What is the symbol for Mardi Gras?

# Coins with Rex on it # Beads # The colors purple green and gold

In 1892 the Grand Duke Alexis Romanoff, brother of the heir to the Russian throne visited New Orleans. He was asked to be the Rex (king) of the parade and was given the honor of choosing the official Mardi Gras colors. His choices were purple, green and gold:

-purple symbolized justice,

-green represented faith

-and gold stood for power

These have remained the official colors of Mardi Gras until today.