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Henny-Penny, Turkey-Lurkey, and Goosey-Loosey all knew it…or at least, believed it. The sky was falling and the world was ending. Usually less catastrophic than a collapsing sky and world destruction, the end of an era can come complete with an array of responses and emotions including, but not limited to, uncertainty, reflection, despair, anxiety, sadness, and discomfort. By the same token, the beginning of an era can signify relief, hope, anticipation, jubilation, and celebration. Both the beginning and the end of an era can include any of the aforementioned responses. It is a fine line.

The end of an era signifies relatively considerable change; events or milestones that mark the cessation of a period of time in which what was – up until that point in time – is no longer, and will never be again. Not as it was originally. The end of an era predicates change of such significance that it requires and recognizes a distinct marker in time. It’s that marker in time that is often utilized as a means of reflecting upon various life experiences and cementing our associations with them as having occurred either before or after the specific event that ended (or started) the era.  It is, by all means, a defining moment.

Breaking News…

“We interrupt your regularly read blog to bring you this important message:

“Pink is the Hot New Cool Color for the Cold of Winter!”

Say what?!? Since when has pink been the go-to color for winter? What’s happened to or is happening to our traditional darker winter-weather hues? After all, that’s the way it’s always been, at least as long as I can remember (from a mid-Atlantic East Coast perspective). And it’s not just pink that’s hot this winter. The colors are brilliant!  Bright, eye-popping reds, oranges, greens, purples and yellows all being donned in a way and at a time I have never seen before (though I’m no fashionista). What season is this? We’ve stepped outside the box. We’re moving forward. A change has come.  

This, my friends, is the end of an era!

That is, unless of course, you consider it a “trend of an era” which would be a new, relatively short-lived, passing fancy. But I believe this is the end of an era and let me tell you why.

Traditionally, darker colors are known to attract or absorb heat so it stands to reason that for those of us who experience cold winter months should dress accordingly to maximize warmth and comfort. Even the act of layering our clothes for added warmth would be enhanced if each of the layers is of a darker hue. Makes sense thus far. So how on earth does pink enter the picture?

The Practicality of Pink

My guess is that it’s not the color pink per se, but rather, the effect or impact of the color pink on mood – yours and mine. And let’s face it, when it comes to winter, I, like many of you, am not in the mood. Colors have been proven to stimulate feelings and affect mood.

Positively Pink

Instructors at the Bloomsburg University Graphic Design Center say that color has profound effects on the mental and physical well-being of humans. Pink is a soothing, calming and cheerful color that helps to reduce stress and anxiety. It is relaxing, warm and can increase joy as it conjures up images of happiness. Pink also encourages friendliness while discouraging aggression and ill-will.

Below are some of the ways that color, and specifically pink, has packed a punch, both consciously and subconsciously.

Feeling “In the Pink”          

• The phrase, “in the pink” is associated with having good health.
• Bright pinks, like the color red, stimulate energy and can increase blood pressure, respiration, heartbeat, and pulse rate. They also encourage action and confidence.
• Pastries taste better when they come out of pink boxes or served on pink plates (it only works with sweets). Pink makes us crave sugar.
• The pink ribbon is a worldwide symbol of awareness and hope in the fight against breast cancer

Pink From a Gender Perspective   

• Pink is associated with love and kindness and is often referred to as the “color of love”.  Pink is also strongly associated with femininity
• More men than ever are purchasing pink as additions to their wardrobes and wearing it comfortably and confidently (and looking good in the process!)
• Some studies of the color pink suggest that male weightlifters seem to lose strength in pink rooms, while women weightlifters tend to become stronger around the color.

Pink Around The Planet

• The Japanese associate the color pink with masculinity. The annual spring blooming of the pink-blossomed cherry trees (the Sakura) is said to represent the young Japanese warriors who fell in battle in the prime of life (the Samurai).
• The Chinese had not recognized the color pink until they had contact with Western culture. The Chinese translation for pink is “foreign color.”

Pink at Work

• Pink slip: notice that employment is ending
• Pink collar: refers to a particular class of jobs once only filled by women

Prison Pink

• Pink has been used in prison holding cells to effectively reduce erratic behavior

Pink Pride      

• A pink triangle is often used to represent gays, lesbians, and bisexuals. The origin of the pink triangle goes back to when Nazis labeled their prisoners in concentration camps. Men who had been jailed because of supposed homosexuality had to wear the pink triangle on their clothing. The pink triangle is now a symbol and sign of pride.

Intoxicating Pink

• Sport’s teams sometimes use pink to paint the locker room used by opposing teams due to its tranquilizing effect.
• A pink elephant: term to describe hallucinations during intoxication

So as pink makes its way into our regular winter wardrobes with all of its wonderful personal and psychosocial implications, remember that not long ago, wearing white after Labor Day was taboo and considered to be a MAJOR fashion faux pas (winter-white excluded).  That was the end of an era despite the fact that some find it challenging to let go of what has always been.

Take a moment to ponder the personal milestones and markers in your life as you reflect upon the eras that have come and gone or perhaps not yet begun. In the process of doing so, enjoy the journey as your mind drifts back to days gone by, joyful and challenging. Enjoy the memories that are made and the milestones that are met. Consciously appreciate your present moment fully recognizing that what is will not always be and how fine the line is between the end of an era and the birth of a new one.

And remember, if you’ve got the winter blues, break out the pink and feel what happens…not only for you, but for those you come in contact with as well.

Let me know what you think…that would tickle me pink!