Happy Mardi Gras! It is that time of the year where we let loose and celebrate before the beginning of Lent. Have you ever wondered why Mardi Gras colors are gold, green, and purple? Here are some fun facts about this special time of the year:

1. In 1872, the King of Carnival chose the official Mardi Gras colors.

He selected the official colors to honor the visiting Russian Grand Duke Alexis Alexis Alexandrovich Romanoff. It wasn't until 1892 that the Rex parade's theme "Symbolism of Colors" proposed the meanings of gold, purple, and green.

2. Mardi Gras colors mean something.

While gold often connotes wealth, in terms of Mardi Gras, it represents power. Although purple often represents royalty, it instead symbolizes justice. Green connotes faith.

3. Mardi Gras colors influenced the school colors of Louisiana State University and Tulane University.

4. Mobile, Alabama was the first place in the United States to celebrate Mardi Gras.

5. Carnival, or Mardi Gras season, always begins on January 6th, the Epiphany or the twelfth day after Christmas.

6. There are different kinds of King Cakes around the world.

Some are puff pastry dishes, whereas others are brioches. Hundreds of thousands of king cakes are sold each year in Louisiana.

7. Mardi Gras has a direct economic impact at around $200 million.

8. Many parades have special throws.

Nyx throws purses, Muses throws shoes, Zulu throws coconuts, and Krewe D'Etat throws lighted necklaces. Several of the parades also throw plastic cups, spears, and antique glass beads. For those who need a new toilet brush, Tucks throws those!

Throw me somethin' mista!