The world exists in a diverse range of colours. Objects of various shapes and sizes find their aesthetic appeal in its beautiful hues. Green grass… red roses….black feline….….yellow daffodils….blue sea….pink tote….maroon parasol….However, we prefer to stick to the innocent whites on certain occasions. We see the bride decked in white (though the grooms are donned in black tuxedos) or Wimbledon players adorned in white sportswear. Don’t know why “All England Club” has enforced such a strict dress code where all outfits worn must be primarily white. A young girl receiving her first holy communion (among Roman Catholics) is dressed in spectacular white. Angels from heaven are depicted in white. An unmarried girl is dressed in white on her funeral day. Churches and chapels embrace white as its architectural hue.
What is it about this immaculate white that attracts many fashion conscious people as well as holds religious appeal? What does the colour white signify? White signifies purity, innocence, cleanliness and kindness. Does it mean that grooms dressed in black are impure in heart, mind and soul?
Even in movies, the witches and wizards or evil vampires or scheming crooks are seen donning darker shades. However, the whiter shades are more pasted on celebs playing the roles of good queens, princesses or princes. I haven’t seen any Hollywood movie or for that matter Bollywood movie that shows vamps in white.
We all know that red roses signifies romantic love. However, did you know that gifting a woman white roses is a symbol of loyal love? As per the Bible, petals of white lily symbolises purity and radiant soul of Virgin Mary.
There are several English expressions that describe the essence of white – “as white as snow” and “white as a sheet.” Whenever, we make mistakes in our handwritten report, we immediately seek our needy pal - the ‘whitener.’ Why isn’t there something called the ‘blackener’? Even our newly built unfurnished homes require whitewash before being painted the hues that the owner desires. Why isn’t there a ‘blackwash’?
