations. While the Mardi Gras King Cake colors are traditional, color isn’t the only special part of this iconic dessert. In conclusion, the Mardi Gras colors of purple, green, and gold have a rich history and tradition associated with the festival. The colors represent justice, faith, and power and are used to adorn the streets of New Orleans and other cities across the world. Multicolor Glow Necklace Tube: This tube includes 50 pieces of 22" glow necklaces in purple, green, and yellow, perfect for adding a vibrant glow to your Mardi Gras celebrations or themed events.Colorful and Festive: These multicolor glow necklaces create a lively atmosphere and are ideal for accessorizing costumes or adding flair to your outfit during nighttime festivities.Easy to Use: Simply This handmade pom-pom flower arrangement in shades of purple, green, and yellow is entitled “Enchanted Carnival” and is inspired by Mardi Gras Celebrations and springtime gatherings.
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | |
![]() | ![]() |