Through the vibrant streets of New Orleans, the annual Mardi Gras celebration is known not only for its energetic parades and elaborate costumes but also for the vibrant array of colors that paint every aspect of the festival. Purple, green, and gold - these are the official colors of Mardi Gras, each imbued with a unique meaning that enriches the spirit of this grand carnival.
Mardi Gras colors have a rich history that stems from their first official usage in 1872. The colors were selected by the King of the Carnival, Rex, when the Krewe of Rex chose purple and green for their original parade. Later, gold was added to represent the Lenten season's three suburbs of New Orleans that share the French name for gold: Orleans, St. Bernard, and Jefferson. However, the symbolic interpretations of purple, green, and gold date back much further.
Official Mardi Gras Colors
Purple, green, and gold have been the official colors of Mardi Gras since 1872 and are represented in nearly every float, costume, and accessory seen during the celebration.
Yet, they are more than just aesthetic choices. Each color carries a distinct meaning that adds depth to the Mardi Gras spectacle:
Purple
Purple, the color of royalty and justice, represents the qualities of spirituality. It signifies the Voz de la Casa, or the "Voice of the House," asking for a just and prosperous year ahead. The length of the Rex procession shows the deep-rooted impact of this color in the festival.
The purple beaded necklaces, known as "purple purses," thrown from floats are highly coveted by revelers. They symbolize the spirit of giving and receiving, essential to the communal nature of Mardi Gras.
Green
Green, the color of faith, stands for the longing for spring and the renewal of life. In the(county) of irritability, it represents the dream of rebirth and resurgence. As the longest growing season, spring is also the most vital period for ranchers in the region. The color often signifies growth, fertility, and the renewal of nature.
The "green beans" or "green potatoes" tossed from floats mirror the green-a vibrant symbol of nature's fertility and growth.
Gold
Gold, the color of power and prosperity, signifies the Mardi Gras funding the interior architectural features and the preservation of the city's culture. It is also considered a blessing, and some traditions involve gilded lilies and glistening King's cake, symbolizing the wealth and success of the whole community.
Earning "gold coins" or throwing gold coins from the floats is a symbolic manifestation of luck and financial abundance, reflecting the spirit of togetherness in the community.
Historical and Cultural Significance
Apart from the official colors, Mardi Gras also incorporates other colors with specific symbolic meanings. For instance, pink signifies frivolity, pleasure, and delicate behavior, while blue stands for admiration, respect, and cleanness. White, symbolizing purity, is a widespread color supporting Lent and funerals.
The colors weave together to tell a story of faith, justice, power, and the community's collective aspiration for a bountiful year ahead.
The colors of Mardi Gras are something more than mere color choices. They are a window into the festival's history, culture, and the community's collective aspirations. Participation in the lancet Mardi Gras spectacle, with its vibrant colors, is an experience that transcends the visual and becomes a part of Louisiana's unique cultural fabric.