Ahhhh, Mardi Gras. The excitement in the air, the sound of music, and the vibrant colors that adorn the streets.
Every year, the Mardi Gras festivals around the world bring color, life, and lavish celebrations to their respective cities.
In this article, we’ll dive into the meanings of one the most popular symbols behind this traditional event: the three colors of purple, green and gold.
Whatever colors you chose to wear or decorate with this Mardi Gras season, have fun and laissez les bons temps rouler!
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What is Mardi Gras and Why is celebrated
Mardi Gras is an annual celebration that originated in medieval Europe and is celebrated in many parts of the world.
In the United States, it is especially popular in the states of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama.
The celebration is typically held on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday and marks the start of Lent, the period of fasting for Christians leading up to Easter.
Mardi Gras is French for “Fat Tuesday”, referring to the practice of eating rich foods before the start of the Lenten season.
Mardi Gras is also known as Carnival, which is a celebration that happens all over the world.
The Carnival season is full of vibrant colors, music, and costumes, representing the diversity and spirit of the people who come together to celebrate.
It’s a celebration of life, and a reminder of our need to pause and appreciate the good things in life.
Beyond the partying, Mardi Gras also serves to remind us of the need for indulging in life’s pleasures in moderation.
The History of the Mardi Gras Colors
The colors of Mardi Gras – gold, green, and purple – are rich and vibrant, representing the joy and festivity of the season.
But where do these colors come from, and what do they represent?
The color scheme of Mardi Gras is thought to have been first chosen in 1872 by Rex, the King of Carnival. Rex chose the colors of gold, green, and purple to represent justice, faith, and power.
Since Rex crowned Mardi Gras with these colors, they have come to represent more than just their original meaning.
The colors of Mardi Gras are a reminder that no matter what life throws our way, we always have something to celebrate.
The Meaning of the Mardi Gras Colors

The colors of Mardi Gras are purple, green, and gold. They have long been seen as a symbol of indulgence, freedom, and renewal.
The color purple stands for justice, the color green stands for faith, and the color gold stands for power.
The combination of these colors has come to represent the spirit of Mardi Gras, a time where revelers can forget their cares and embrace the joy of the season.
The deep purple of Mardi Gras is a reminder that justice should be central to all our endeavors. It is a call to pursue fairness, even when the world around us is chaotic and unpredictable.
The bright green of Mardi Gras serves as a reminder of faith in ourselves and in our ability to triumph over adversity.
Finally, the rich gold of Mardi Gras is a reminder of the power that comes when we unite our strengths and talents.
In recent years, a bluish color, called “Rex blue” has become increasingly popular. This is said to be in reference to the fact that the King of Carnival was originally chosen by Rex, the King of Mardi Gras.
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How to use the Colors of Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras is an invitation to be our best selves, to enjoy life and to be taken away by the vibrant colors of freedom and renewal.
To incorporate these colors into your decorations, you can find fabric in the three colors to make streamers and banners, find fabric paint to create a DIY t-shirt, or spray paint some plastic beads to create colorful necklaces.
You can also use the colors to create a fun color scheme for your party. Consider using the traditional Mardi Gras colors for the plates, napkins, and cups, and hang festive decorations throughout the room.
If your Mardi Gras celebration is outdoors, you can even use the colors to create a festive outdoor lantern or light strings.
When creating a design, try to use a variety of shades and textures. Try to use complimentary colors as well, such as yellow, oranges, and blues. Doing this will provide a sense of balance and make your design stand out.
Also, try to incorporate textures into your design. Using metallics, such as gold and silver, can be a great way to add depth and dimension.
For example, if your design contains purple and gold, you can use the light and dark shades of those colors and add sparkles or glitters to make it sparkle. You can also create a festive atmosphere by using items like beads, masquerade masks, and sequins.
Finally, don’t forget to consider the context in which your design will be used. For example, if you’re creating a poster, you should use fonts and images that are appropriate for the occasion and that reinforce the message that you want to convey.
Celebrate Mardi Gras with Coloring Books
If you love Mardi Gras, then you’ll definitely want to have at least one of these Mardi Gras coloring books!
They’re not only fun to color, but they make great decorations for your Mardi Gras party. Plus, they’ll help get your guests into the Mardi Gras spirit!
Mardi Gras coloring books are a fun way to celebrate the holiday with friends and family. They are a great way to teach children about the traditions and history of the holiday. They are also a great way to get creative and relax.
So, whether you’re celebrating Mardi Gras at home or in New Orleans, make sure to grab some colored pencils or crayons and let the good times roll!
The Impact of the Mardi Gras Colors
Mardi Gras is a celebration packed with culture, tradition, and history, a lot of which is tied to the iconic colors of purple, gold, and green.
While there are other popular color combinations around the world, these three classic colors remain constant and symbolize justice, power, and faith.
Knowing the history of the Mardi Gras colors allows us to further appreciate the festivities and all that it celebrates.
“Color is a power which directly influences the soul. – Wassily Kandinsky”
Let us carry on this celebration with the same enthusiasm that it has been celebrated for centuries.
May our knowledge of the Mardi Gras colors empower and guide us to a spirit of unity and joy in this grand carnival for all.
Share your own Mardi Gras color stories and tips with us in the comments. We’d love to get your creative input on how to make the most of Mardi Gras colors!
Also, share this post on your social media to spread awareness and understanding of the history and symbolism behind Mardi Gras colors today.

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I'm an entrepreneur whose passion is to help others achieve success online. I believe that life is a never-ending journey of learning and growth. I enjoy taking challenges on weekdays and watching web series on weekends.