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Purple ~ Green ~ Gold ~ What These Colors Symbolize!

By
Real Estate Agent with Coldwell Banker Realty NRDS # 146013739

Fat Tuesday!

Purple ~ Green ~ Gold

 

Ahh!  The wonders of New Orleans.  New Orleans is known for it's French Quarter where you will find late night Jazz Clubs and celebrations in the streets especially Bourbon Street just about every night. But there is no bigger celebration than Fat Tuesday when Mardi Gras culminates!  

The season is said to start on the Ephiphany and goes on until the last Tuesday before Ash Wednesday.  The Ephiphany is the celebration of the Three Kings who visit the baby Jesus.  It is celebrated on January 6th. There can be parades but there is usually one main parade. 

Mard Gras is about music, floats. parades, excitement and throwing purple, green and gold beads into the crowd. 

Float mardi Gras

The Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club is a Krewe (crew) that puts on a Zulu parade each Mardi Gras Day.

How did the Mardi Gras colors start?

The first "Rex" in 1872 designated that the colors of the parade should be of a royal nature. The nations such as America, France and England had three colors on their flags and Rex decided the parade should have three colors.  

Purple

Normally purple is considered a royal color. For purpose of the parade the color represents justice.  

 

Green

Green represents faith.  

 

Gold

Gold represents power.  It is found everywhere on Mardi Gras 

 

When we visited New Orleans, it was right before Spring and Mardi Gras had just concluded about three weeks before. 

We were able to visit one of the warehouses that stores the floats and statues that are displayed in the parade. This was an amazing visit.  

New Orleans and the surrounding area is filled with history, fun, excitement and of course, great food and drink.  

One of my favorite places to visit was Cafe Du Monde.

It was established in 1862 and is open seven days a week, 24 hours a day for every day of the year except Christmas! The only other time it may be closed is for that occasional  hurricane.  

There is nothing better than having a beignet and a cup of Chicory coffee. Yum!

 

On a somber note, we were there in March of 2003 before Hurricane Katrina. It was so hard to see that wonderful town and coast go through that devastation and tragedy.  I am so glad that the city came back with a vengeance.  If you have never visited New Orleans, put it on your list of places to go. 

 


 

Sedona & Verde Valley  & other events and are brought to you as a courtesy of Sheri Sperry Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Sedona REALTOR®.  If you are a contemplating selling your home, a prospective buyer or just curious about real estate in Sedona I would be honored to discuss our market.  You can contact me at (928) 274-7355 or email me at Sheri@SellSedona.com.  From the moment I am contacted, you will observe my seasoned ability to provide you with "World Class Service" and that "personal touch" while utilizing a complete package of technology options that are of the utmost importance and so critical in today's market. I will tailor REAL solutions to fit your specific needs.

Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

Nice bit of history about Mardi Gras. I have visited the float storage place also and was wowed by the size of them. Floats and parades are big business in New Orleans.

Mar 03, 2017 05:49 PM
Sheri Sperry - MCNE®

That warehouse is very interesting! The size of some of the props is amazing Debbie Reynolds !

Mar 06, 2017 03:49 PM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Oh, I love New Orleans, Sheri Sperry - MCNE® but, did not know about the history or the color representation!  Cafe Du Monde is one of our favorite places to visit too!

Mar 03, 2017 07:35 PM
Sheri Sperry - MCNE®

Hi Debe Maxwell, CRS - There is just something special about those beignets!

Mar 06, 2017 03:50 PM
Sally K. & David L. Hanson
EXP Realty 414-525-0563 - Brookfield, WI
WI Real Estate Agents - Luxury - Divorce

We go to the Gulfport/Biloxi a couple times a year...and have for many years..though there was a long break after Katrina...they are a determined people....and have "risen again" despite what Mother Nature dealt them !

Mar 04, 2017 04:16 AM
Sheri Sperry - MCNE®

Absolutely Sally K. & David L. Hanson - It gives us inspiration to persevere when we have a small set back.  Just knowing what the residents went through. 

Mar 06, 2017 03:52 PM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

Sheri Sperry - MCNE® 

Thank you!

For the first time in my life, I understand what Marti Gras is really all about. When others I know talked about it all I got was food, music, beads, and partying. I just knew there had to be more and you shed the light.

This is a great history lesson that has special meaning. I am grateful you shared the true story. Thank you!

Mar 04, 2017 07:15 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

                                 Thank you Sheri Sperry - MCNE® 

Mar 04, 2017 05:19 PM
Sheri Sperry - MCNE®

Thank you so much Kathy for the Feature!  I appreciate it very much.

Mar 06, 2017 03:47 PM
Gary L. Waters Broker Associate, Bucci Realty
Bucci Realty, Inc. - Melbourne, FL
Eighteen Years Experience in Brevard County

Very informative. I had no idea of the relevance and symbolism of the specific colors. 

Mar 05, 2017 04:59 AM
Sheri Sperry - MCNE®

HI Gary L. Waters, Broker Owner, Waters Realty of Brevard, LLC  - I didn't either. So I looked it up. The colors seemed to repeat everywhere. 

Mar 06, 2017 03:56 PM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

I never knew this, Sherri.  Thanks for the education on the colors we associate with Mardi Gras. I'll never look at these colors the same way again.

Mar 05, 2017 05:04 AM
Sheri Sperry - MCNE®

Glad I could shed a little light on it Nina Hollander !

Mar 06, 2017 03:56 PM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good morning Sheri Sperry - MCNE® ,

We have been to New Orleans but not a Mardi Gras. We've been to Mardi Gras parties locally but never knew about the colors and their meanings associated with the event. Thank you for sharing. I'm so glad that Kathy Streib featured your post in her "Ah-ha" moments for the week! I missed it.

Mar 05, 2017 06:08 AM
Sheri Sperry - MCNE®

I am glad you got a chance to see it Dorie Dillard !

Mar 06, 2017 03:57 PM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

I've only been to New Orleans once and it was not during Mardi Gras. I would have no interest going then, in fact I would avoid going then. We had a group trip and we all had such a great time! 

Mar 05, 2017 08:10 AM
Sheri Sperry - MCNE®

Hi Sharon Tara - I can't see myself going at Mardi Gras but it is a party every night even when it isn't Mard Gras!

Mar 06, 2017 03:58 PM
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Sheri,

We have been to New Orleans twice, and I know what you mean about beignets and the coffee.  Your pictures are lovely, and thanks for the color meanings.  A

Mar 05, 2017 08:11 AM
Sheri Sperry - MCNE®

Your welcome. It is a great place to enjoy a taste of the south!

Mar 06, 2017 03:59 PM
Belinda Spillman
Aspen Lane Real Estate Colorful Colorado - Aurora, CO
Colorado Living!

These are some great photos and a very good explanation of the roots of Mardi Gras.

Mar 05, 2017 09:39 AM
Sheri Sperry - MCNE®

Why thank you Belinda. I was curious and then had to write about it!

Mar 06, 2017 03:59 PM
Grant Schneider
Performance Development Strategies - Armonk, NY
Your Coach Helping You Create Successful Outcomes

Hi Sheri - that is a nice picture of Jackson Square.  I have never been to New Orleans during Marti Gras  but the French Quarter is great.

Mar 05, 2017 10:22 AM
Sheri Sperry - MCNE®

It certainly is Grant Schneider !  The architecture is amazing. 

Mar 06, 2017 04:00 PM
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

Interesting intrepretations.  I interpret gold as wealth. For centuries gold was considered immortal as it does not oxidize over time. 

Interesting photos.

Sam Shueh

 

Mar 05, 2017 11:05 AM
Sheri Sperry - MCNE®

Hi Sam Shueh - and wealth is power! Gemstones and precious metals have an interesting history.

Mar 06, 2017 04:02 PM
Lottie Kendall
Compass - San Francisco, CA
Helping make your real estate dreams a reality

Hi Sherri -- I've not visited New Orleans, but I'm thinking perhaps I should. Thanks for the good read.

Mar 05, 2017 11:22 AM
Sheri Sperry - MCNE®

There is something for everyone Lottie Kendall !

Mar 06, 2017 04:03 PM
Debra Leisek
Bay Realty,Inc Homer Alaska - Homer, AK

Fun Stuff! I never knew what the colors meant! congratulations on being featured in Kathy Streib weekly Ah Ha moments! Nice!

Mar 05, 2017 02:53 PM
Sheri Sperry - MCNE®

Thank you Debra Leisek - I am glad some additional viewers get an understanding of the historical event. 

Mar 06, 2017 04:04 PM
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

You taught me something about the colors Sheri Sperry - MCNE® . Hope you had a good weekend

Mar 05, 2017 04:15 PM
Sheri Sperry - MCNE®

HI Scott Godzyk - I am glad you gto to see it. 

Mar 06, 2017 04:04 PM
Mick Michaud
Distinctly Texas Lifestyle Properties, LLC Office:682/498-3107 - Granbury, TX
Your Texas Lifestyle is Here!

New Orleans is unique and a lot of fun on Marti Gras.  Been there when my dad was working there years ago. 

Mar 05, 2017 06:34 PM
Sheri Sperry - MCNE®

Hi Mick Michaud - My first trip was with my dad on a business trip.  I always remembered Cafe Du Monde.

Mar 06, 2017 04:06 PM
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Burlington, MA
Metro Boston Homes For Sale

Sheri Sperry - MCNE® - this will be on my list for sure - someday...

And thanks for sharing the secret behind the colors - Purple, Green, and Gold!

Mar 05, 2017 10:56 PM
Sheri Sperry - MCNE®

New Orleans is a very interesting city that does not sleep much!

Mar 06, 2017 04:06 PM
Cheryl Dukes . . . . . Intown Atlanta
Guaranteed Offer for your Home - eXp realty - Atlanta, GA

New Orleans -- a nice place to visit for a fun time. Thanks for explaining the significance of the Mardi Gras colors.

Mar 30, 2017 08:22 PM
Dave Martin (703) 585-4687
Fairfax Realty - Fairfax, VA
Making Realty Dreams a Reality #WeWillGetYouHome

I love reading the blogs even though I am doing a big time catch up. Thanks so much for taking the time to post keep them coming :-)

Feb 09, 2018 07:25 PM