During the Mardi Gras Season you'll see the traditional color combination of purple, gold and green practically everywhere in New Orleans. Hotels, restaurants, stores, visitors as well as locals will be decked out with beads, clothing and just about anything else you can think of in the official colors.
As far as the history of this tradition, it is said that the Krewe of Rex (Rex is the King of Carnival) allowed the Grand Duke Alexis Romanoff of Russia to select the Mardi Gras Colors in 1872 during the Duke's visit to New Orleans. They also became the official colors of the House of Romanoff.
Green - Represents Faith
Gold - Represents Power
It was during the 1892 Rex Parade that the meaning of the colors was declared through the theme "Symbolism of Colors".
Click here to view this link for more details on Mardi Gras colors.
So make sure when you're in Nawlins during Mardi Gras that you wear the colors, even if it's just a few strands of beads. You'll fit right in!
Sondra Carpenter
The Mardi Gras Girl
The Mardi Gras Girl
