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Ah Mardi Gras! The parade, the masks, the dancing, and…. the beads! Purple and green rule the palette, and pomp and pageantry are the order of the day. It’s not every day that you celebrate this much, but that simply means that you should look your best when you do! We have a collection of cufflinks to inspire you.
According to Mardi Gras New Orleans:
The origins of Mardi Gras can be traced to medieval Europe, passing through Rome and Venice in the 17th and 18th centuries to the French House of the Bourbons. From here, the traditional revelry of “Boeuf Gras,” or fatted calf, followed France to her colonies…. In 1703, the tiny settlement of Fort Louis de la Mobile celebrated America’s very first Mardi Gras.
New Orleans was established in 1718 by Bienville. By the 1730s, Mardi Gras was celebrated openly in New Orleans, but not with the parades we know today. In the early 1740s, Louisiana’s governor, the Marquis de Vaudreuil, established elegant society balls, which became the model for the New Orleans Mardi Gras balls of today.
In 1856, six young Mobile natives formed the Mistick Krewe of Comus, invoking John Milton’s hero Comus …who brought magic and mystery to New Orleans with dazzling floats (known as tableaux cars) and masked balls. … In 1870, Mardi Gras’ second Krewe, the Twelfth Night Revelers, was formed. This is also the first recorded account of Mardi Gras “throws.” … 1872 was the year that a group of businessmen invented a King of Carnival, Rex, to preside over the first daytime parade. To honor the visiting Russian Grand Duke Alexis Romanoff, the businessmen introduced Romanoff’s family colors of purple, green and gold as Carnival’s official colors. Purple stands for justice; gold for power; and green for faith…. In 1875, Governor Warmoth signed the “Mardi Gras Act,” making Fat Tuesday a legal holiday in Louisiana, which it still is.”
Purple, gold, and green, being the colors of the Carnival also give some great options for standing out on this fun and exciting celebration. If you’re headed to one of Mardi Gras’ famous balls, you’ve got to dress to impress. Thankfully, you’ve got lots of great options:
We want to help you celebrate, so if you’re looking for something specific, or if you can’t find what you’re looking for, let our friendly support team help you out. They’re great at making magic happen! Happy Mardi Gras!
