Valentine's Palette: If pink means love, why is it always red and white | Headline News

Written by Itnu Aziz Kareem

February 11, 2024 | 4:11pm

Valentine's Day is a special day for many people around the world. Therefore, a vibrant color palette symbolizes celebration, and each color whispers its own love story. Pink has long been associated with love, but the predominance of red and white in this romantic symphony leaves people with mixed feelings…

Valentine's Day is a special day for many people around the world.

Therefore, a vibrant color palette symbolizes celebration, and each color whispers its own love story. Pink has long been associated with love, but the predominance of red and white in this romantic symphony leaves people pondering the complex nuances of love expressions.

Valentine's Day was originally associated with romantic love in the Middle Ages, but gained momentum in the 18th century with the exchange of love notes. The tradition of sending handwritten expressions of love evolved into the elaborate celebrations we see today.

“Valentine's Day is a fusion of cultures that blends history, legend, and symbolism. The red and white woven into this celebration represent the deep and enduring aspects of love,” says a folklore expert. says Dr. Ngozi Adekunle.

Essentially, the importance of red and white on Valentine's Day lies in their ability to encapsulate the multifaceted nature of love, from the fiery passion that red represents to the purity and enduring nature that white embodies. there is.

When we embrace these colors each February, we not only celebrate the historical roots of Valentine's Day, but also pay homage to the universal language of love that transcends time and culture.

red, emblem of passion, sacrifice
In the language of love, red is the undeniable protagonist. Its fiery hue symbolizes passion, deep feelings, and the strength of a romantic connection. Lovers dressed in red express passion and devotion across cultures, creating a visual language that transcends words.

“Red is the color of fire and desire, an implicit declaration of love that lights a flame in your heart,” says fashion designer Ayesha Malik.
In historical contexts, red similarly emerged as a symbol of deep passion and sacrifice.

Legend has it that St. Valentine, a 3rd century Roman priest, defied the orders of the emperor and secretly performed marriages between soldiers in love. Although he was eventually martyred for the act, St. Valentine's red blood sacrifice became associated with his celebration of love.

“Red reflects the intense emotion and sacrifice that comes with love. It is the shade of St. Valentine's courage, and it is the fiery passion that defines true passion,” said cultural historian Dr. Isabella Thompson. I am.

White: purity, eternal love
The complementary presence of white in the Valentine's color palette signifies purity, innocence, and the enduring nature of love. As the legend of St. Valentine continued to evolve, white came to represent St. Valentine's pure intentions and the untainted love he sought to share with the world.

“White is the color that embodies the purity of love, transcends the transitory and symbolizes the eternal nature of true affection,” said art historian Professor Samuel Owusu.

In contrast to the intensity of red, white embodies purity, innocence, and the gentle beauty of blossoming love. From primitive flowers to pure intentions, they serve as canvases for heartfelt gestures. White's presence in Valentine's Day celebrations reflects the desire for untainted and eternal love.
“White speaks of unblemished love, like a blank canvas awaiting the brushstrokes of a beautiful journey together,” says poet and philosopher Malik Johnson.

pink, soft embrace
Pink exudes a soft and gentle charm, and its prominent presence in the Valentine's color palette is a testament to the multifaceted nature of love. Often associated with sweetness and love, pink represents the gentler nuances of a romantic connection, offering a softer, more delicate expression.

“Pink is a gentle whisper of love, a hue that gracefully dances with shared moments and tender emotions,” says artist and cultural critic Sade Oke.

What do people say about the color of love?
“On the love spectrum, red is the fiery sunset, white is the gentle moonlight, and pink is the gentle dawn. Each one tells a story of love that evolves throughout the day,” says the relationship expert. says Dr. Michael Oluwatobi.

Colors speak the language of the heart. Red, white and pink are poems of love, expressing the different emotions that make each Valentine's Day unique.

In a kaleidoscope of Valentine's colors, red, white and pink intertwine to create a visual symphony that captures the essence of love in its myriad forms.

Each shade painted on the canvas of romance contributes to the rich emotional tapestry that defines this celebration of love.

Source: guardian.ng