Red – Too Hot to Handle? -

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Check out my very own ‘Lady in Red’

This is the traditional Chinese gown that Maggie wore on our wedding day. Is it any wonder why my pet name for her is ‘Gorgeous‘?

In China, red is the color of fortune and good luck. As well, the number 8 in Chinese culture is most fortuitous. Since we got married on August 8, 2008 near 8:00 PM, I guess you could say I am one very lucky guy!

Just Warming Up

Red is classified as a warm color characterized in part by stimulating energy and increasing blood pressure and circulation. Red’s range runs from mild compliments and encouragement all the way to the intense violence of a raging bull.

Incidentally, bulls respond to the movement of cloth rather than the color. Although bulls can see red, they cannot distinguish red from green. That’s why you could hold a red cloth very still in front of a bull and probably not get even a sniff of interest. But wave a white flag, or any color flag for that matter, in his face and you’ll get more ‘attention’ than you can handle. Now you know… thank you very much!

While it is implied that red plays on the emotions, its real manifestation is seen in physical action and reaction. The power of the color is so strong that it requires – even demands – this action and reaction to disperse its potency. That is why ‘seeing red’ is usually quickly followed by demonstrations of rage and violence. The explosive energy must have an outlet.

When red appears in the aura, traditionally it means that the person is materialistic or operating almost exclusively on physical terms.

Giving the Gift of Red

We already learned that red is a color of great energy ranging from passionate love to violent hatred. Wearing red gemstones such as rubies, garnets and red coral is suggested to give one more drive, passion, vitality, courage and self-confidence. It is the gem color of choice for those who wish to decrease anxiety and improve luck.

From the garden, red flowers – particularly the red rose – symbolize passion, deep love and romance. They also stand for courage, beauty and perfection. Know that when you send a bouquet of red flowers, the intent and meaning is very clear. There is no turning back!

The Culture of Red

In many cultures around the world including Russia, red represents beauty.
In India, a red mark on the forehead is said to bring good luck.
In the UK, red phone booths and double-decker busses are national icons.
However, in Jamaica red is used as a term synonymous with being drunk.
Chinese give their unmarried children money in red envelopes each New Year to bring good fortune.
Red brings creativity, energy, joy and life to the Hindu.

Expressing Yourself in Red

We would all love to have more ‘Red Letter Days’, those that are most joyful and memorable.

In addition, who wouldn’t love more of the ‘Red Carpet Treatment’, that is special privileges bestowed upon only the most important people.

However, being ‘in the red’ (debt) would most likely cause one to be ‘red in the face’ (embarrassed).

To be ‘caught red-handed’ (in the act of crime) would surely trigger many ‘red flags’ (lots of attention).

And dealing with tons of ‘red tape’ (unnecessary bureaucracy) may cause some people to ‘see red’ (become angry).

Color – The Silent Language of Advertising

Now that we’ve learned a bit more about the color red, it will come as no surprise that media and marketing moguls smartly use this color to influence your buying decisions. On a deep, psychological level the color red suggests – and in many cases actually stimulates – enjoyment, excitement, strength, love, passion and sex. It is most effectively used for emphasis. When used alone it can be overpowering and overwhelming.

Do you think companies like Coca-Cola and Red Bull knew what they were doing when they designed their red packaging? And while it’s obvious why the Red Cross and Heart Association use the color red, you may be interested to know that the red ribbon is also an international symbol of AIDS awareness as well as a drug prevention program.

Other Distinctive Red Trivia

Did you know that…

Red flowers are pollinated by bats, birds, butterflies and the wind, but not by bees because they cannot see the color red.
Code Red is the highest, most severe threat level in the Homeland Security Advisory System.
Red is the color of the highest arc in the rainbow. It is also the first color you lose sight of at twilight.
Redheads don’t turn grey. Their hair modulates from sandy to white.