Mardi Gras colors of gold, green, and purple were chosen by the first king of carnival in 1872. In 1892, they were given symbolic meanings of power, faith, and justice. Some believe the colors are connected to Catholicism.
Mardi Gras colors are metallic gold, bright green, and deep purple. Beginning in 1892, these colors gained significance because the king, or “Rex,” of carnival claimed they symbolized power, faith, and justice, respectively. Although some people take the symbolism surrounding the Mardi Gras colors literally, others believe they are connected to Catholicism.
There is a rich history that is connected to the colors of Mardi Gras. Shrove Tuesday has been celebrated since ancient Roman times and has slowly evolved. Until 1872 there were no specific colors of Mardi Gras, the festivities were simply a vast array of bright hues. When a Russian grand duke named Alexis Romanoff arrived in New Orleans during the spring of 1872, things took another turn.
When Grand Duke Romanoff arrived in New Orleans, several businessmen decided to sponsor a parade for his amusement. Businessmen even called a King, or “Rex,” for the day to give Grand Duke Romanoff a sense that the city of New Orleans was real. The businessmen named one of their own, Lewis J. Solomon, as the first Rex. He has borrowed a royal costume, complete with a golden crown and decorated staff. Reports indicate that this newly appointed King of Carnival chose the colors of Mardi Gras, gold, green and purple, at the time.
In 1892, the named Rex decided that the gold, green, and purple colors of Mardi Gras represented power, faith, and justice, respectively. The Mardi Gras color symbolism was heralded for the Mardi Gras parade, aptly titled “Color Symbolism.” The symbolism has remained with each of the colors ever since.
Many people have pondered why colors were first chosen and why colors were later supposed to represent their specific symbols. Some people believe that the first king of Mardi Gras chose the colors simply because he thought they were vibrant and seemed to complement each other. Others believe that the first king was aware of the symbolic nature of the colours, having discussed them with his peers prior to his selection.
Other people believe there is a connection between their chosen colors and Catholicism. Catholicism is deeply intertwined with the Mardi Gras festivities: Catholics believe it is the last celebration before entering the season of Lent, a time of sacrifice and deep meditation. Those individuals often think that faith and righteousness are things that can come to them through faith in Jesus Christ. Additionally, the color gold, which represents power, is related to the freedom they will feel when they surrender their quests for power to God.
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