The Meaning of Pink
Nearly all of the pink coloured things in my wardrobe are vintage or second-hand, discarded by their original owners.
Does any other colour in the rainbow have such controversy surrounding it? People who like it are often on the defensive. Yet pink is considered a peaceful, calming hue; the universal colour of love; happy, hopeful, nurturing, sweet, feminine… are these curse words? I have heard women dismiss it for its girlishness in scathing tones – but is that rather a reflection of their own sentiments than a valid denunciation of an innocent distribution of light energy versus wavelength?
How could you not? (Photo by Kareem Black)It is always a source of amusement to me that pink – a colour associated with femininity – used to be considered a suitable colour for boys. It only serves to emphasise that our perception of colour is also influenced by cultural conventions*, not only by the emotional responses they evoke.
pink is considered a peaceful, calming hue; the universal colour of love…
About.com has a fascinating collection of reader responses to pink, from Nathan, who feels powerful; to Calinda who feels disappointed and rejected; and Linda who says, “Pink is pretty, girly, loud, bold, fun, and sometimes sexy.”
Kitten-Kay is obsessed with it. (Photo by Barcroft/Fame Pictures)
Who could deny the beauty of Japanese cherry blossom? (Photo by Sakura Saki.) 
A hue divine enough for prayers in Vietnam. (Photo by So Not A Princess)As for the vertiginous hot pink satin heels, and the wool felt cowboy hat in a shade of scorching pink, both are found from the same charity shop. One day I will attempt to totter around in those dangerous shoes, but the hat will adorn the head of my niece Rosiecheeks. I am sure she would echo Linda’s words: “I LOVE PINK. I love being a girl, so I love pink, and I always will…”
*Click here for a complete psychological profile on pink.
Click on images for sources. Thanks to Sapphire for helping me take the main photo.