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The colors purple, green, and gold hold special significance in New Orleans during Mardi Gras season. These三个colors are deeply ingrained in the history and traditions of Mardi Gras in New Orleans. But what do each of these colors represent and why were they chosen as the official Mardi Gras colors?
In this article, we’ll explore the meaning and symbolism behind the 3 iconic Mardi Gras colors – purple, green, and gold. We’ll look at the origins of how these colors came to represent Mardi Gras in New Orleans and the roles they play in the parades, costumes, and celebrations. Understanding the background of the Mardi Gras colors provides a deeper appreciation for the rich culture and customs around this world-famous carnival.
The History Behind the 3 Colors
The official colors of Mardi Gras in New Orleans date back to 1872. That year, the first Rex Parade rolled through the streets of New Orleans. Rex, the King of Carnival, adopted the colors of purple, green, and gold to represent the celebration.
There are a few different theories as to why Rex chose these specific colors:
| Color | Possible Meaning |
|---|---|
| Purple | Justice |
| Green | Faith |
| Gold | Power |
The colors may have been inspired by Russian Grand Duke Alexis Alexandrovich’s visit to New Orleans in 1872. The Duke’s royal house colors were purple, green, and gold. Rex may have selected these colors as a nod to their noble guest.
Another account claims the three colors represent different components of Medieval European society. Purple symbolized justice, green stood for faith, and gold signified power. By incorporating all three colors, Rex honored all facets of society.
The colors may also draw upon Roman Catholic symbolism. Purple represents justice, green signifies faith or hope, and gold means charity. Together, the colors embody core values and virtues of spirituality.
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.
The Symbolism of Each Color
Beyond generally representing lofty abstract ideals, each of the Mardi Gras colors has its own unique symbolism and meaning:
Purple
Purple stands for justice, as well as royalty, nobility, and temperance. The color has noble connotations stemming from ancient times when purple dye was rare and expensive to produce. Purple robes and sashes were reserved for kings, queens, magistrates, and Roman emperors. The color represents wisdom, dignity, independence, and justice.
In a Mardi Gras context, purple symbolizes the justice of celebrating before the somberness of Lent. It recognizes the spirited revelry of Carnival as a last joyful outburst before the period of sacrifice and reflection.
Green
The color green has long been associated with faith, hope, and renewal. In the Middle Ages, green was the color of spring, fertility, and rebirth. It represented the hope and faith that comes along with revival after winter’s barrenness.
During Mardi Gras, green stands for the coming of spring and the faith and hope believers must carry into the Lenten season. It looks forward to the Easter resurrection and renewal of spirit after repentance.
Gold
Gold signifies the power, wealth, and excellence of the Rex King of Carnival. Among royalty, gold distinguishes the highest rulers. Catholics also equate the color with virtue, generosity, and the papacy.
The extravagance of gold represents the wealth of food and fun on display before Lenten fasting and restraint. The golden hues light up the parades with a magnificence fitting Carnival’s climax.
Use of the Colors Today
The iconic Mardi Gras colors now permeate nearly every aspect of New Orleans’ celebrations:
Floats
Mardi Gras parade floats lavishly incorporate all three colors into their decorations. Float builders use vibrant purple, green, and gold flowers, paints, streaming ribbons, and glass beads to ornament the rolling stages. Riders toss beaded necklaces and doubloons in the traditional trio of colors to parade crowds.
Costumes
Revelers dress up for Mardi Gras in creative costumes that playfully employ the customary palette. Popular options include incorporating all three colors, dressing monochromatically in one shade, or pairing one or two of the colors with neutral tones. Some choose costumes specifically to match the theme of their preferred parade krewe.
King Cakes
The customary Mardi Gras dessert, king cake, reflects the colors in its decorative icing and sugar sprinkles. Some king cake bakers incorporate surprises like a small plastic baby or coin into the filling, a longstanding tradition. Whoever gets the slice with the prize is crowned “King for the Day.”
Decorations
Homes, businesses, and city streets start sprouting purple, green, and gold decor weeks before Fat Tuesday.Strings of beads, flags, wreaths, balloons, and feather boas set the festive mood. The iconic tintspop up on clothes, party supplies, streetcars, tourism merchandise and more.
Origins
The official colors of Mardi Gras originated with the Rex Parade in 1872.
Theories
– Chosen for a visiting Russian Duke
– Represent medieval social classes
– Align with Catholic symbolism
Meanings
| Color | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Purple | Justice, royalty |
| Green | Faith, hope, renewal |
| Gold | Power, wealth |
Use Today
– Float decorations
– Costumes
– King cakes
– Street decor
Conclusion
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. Today the colors maintain a regal mystique while also capturing the playful creativity of Carnival. When you see the familiar purple, green, and gold during Mardi Gras season, take a moment to appreciate the long heritage they represent.
