Each year on June 23, National Pink Day colors the world in vibrant shades of pink and explores everything it represents.
Dating back to the 14th century, "to pink" (the verb) means "to decorate with a perforated or punched pattern." It would have been curious to find pink used in fabric or decor during the Middle Ages. Occasionally it was seen in women's fashion and religious art, however. In the 13th and 14th centuries, artists sometimes portrayed the Christ child dressed in pink, the color associated with the body of Christ.
Artists primarily used pink for the flesh color of faces and hands during the Renaissance. But during The Rococo Period (1720-1777), the color pink was the golden age. Pastel colors became very fashionable in all the courts of Europe during this time. In fact, Madame de Pompadour (1721-1764), the mistress of King Louis XV of France, was known for wearing the color pink, often combined with light blue. At one point, Ms. Pompadour had a particular tint of pink explicitly made for her.
Pink ribbons or decorations were worn by young boys in 19th century England. The men in England wore red uniforms, and since boys were considered small men, boys wore pink. Pink became much bolder, brighter, and more assertive in the 20th century and in 1931, the color "Shocking Pink" was introduced.
As one of the most common colors of flowers, pink serves to attract the insects and birds that are necessary for pollination.
Pink in Language
While pink comes in numerous shades, its meanings vary, too.
In the pink - This phrase refers to someone who is in top form, good health or good condition.
To see pink elephants - When someone "sees pink elephants" they are hallucinating due to too much drink.
Pink slip - When an employer gives a person a pink slip it means they've been fired or dismissed from a job. The term was first recorded in the United States in 1915.
Pink-collar worker - Refers to persons working in jobs conventionally regarded as "women's work."
Pink Money - The term describes the economic spending power of the LGBT community. Other uses include "the pink pound" or "pink dollar."
Tickled pink - When one is exceptionally pleased, they are "tickled pink."
