Embrace the color blue to commemorate the beauty and change that comes with this time of year.
Today, blue symbolizes stability, trust, and loyalty, making it a fitting color for the month when students head back to school and people return to their daily routines after summer vacations.
September is a special month for many reasons, including the arrival of autumn and being my birthday month. This is a time to celebrate the memories we’ve made and the people we’ve shared our year with.
A Brief History of the Color Blue
The color blue has a long history of being associated with September. In ancient Greece, September was named after Demeter, the goddess of harvest, who was often depicted wearing a blue robe. It was believed blue represented her purity and connection to the sky and sea.
In art, blue has held a luxurious status. Nature, however, did not readily provide blue pigment, making it a challenge for early artists to incorporate this hue into their creations. A breakthrough came when the Egyptians discovered lapis lazuli through mining, enabling the production of artworks adorned with captivating shades of blue.
Lapis lazuli, a semi-precious stone, was exceedingly costly, and its prized ultramarine pigment, derived from grinding the stone, became a valuable medium for artists over many centuries.
“Blue color is everlastingly appointed by the deity to be a source of delight ” – John Ruskin.
The perception of blue as a prestigious color endured until a method of extracting dye from plant leaves was eventually discovered, democratizing blue’s use to a broader audience.
Interestingly, September’s birthstone is the blue sapphire. In the Middle Ages, sapphires were believed to have several magical properties, including protecting the wearer from harm and providing wisdom and understanding.
Currently, blue finds extensive usage in diverse contexts. From the blue jeans we wear to construction worker uniforms and business suits. For example, it can represent a sense of seriousness, exemplified by the blue uniforms of the New York City Police Department.
Alternatively, it holds emotional significance, often used to convey sadness. For example, blues music earned its name from its characteristic themes of melancholy.
“The sun is up, the sky is blue; It’s beautiful, and so are you.” – John Lennon.
Throughout history, the color has lent its name to various movements, such as the Bluestockings, a group of women advocating for female education rights, who were identified by their informal blue hosiery. Personally, I have a special connection to September. September is my birth month, and since birth I have been on a mission to advocate for women’s education and rights.
Blue has a calming effect on the mind and body, which contributes to a sense of well-being and contentment. Many people find that being surrounded by blue reduces stress and promotes relaxation, further enhancing its association with happiness.
How to Infuse Blue into Your Life
To recognize this particular time of year, why not embrace the energy the color blue provides and utilize it in your wardrobe, home decor, or personal style?
Incorporating blue into your life can be an excellent way to add a sense of tranquillity, depth, and elegance.
Here are some ideas on how to do so:
- Home decor: Introduce blue accents in your home decor through throw pillows, rugs, curtains, or artwork. Also, consider painting a feature wall in a soothing shade of blue.
- Wardrobe: Add blue clothing items to your wardrobe, such as shirts, dresses, or accessories like scarves and ties. Blue denim is always a classic choice as well.
- Flowers and plants: Consider decorating your living spaces with blue flowers or indoor plants with blue-tinted foliage.
- Jewelry and accessories: Opt for blue gemstones or accessories like earrings, necklaces, or bracelets that showcase the color.
- Workspace: Add touches of blue to your workspace, whether it’s a blue desk organizer, a blue mouse pad, or a blue notepad.
Remember, the key is to find the right balance and use shades of blue that resonate with you and complement your surroundings. Whether you prefer bold, vibrant blues or soft, calming hues, incorporating blue into your life can bring a sense of serenity and joy.
Vibrant Living: Discover How Color Enhances Your World
To learn more about the psychology of color and how it affects our emotions, you can join the ByFERIAL Image & Color Institute. We offer a wealth of information on how to use color to enhance your life personally and professionally.
So, as September rolls around, let’s embrace the stability and trust symbolized by blue and celebrate all the good things in life.
And a very Happy birthday to all the September birthday celebrants!
