Pink is not a color. It is an Attitude.

June 23rd. is National Pink Day.  Who and when  this celebration was created is unknown.  It was first used in the late 17th century as a color name.  There  are flowers named  "pinks".  They are also known as Dianthus or Sweet William.

The color pink when combined with white or pale blue is associated with femininity, sensitivity, tenderness, childhood and romantic.  When combined with black it is associated with eroticism and seduction.  Going back to the 14th century, the verb pink means to decorate with a perforated or punched pattern.  This lead to the invention of "pinking shears", that cut a sawtooth pattern on woven cloth to limit the amount of fraying of the unfinished cloth edges.

During the middle ages, pink was rarely used in fabric or decor.   It was seen occasionally in women's fashion and religious art.  In the 13th and 14th century, the Christ child was sometimes portrayed dressed in pink.  During the Renaissance period,  pink was mainly used for the flesh color of faces and hands.

The golden age for the color pink was the Rococo Period, 1720-1777.  Pastel colors became fashionable in Europe.  Madame de Pompadour was known for wearing the color pink, which she often combined with light blue.  She even had a  particular tint of pink made for her.

During the 19th century in England, young boys wore pink ribbons or decorations.  The men wore red uniforms and since boys were considered small men, they wore pink.  In the 20th century pink became much bolder and brighter, and in 1931, the color "Shocking Pink" was introduced. 

Pink is the most common color of flowers and serves to attract insects and birds necessary for pollination.

There are many different ways of using the word pink.

·         In the pink - To be in good condition, top form, and good health

·         To see pink elephants -You have had one too many libations!  - a drunken     hallucination

·         Pink slip - You have been fired or dismissed from a job if you received a pink slip

·         Pink-collar worker - Persons working in jobs regarded as "women's work"

·         Tickled pink - means being extremely please

The best way to celebrate the day is to wear pink.  Enjoy foods and beverages that are pink.  Donate to any of the charities that use the color pink.  Plant or give some pink flowers.  Temporarily or permanently dye your hair pink.  Color or paint something in shades of pink.  Paint your nails pink.  Enjoy your day!

This  pale pink Hydrangea was photographed in the Longwood Gardens in
Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. It was a hanging basket in the Conservatory.  

This shocking pink water lily is titled Pink Beauty.
It was found in the Missouri  Botanical Gardens in St. Louis, Missouri.  

 These images are available in table top to wall size, triple matted and with or without a frame.  The matted versions are yours at a 10% discount and the framed matted versions in sizes 11x14 and larger can be yours at a 15% discount.

Visit our website, www.throughthelensoflee-margaret.com for available sizes and prices.

Stop by and see us on Monday through Friday from 10a.m. to 12 noon and 2p.m. to 5p.m.

The gallery is open for arranged Saturday appointments.  Call us at 904-387-8710 to schedule your special visit.  Come see us and order now.

"Pink is a beautiful color, because it is one of the colors that the sun makes at twilight and in the dawns."

                  --- C. JoyBell C.