Mardi Gras is one of the biggest and most colorful celebrations in the world, especially in New Orleans, Louisiana. The festival dates back hundreds of years to celebrations in Europe, but it has evolved into a spectacular display unique to New Orleans. One of the most recognizable aspects of Mardi Gras are the traditional colors seen everywhere during the Carnival season – purple, green, and gold. These iconic colors adorn floats, costumes, beads, flags and more. Each color has special meaning and represents different components of the holiday.
History of Mardi Gras in New Orleans
Mardi Gras has its roots in medieval Europe during carnival celebrations leading up to Lent. When French colonists settled in Louisiana in the 17th and 18th centuries, they brought these traditions with them. The first organized Mardi Gras festivities in New Orleans took place in 1837. The official colors at that time were chosen by a Russian Grand Duke who was visiting during that first year – purple for justice, green for faith and gold for power. Over many decades, these colors became deeply ingrained in Mardi Gras customs and symbolism.
In 1872, the first krewe, the Twelfth Night Revelers, was formed by a group of wealthy businessmen. They established the now famous parade floats and costumed balls associated with Mardi Gras krewes. As more krewes developed over the years, they used the customary purple, green and gold in their regalia. Today, most krewe members pay for their own elaborate costumes, many of which incorporate these traditional hues.
Symbolic Meaning of the Colors
The iconic Mardi Gras colors carry important symbolic meaning related to faith, power and justice. Here is more on the significance behind each color:
Purple represents justice. During Medieval times, purple dye was rare and expensive, worn primarily by royalty. The color purple came to signify leadership, nobility, and power. During Mardi Gras, purple stands for the justice of God.
Green is the color associated with faith. It represents spiritual growth and life. On Mardi Gras, green symbolizes the new life of spring and hope for the future.
Gold stands for power and strength. For Christians, gold signifies God’s sovereignty. The color gold in Mardi Gras represents the power of the Holy Spirit.
These meanings are deeply intertwined with the Christian roots of Carnival and the liturgical calendar. Mardi Gras is celebrated right before Lent, a period of reflection and repentance leading up to Easter. The symbolic colors tie into this religious context.
Use of Colors During Mardi Gras
The colors purple, green and gold are on vibrant display all over New Orleans during Mardi Gras celebrations. Here are some of the ways they are incorporated:
Floats – Parade floats from various krewes are decorated with these signature colors. Float riders throw beaded necklaces, doubloons, and other “throws” to the crowds that also feature the colors.
Costumes – Members of Mardi Gras krewes dress up in elaborate costumes that often use purple, green and gold in the design. Some dress as royalty in purple and gold. Masks, capes and gowns display all three colors.
King Cakes – These festive cakes are decorated with shiny beads and icing in purple, green and gold. The cakes are eaten throughout the Carnival season.
Beads and doubloons – Strands of shiny beads and decorative doubloon coins tossed from the floats are made with the symbolic colors. People collect and wear beads during Mardi Gras.
Flags and banners – Many decorations and flags hung up around the city feature the customary trio of colors.
Masks – Decorative and feathered masks worn during Mardi Gras often incorporate all three colors into their ornate designs.
The streets of New Orleans become a sea of purple, green and gold during the Carnival season as the symbolic colors take center stage. The colors appear on almost every facet of celebration and represent the rich history of Mardi Gras.
Notable Mardi Gras Krewes
Many krewes use the iconic colors in their parades, costumes and celebrations. Here are some of the most famous krewes that display purple, green and gold:
Rex – One of the oldest and most famous Mardi Gras krewes, dating back to 1872. Their colors are purple, gold and white.
Zulu – Founded in 1909, the Zulu krewe has black members who give out prized Zulu coconuts during parades. Their colors are black, gold and purple.
Endymion – Founded in 1967, Endymion is known for its enormous floats and elaborate ball. Their colors are blue, gold and white.
Bacchus – A super krewe started in 1968, Bacchus is famous for recruiting celebrities as their monarchs. Their colors are burgundy, green and gold.
Orpheus – Founded in 1993, this super krewe is known for musical themes and top-tier floats. Their colors are black, gold, and white.
Muses – This all-female krewe was founded in 2000. They throw highly-coveted decorated shoes from their floats. Their colors are red, gold and silver.
While krewes add their own flair and personality, the classic Mardi Gras colors of purple, green and gold are still found throughout their parades, costumes and balls.
Symbolism in Other Aspects of Mardi Gras
Aside from the iconic trio of colors, other aspects of Mardi Gras hold symbolic meaning as well:
Masks – Masked balls and costumes allow revelers to shed societal roles, inhibitions and class distinctions.
Floats – Elaborately decorated floats represent the luxury, abundance and self-indulgence before Lent fasting begins.
Music – Jazz, funk and other music fuels the high energy celebrations.
Beads – Strands of beads represent charms and have mystical appeal. Purple beads are coveted as the rarest.
Moon pies – These candy treats were designed as a cheap, filling food for celebrations.
Doubloons – The special coins depict krewes’ logos on one side and a theme on the other.
Wearing costumes – Allows revelers to take on new personas and identities.
Parties & feasts – Lavish meals and overindulgence precede the Lenten fast.
Parades – Rambling street parades combine chaos and revelry. They represent exploring the unknown before the 40-day Lenten reflection.
Alcohol – Drinking and carousing represent living it up before the sacrifices of Lent.
Mardi Gras traditions all stem from the anticipated Lenten fast – a final chance to indulge desires before weeks of discipline. The costumes, floats, colors, music and food all tie into this context.
Purple, Green and Gold Outside of New Orleans
While the biggest and most famous Mardi Gras celebrations happen in New Orleans, other places in the United States have adopted the iconic trio of colors for their festivities:
- Galveston, Texas – A major Mardi Gras destination with extravagant parades and elaborate balls using purple, green and gold.
- Mobile, Alabama – Claims to have held the first Mardi Gras celebration in the US. Their parades and mystic society balls utilize the traditional colors.
- St. Louis, Missouri – Hosts over 70 parades for Mardi Gras with floats covered in purple, green and gold.
- Tampa, Florida – A top Mardi Gras destination with a funky vibe. Many beads and costumed revelers feature the classic colors.
- Various Louisiana cities like Lake Charles, Lafayette and Baton Rouge also celebrate in traditional Mardi Gras fashion.
Wherever Mardi Gras is celebrated, you can expect to see the symbolic colors of justice, faith and power on full display – purple, green and gold.
Conclusion
Mardi Gras in New Orleans brings out deep traditions, cultural pride and an amazing spirit unlike anywhere else. The iconic colors purple, green and gold hold special meaning related to faith, power and justice. They appear on the elaborate floats, fancy costumes, beads, food and decorations seen everywhere during the Carnival season. While each krewe adds their own twist, they respect the time-honored customs of Mardi Gras established over many decades in New Orleans. The next time you see the bright colors of purple, green and gold, remember the symbolic significance they have in relation to Mardi Gras and the festive celebrations leading up to the reflective Lenten season.