RED: THE COLOR OF LOVE & LUCK by Catherine Lanigan & Rula Sinara

Image courtesy of Morguefile.com
RULA: 

February is a funny month in that it seems to straddle the line between winter and spring. Some might make that call based on a little old groundhog seeing his shadow on February 2nd, while others embrace cultural and religious traditions, such as Saint Brigid’s Day/Candlemas (the 1st & 2nd) or the Chinese New Year (the 5th this year…today!), that celebrate February as the very beginning of spring with the start of the month falling approximately between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. We won’t be seeing crocus buds or daffodils anytime soon in our neck of the woods. In fact, this is the month we get the most snow! But there’s nothing like spotting a bright red cardinal against a backdrop of evergreens and a sea of white.

Red is a color that many associate with February, in large part due to Valentine’s Day on the 14th. However, it’s also the color of good luck & prosperity in China and many other Asian countries (think red wedding dresses in India…the color of the rising sun, fertility & prosperity). Today happens to be the Chinese New Year…the year of the pig…and the start of their spring festival celebration. Happy New Year to those who celebrate it!! The festivities run for two weeks, ending on the 15th, and include the color red, such as red envelopes given as gifts.

That brings us to Valentine’s Day, which we all know turns every store window red, with displays of hearts, red and pink teddy bears or red roses. Why red? Red is the color of passion. If you think about fertility and good luck, one might figure those go hand-in-hand with passion and love ;). When giving flowers, for example, red is the color given to someone you have romantic feelings for. Historically, makeup was (and still is) used to enhance our looks and make us more physically appealing, which is why one of the most popular features we draw attention to is our lips. Red lipstick, or shades of red, is very popular, along with red nail polish. Not only eye catching but it’s a color that exudes sensuality, power and passion. 

Image courtesy of Morguefile.com

For those who believe in chakras or energy centers in our bodies, you know that red is the color of our ‘root chakra’. If you’re sitting cross-legged and imagine an invisible rod passing from the top of your head straight down to where you meet the ground, the root chakra is there at the base of your spine. It represents grounding, security, feminine energy, instincts and strength…all things we should be reminded of when we’re being overcome by passion and emotions. It’s also cool that the color of the heart chakra happens to be green and artists out there know that red and green are complimentary colors. Food for thought!

I find it interesting that food that are also associated with luck, fertility and passion tend to be red. Think apples…from Adam & Eve, to fertility symbolism to expressions like ‘you’re the apple of my eye’…to red wine, which is also good for your heart! What about chocolate covered strawberries for your Valentine’s date? Red is everywhere.

And speaking of that attention getting, come hither lipstick, red is used to grab attention in other ways too. It’s a life-saving color, from markings on life-saving vests and rings to fire engines to those red lights you’d better not cross.

Historically, red was second only to purple in expensive dyes, which is why it was used with royalty and clergy. Red was a sign of status and wealth. I can’t help but tie this in with that red Cardinal bird in the snow, given its name. But that bird is also symbolic of family…which all begins with love.

Here we are, romance writers and readers. If we asked you what color you associated with romance and love, chances are you’d say red. 

Image courtesy of Morguefile.com

CATHERINE: 

Yes, I’ll surely be saying red. When I was a little girl growing up and my parents were building this house in which I now live, I was allowed –at the age of 3-4, to choose the color of my bedroom wall. I chose red. I loved red. I had red gingham dresses my mother made and red velvet ones for Christmas. Today, my bathroom is a Paris them with red walls. Red towels and right now, red lights over the window and cupids taped to the mirror.

Rula, all this information about the color red is fascinating. Most interesting to me is that this Chinese New Year is the Year of the Pig. I’m a pig. And I thought it would be cool for everyone to know what a Pig in Chinese Astrology means.

There are several web sites that address this, but in a nutshell. Pigs are eternal optimists. Happy and content. In 2019 they come to the height of their full energy. This is a joyful year with friends, family and business. A lucky year. A prosperous year. And some windfall of unexpected money. Romance is in the cards as well. Lots of good omens if you marry. All pig homes are harmonious and filled with good fortune. New ventures will be successful.

A lot to be thankful for if you are a Pig!

I don’t usually think of red when I think of a pig, but I do think Pink…close enough to red, right? 

Image courtesy of Morguefile.com

If you celebrate Chinese New Year today, be thankful for the year of the Pig. It’s a happy year and believe me, as far as I’m concerned, there’s no happier color than red.

Are there any other Pigs out there celebrating with me?

RULA:

Ooooh I'm a monkey. But I'm only a prankster on April Fool's Day! Really! (cough cough ;).

Here's one site where you can find out more about the Chinese Zodiac and what your animal year is: https://chinesenewyear.net/zodiac/

Do you like the color red?

One more day left to enter! Check out the tour's Grand Finale with reviews & excerpts and enter the giveaway at Prism Book Tours: HERE

Amazon

And if you missed Catherine's latest book in the Shores of Indian Lake series...


Happy February and Chinese New Year!

Rula & Catherine

www.RulaSinara.com
www.CatherineLanigan.com

Comments

  1. I loved reading about all the great things associated with the color red and how wonderful it is to be a pig! Blessings and good fortune to you in February and all year!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Amie. Didn't Rula do a simply fabulous job finding us lots of RED visuals?

      Delete
    2. Thanks, Amie, and same to you! Catherine, I had to chuckle when I saw the little pig photo :). Perfect!

      Delete
  2. I'll be darned--I'm a tiger. Who'd have thought... I loved this post. Red's also an important color for teachers right now (Wear Red for Ed) and the Red Dress day was February 1 (I missed it.) Wonderful pictures. Wishing you both joy.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Liz, you tiger you. And Joy back to you! Thanks for stopping by. This was fun one to do.

      Delete
    2. Hey, Tiger ;). So true about Wear Red for Ed and Red Dress for heart health! I have a little red dress pin I wear. Sending you joy!

      Delete
  3. Red always draws attention. When in a mall, people wearing red will stand out. And Liz, we have Red for Ed signs all around town. Made some progress in teacher salaries here. Not enough, but some.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'll keep wearing red for Ed! I bought a red sweater at TJ Maxx for Christmas, now it's my favorite!

      Delete
    2. Roz, it's definitely a stand out color, hence the use for stop signs and such. When I first learned how to drive, I was told that red cars (especially if sporty looking) tended to get the most tickets. Not sure if that stat still holds true.

      Delete
  4. I am a pig. In more ways than one, lol. This was such a fun post!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey, fellow Pig! I love that. And thanks for stopping by!

      Delete
    2. Here's to you both for a wonderful and lucky year of the pig!

      Delete
  5. When you talked about red, it also made me think of daring--particularly for women. Red lips, red nails, red shoes--and even red dresses, as in "lady in red." It happens that red is my favorite color! And if Red for Ed signs will get teachers what they deserve, then let's all go red!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm with you, Virginia! Red for Ed. And I always have red polished toes. I've tried other colors but they pale.

      Delete
    2. Virginia, now I have the song 'Lady in Red' in my head and it'll probably stick there all day lol :). It's definitely a powerful and daring and attention getting color. I think it's romantic but it also exudes confidence...which I hear is pretty appealing.

      Delete
  6. I'm a rat. "These Rats tend to be reliable and live a stable life. They may hold some power and are able to turn unlucky events into fortune." I'm not sure about the power, but I've been lucky in my life. And I love red. Years ago, my mother-in-law gave me a red wool coat for Christmas. I love wearing bright red during the dull days of winter. Fun post!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The credit goes to Rula for coming up with the RED idea. I love, love it and yes, red during these charcoal days is imperative! I love Rat people, by the way.

      Delete
    2. Beth, being able to turn bad luck into good fortune is a gift/skill/attitude more people should have! Your red coat sounds lovely and reminds me of the hooded red coat my mom knitted for me when I was a toddler. I have many pictures wearing it and my own kids wore the same red coat when they were little. Special 'red' memories!

      Delete
  7. I've always loved the color red. I teach English to Chinese students and have learned what a big holiday Spring Festival is. We've been talking about Year of the Pig for a while now! Great article topic!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's so cool, Elizabeth! I hope this year brings you debut release blessings! :)

      Delete

Post a Comment