white; mso-highlight: white;">The Meaning Behind Mardi Gras Colors: Purple, Green, and Gold
Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday, is a festive and vibrant celebration that is deeply rooted in tradition, especially in the United States. If you’ve ever experienced Mardi Gras parades, you’ve likely noticed the purple, green, and gold decorations everywhere. These hues aren't only aesthetically pleasing; they carry a deeper symbolism that ties the history of Mardi Gras to the culture and traditions of the celebration. But what do these colors represent, and why are they so important?
In this blog post, we're taking a step back in history and exploring what Mardi Gras colors are all about in order to give you a more in-depth appreciation of why purple, green, and gold sit at the core of this much-loved tradition. Whether you're getting ready for the next Mardi Gras celebration or are just interested in its cultural meanings, this piece will provide you with everything you need to know!
A Little History of Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras has been observed for centuries, going back to Roman times when folks celebrated the onset of Lent through feasting and merriment. The version of Mardi Gras today, as popularly known in the U.S., is best known in New Orleans, Louisiana. This festive celebration, which sometimes features parades, masquerades, balls, and copious amounts of good food, is the final day of revelry before the sobering days of Lent arrive.
The colors of Mardi Gras, purple, green, and gold are omnipresent at this celebration. They are not merely indiscriminate colors that happen to be bold but are symbolic and have roots connected to the history of Mardi Gras in New Orleans.
The Origin of the Mardi Gras Colors
The use of purple, green, and gold to symbolize Mardi Gras began in 1872. During that year, a group of New Orleans' Mardi Gras pioneers created the first royal colors, and those were selected by the Krewe of Rex, which is one of the oldest and most renowned Mardi Gras societies.
But why those specific colors? Each of the colors was specifically chosen to symbolize a particular meaning. Let's analyze the meaning behind each of them.
Purple: Justice
The color purple symbolizes justice in Mardi Gras culture. Purple as a symbol of justice is understandable when you consider how Mardi Gras has progressed. Given its history as a festival characterized by excessive parades and celebrations, purple reminded us of balance, fairness, and respect. It's also one that traditionally indicates royalty and dominance, and within the context of Mardi Gras, was intended to convey justice in terms of balance between the excesses of the festivities and the penance of Lent.
For members of the public taking part in Mardi Gras celebrations, purple is a call to enjoy oneself responsibly, in recognition that good times should be accompanied by a sense of justice and fair play for everybody.
Green: Faith
The color green, a deep and rich color, is the color of faith. As a color used during Mardi Gras, it represents spiritual development and reflection. Although Mardi Gras is generally thought of as the party season, it also does have religious overtones, particularly in regions which have abundant Catholic heritage such as New Orleans.
Faith, in this instance, speaks not only to religious faith but to the greater connection that Mardi Gras celebrants feel for their heritage and the origins of the celebration. Green is a color that emphasizes the significance of belief, not so much in religious terms but in the belief that communalism, unity, and happiness are a part of life.
Gold: Power
The third color, gold, symbolizes power. Gold has been linked with wealth, magnificence, and nobility for centuries, and this is true during Mardi Gras as well. The color gold reflects the festive nature of the celebration, where the overindulgence in rich foods, extravagant costumes, and vibrant parades mirrors the power of the event itself.
Gold symbolizes the joy, enthusiasm, and plenty that accompany Mardi Gras. Throughout the celebration, individuals gather to celebrate the strength of community, culture, and celebration while recognizing that the excess of the day will eventually yield to the seriousness of Lent.
Why These Colors Matter in Mardi Gras Celebrations
These three colors, purple, green, and gold, blend into a stunning and harmonious color scheme that touches the heart of Mardi Gras. United, they express a strong message:
1. Purple for justice,
2. Green for faith, and
3. Gold for power.
These colors also appear in the shape of beads, costumes, masks, and decorations, forming a celebratory environment that's as much a celebration of tradition and symbolism as it is revelry.
Where to Celebrate Mardi Gras in the U.S.
New Orleans is the best-known place to celebrate Mardi Gras, but there are quite several cities throughout the U.S. that celebrate this colorful tradition in refreshing and fun manners. If you want to see the magic of Mardi Gras colors for yourself, here are some top destinations where you can be part of the action:
1. New Orleans, Louisiana
Birthplace of Mardi Gras in America, New Orleans is the Mardi Gras capital. The city's French Quarter is abuzz with parades, balls, and street parties. You'll find plenty of purple, green, and gold here, not to mention on the famous parade floats, which shower beads on the crowds. The brightly colored costumes and masks will transport you to a spectacular carnival of light and sound.
2. Mobile, Alabama
Mardi Gras in Mobile has been around since the 1700s, making Mobile's Mardi Gras celebration the oldest one in the U.S. Mobile celebrates with elaborate parades and parties full of all the traditional colors, music, and floats. While Mobile's celebration is smaller than that of New Orleans, it's just as vibrant and full of historical character.
3. Galveston, Texas
Galveston offers a family-friendly Mardi Gras experience with a unique twist. The island city hosts parades, masquerade balls, and street festivals, and you’ll see plenty of Mardi Gras colors adorning the streets and venues. For those looking for a more laid-back Mardi Gras celebration, Galveston is the place to be.
4. Lafayette, Louisiana
Though less well-known than New Orleans, Lafayette provides a genuine Mardi Gras experience in Cajun country. With parades, music, and dancing in traditional style, Lafayette's Mardi Gras is rich in cultural heritage and provides a flavor of genuine Southern hospitality.
How to Celebrate Mardi Gras at Home
If you can't get to one of these Mardi Gras destinations, don't worry! You can still bring the magic of Mardi Gras home. Oasis Supply Company has a great variety of Mardi Gras decorations, cake toppers, and supplies to make your celebration a success. From purple, green, and gold Mardi Gras party supplies to playful cake decorations, we have everything you need to throw your own Mardi Gras party!
Conclusion
The significance of Mardi Gras colors purple for justice, green for faith, and gold for power deepens the meaning of the celebration beyond being merely a colorful party. These colors remind us of the beauty of balance between indulgence and contemplation and connect the festival to its cultural and historical heritage. Whether you're partying in New Orleans or throwing your own Mardi Gras bash at home, these colorful shades will always be at the center of the celebration.
So, what are you waiting for? Invite your friends over, dress up your environment with Mardi Gras colors, and let the party begin! And don't forget, at Oasis Supply Company, we're here to assist you in making your Mardi Gras parties unforgettable.