| A favorite saying in New Orleans is Laissez les bon | | | | American actress who had caught his eye. The lady in |
| temps rouler....which means "Let the good times roll." An | | | | question was said to be Lydia Thompson. Mardi Gras |
| equally popular saying is "Show Your Mardi Gras | | | | was already a traditional annual event at this time and |
| Colors." Although some people find the purple, green | | | | was extremely popular. The Krewe of Rex decided to |
| and gold colors pleasing enough to wear at any time | | | | honor their guest by giving him the privilege of choosing |
| of the year, Carnival time is when everyone puts their | | | | the colors that would officially represent Mardi Gras. |
| "Game Shades" on. When Mardi Gras is underway, | | | | The Grand Duke selected Purple, Green and Gold and |
| you should be in costume or wear clothing that reflects | | | | the story states that these colors then became the |
| the traditional colors of this celebration. | | | | official colors for the House of Romanoff and Mardi |
| Anyone who is familiar with this southern, coastal city | | | | Gras. |
| knows that heritage, tradition, and legends play a very | | | | In 1892, twenty years after the Grand Duke's visit, the |
| important role in the lives of its people. Few things are | | | | theme of the Rex Parade was "Symbolism of Colors". |
| taken for granted when it is possible to find a reason | | | | Purple symbolized Justice; Green symbolized Faith; and |
| or a story that can give it deeper meaning. Food for | | | | Gold symbolized Power. But the legend does not end |
| instance, many of the best recipes have stories that | | | | here; there is an added little tweak. |
| add a richer flavor to the Jambalaya or shrimp po'boy | | | | Some say the colors of Mardi Gras influenced the |
| that is being enjoyed. You can sit at a diner and savor | | | | school color selections of both LSU and Tulane. Many |
| a bite of Seafood Gumbo and the cook can tell you | | | | people have heard the story of these two rival |
| the history behind the dish and all of the ingredients. | | | | universities told many times. According to the |
| There are some recipes that will have some | | | | much-repeated version, LSU arrived in town first to |
| embellishment and you might find several people who | | | | make a color choice for the school. Because of Mardi |
| all claim to have invented the same dish. You simply | | | | Gras, the only cloth available was in shades of purple, |
| enjoy listening to the tales and then you can decide | | | | green, and gold. LSU took the purple and the gold. |
| which version (recipe and story) you like best. | | | | When Tulane arrived, they had to settle for what was |
| There are several tales that you will hear concerning | | | | left, which was the green. |
| even the Mardi Gras colors. The most commonly | | | | This story is fun to repeat as well as to hear, but |
| accepted recounting of the History of Mardi Gras | | | | history shows that the two schools did not make their |
| Colors dates back to the late 19th century. The city of | | | | color selections at the same time. LSU chose purple |
| New Orleans was thrilled to host a member of | | | | and gold many years before Tulane. The story |
| Russian Royalty. In 1872, the Grand Duke Alexis | | | | involving these 2 in-state rivals racing to buy out bolts |
| Romanoff had traveled across the world in order to | | | | of cloth at the same time is much more interesting and |
| visit the Louisiana capitol. | | | | therefore more popular. |
| According to the story, he was hot on the trail of an | | | | |