I've Got the Yellows

I must be feeling like spring because lately I seem to have added a little bit of yellow to my life. I didn't notice it really until I painted this chair.

 

Yellow is my favorite color. To me it's a color of light and happiness, of spring and daffodils, coltsfoot and daisies. According to Dave's Garden, "In color therapy, yellow is a happy color. It is reported to relieve depression, improve memory, and stimulate the appetite. Color researchers believe that yellow increases self-esteem and strengthens overall health and well-being. The color is said to be mentally stimulating and to encourage communication. From cream to lemon to golden, from chartreuse to saffron, yellow is a common color, so it should come as no surprise that it is full of symbolism."

Yellow has its place in history and in superstitions--some good, and some not so much. In Chinese culture, "Yellow, corresponding with earth, is considered the most beautiful and prestigious color. The Chinese saying, Yellow generates Yin and Yang, implies that yellow is the center of everything. Associated with but ranked above brown, yellow signifies neutrality and good luck. Yellow is sometimes paired with red in place of gold. Yellow was the emperor's colour in Imperial China and is held as the symbolic color of the five legendary emperors of ancient China. Yellow often decorates royal palaces, altars and temples, and the color was used in the robes and attire of the emperors. Yellow also represents freedom from worldly cares and is thus esteemed in Buddhism. Monks' garments are yellow, as are elements of Buddhist temples. Yellow is also used as a mourning color for Chinese Buddhists." (from Wikipedia)

The ancient Chinese emperor Huangdi was called the Yellow Emperor because of his enlightened efforts to bring peace and harmony to his kingdom.

In some Hispanic cultures, wearing yellow underwear on New Year's Eve is believed to bring happiness and prosperity in the coming year.

Yellow does have some negative superstitions connected with it, however. Some believe yellow is the color of death; some fisherman do not want anything yellow on their boats and rodeo people believe it's bad luck to wear yellow in the ring. The same goes for theater people--yellow apparently once was the color worn in medieval plays  by those representing the Devil.  My English mother used to say that yellow roses meant sadness, and there are some superstitions that yellow equals death. In Russia yellow flowers mean unfaithfulness so it's not a good idea to give them to your sweetheart.

Even with these not-so-good beliefs about the color, yellow to me will always be the color of sunshine, happiness, peace and joy. It will always be my favorite color. I mean, who could resist that happy little yellow bird anyway?



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