Mardi Gras is a famous celebration that takes place annually before the Christian season of Lent. It is well known for its lively parades, extravagant floats, masks, costumes, and beads. The signature colors of Mardi Gras are purple, green, and gold. These colors each have their own unique meaning and symbolism that represents different aspects of Mardi Gras. In this article, we will explore the history and significance behind the iconic Mardi Gras colors.
The History of Mardi Gras Colors
The official colors of Mardi Gras date back to 1872. That year, the Russian Grand Duke Alexis Romanoff came to New Orleans to celebrate Mardi Gras. The city wanted to honor the Duke by creating signature themes and colors for the celebration. A group called the Twelfth Night Reveler krewe helped organize the event.
The Duke’s family colors were purple, green, and gold. As a result, the krewe adopted those hues and made them the official Mardi Gras colors to pay homage to the Duke. The colors ended up becoming an enduring Mardi Gras tradition that is still used today.
The Symbolism of Purple
The color purple represents justice, power, and royalty. During medieval times, purple dye was extremely rare and expensive to produce. As a result, the color was associated with nobility, kings, and queens. Only the wealthiest and highest members of society could afford to wear the color purple.
The connection between purple and royalty carries on in Mardi Gras. The color reminds people of the grand festivities, elaborate costumes, and pageantry of Mardi Gras. Just as purple represents royalty, Mardi Gras represents a day when everyone can be treated like kings and queens.
Purple masks and beads are also very popular during Mardi Gras. The masks allow people to take on mysterious, regal personas. The beads represent the royal jewels that are thrown from the parade floats. Overall, the color purple captures the imperial essence of Mardi Gras celebrations.
The Meaning of Green
The color green has multiple symbolic meanings related to Mardi Gras:
Faith – In the Christian faith, green represents hope, renewal, and the upcoming spring season. During Lent, green vestments are worn in the church. After the parties and indulgences of Mardi Gras, Lent focuses on fasting, penance, and spiritual reflection. The green color represents the fresh start of the Lenten season.
Nature – Since green is the color of grass, leaves, and plants, it also represents nature and the arrival of spring. Mardi Gras takes place right as winter is ending, so the green hues suggest the rebirth of vegetation and life.
Envy – There is a tradition during Mardi Gras parades of shouting “throw me something, Mister!” when floats pass by. Green is thought to represent the envy people feel wanting to catch beads and doubloons from the floats.
Overall, the color green captures the renewal of spirit, nature, and desires that surrounds Mardi Gras.
The Significance of Gold
The color gold represents several key themes related to Mardi Gras:
– Power – Like purple, gold is associated with royalty, wealth, and prestige. The streets of New Orleans fill with rulers and hierarchy during Mardi Gras. Float lieutenants wear gold robes and crowns as krewe royalty.
– Treasure – Gold doubloons are special coins minted each year to throw from Mardi Gras floats. People collect these treasured doubloons to mark different years. The gold color represents the idea of Mardi Gras throws being treasured prizes.
– Justice – Gold is linked to justice, fairness, and power. During Mardi Gras season, traditions like king cake parties rely on people obeying rules and sharing festivities fairly. Gold represents the justice guiding these traditions.
Gold captures both the sense of regality and community that brings Mardi Gras to life each year.
Traditional Uses of Mardi Gras Colors
The official Mardi Gras colors are infused throughout every part of Mardi Gras, including:
| Element | Colors Used |
|---|---|
| Costumes | Purple, green, and gold used for masks, makeup, hats, clothes, and jewelry |
| Beads | Multi-colored beads in purple, green, and gold |
| Doubloons | Gold coins with krewe symbols |
| King Cakes | Icing and sugar in purple, green, and gold |
| Floats | Covered in decorations with the signature colors |
| Flags | Purple, green, and gold flags flown and waved |
The colors are represented through this wide range of decorative elements. They provide visual continuity and symbolism across the many events, parades, and parties.
Other Popular Mardi Gras Colors
Beyond the core three colors, several other hues play a role in Mardi Gras:
– Pink – Represents celebration and indulgence.
– Blue – Represents righteousness.
– White – Represents purity.
– Yellow – Represents positive energy.
These colors appear in Mardi Gras beads, costumes, desserts, and drinks. For example, king cakes may incorporate all the colors. Signature cocktails like the Purple Rain combine purple, green, and gold liqueurs.
The wide spectrum of colors comes together to represent the full experience of fun, abandon, and celebration that defines Mardi Gras.
Mardi Gras Color Symbolism in New Orleans Neighborhoods
Different neighborhoods in New Orleans have their own unique color schemes and traditions during Mardi Gras:
French Quarter – Uses elaborate gold, purple, and green street decorations to represent luxury and royalty.
Marigny – Home to offbeat and creative locals displaying bright rainbow palettes.
Bywater – Known for punk-inspired, edgy black and white color schemes.
Garden District – Pastel pink and green decor suits this elegant neighborhood.
Mid-City – Vibrant blues and yellows representrenewal and hope.
Uptown – Lavish red and gold decorations symbolize passion.
While purple, green, and gold are standard, neighborhoods customize colors to suit local flavor and personality. The diversity of decor symbolizes the ways different communities come together to celebrate Mardi Gras.
Creative Uses of Mardi Gras Colors
The traditional purple, green, and gold palette of Mardi Gras has inspired creative variations:
– Rainbow – To represent LGBTQ diversity, rainbow versions of beads and flags appear.
– Pastels – Soft pastel colors like lavender, mint, and peach capture springtime.
– Neon – Vibrant neon purples, greens, and golds glow under blacklights.
– Metallic – Shiny metallic beads and decor provide a festive flair.
– Ombre – Colors that transition and blend, like purple to green.
– Glitter – Glittery purples, greens, and golds add sparkle.
– Tie Dye – Tie-dyed versions fuse the colors in spirals.
– Camouflage – Camo print using the colors for an edgy look.
The colors of Mardi Gras continue to inspire new takes that expand the palette in fun ways. But the signature purple, green, and gold forever remain at the core of Mardi Gras color traditions.
Symbolism in Mardi Gras Parade Krewes
Different Mardi Gras parade krewes use colors to represent their unique identities and themes:
Krewe of Rex – Royal purple, gold, and white for royalty.
Knights of Babylon – Deep purple and gold with medieval symbols.
Krewe of Tucks – Green, gold, and purple with a satirical flair.
Krewe of Endymion – Blue, white, and gold for power, purity, and precision.
Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club – Black and gold colors represent strength.
Krewe of Carrollton – Green, pink, and black recall 19th century traditional roots.
Muses – Silver, gold, purple, and white for wisdom and inspiration.
Every parade krewe carefully selects colors that connect to their history and values during Mardi Gras season.
How Color Meanings Change Over Time
While purple, green, and gold are iconic today, the meanings and prevalence of Mardi Gras colors have evolved:
1800s – Red and blue were common early colors alongside green for nature.
1872 – Purple, green, and gold introduced as the signature colors.
1910s – Wider variety of colors used as krewes expanded.
1950s – Pastel and neon colors grew in popularity.
1980s – Rainbow pride colors appear at Mardi Gras.
2000s – Diverse palette of colors represented in beads, costumes, and street decor.
The core symbolic meanings remain, but the festive possibilities of the colors continue to grow. The colors represent both timeless traditions and modern flare.
Importance of Colors in Mardi Gras Culture
The colors of Mardi Gras play an important role in the celebration by:
– Representing symbolic themes related to the holiday.
– Providing visual cohesion across different events and neighborhoods.
– Allowing creativity in costumes, decorations, floats, and aesthetics.
– Letting krewes showcase signature styles.
– Sparking joy, excitement, and fun through vibrant displays.
– Reinforcing shared cultural identity and pride in New Orleans.
– Inspiring community traditions like collecting beads and decorating.
The colors are more than just decorative elements of Mardi Gras. They are deeply woven into the communal experience, meaning, and spirit of the Carnival season.
Conclusion
Mardi Gras colors have become an iconic part of the New Orleans Carnival season. While purple, green, and gold serve as the traditional signature colors, many other hues appear in festive variations. The colors embody symbolic meanings related to royalty, faith, celebration, and community. Over generations, the palette has evolved yet retained rich significance. Mardi Gras colors contribute vibrant visual expression to shared cultural traditions. They reflect the jubilant playfulness that makes Mardi Gras a treasured experience combining heritage, creativity, and joy.
