Lilac

Read the word “lilac,” and you can almost smell the heady, sweet scent of the flowers that bloom for two blissful weeks at the end of May. The color does take its name from the flower — a light purple shade with a slightly pinkish hue on the tips.

The first recorded use of the color name “lilac” was in England in 1775. In the nineteenth century Europe, pale lilac was used in clothing to mark the final stages of mourning. The beginning stages were, of course, signified with the color black. After one year, white, lilac, and lavender dresses became acceptable attire for the bereaved.

In the language of love, lilacs are given at the beginning of a courtship, symbolizing the first emotions of love. As the blooming of lilacs often ushers in the beginning of Spring, giving lilac flowers to your beloved indicts your blossoming feelings.

Lilacs are categorized as a lighter shade of purple. However, lilac itself also comes in varying shades, as well.

Rich, pale, and deep are three subcategories of shades of the color lilac. Pale lilac is almost white, while deep lilac is closer to pure purple.

Lilac often has strong connections to feminine qualities, such as caring, being emotional and nurturing. This femininity manifests in putting the needs of others before their own, helpfulness and avoiding confrontations.

The slight pinkish hue at the tips of lilacs represents immaturity and indecisiveness.

Conversely, the uniqueness of the color implies a willingness to stand out and go against the crowd. Expression of emotions or personality is more important than people’s opinions.

Putting one’s emotions at the forefront can sometimes result in loss of emotional control, which goes back to immaturity.

According to color psychology, the color lilac is frequently associated with qualities such as friendliness, open-minded, immaturity, and extroversion. The color is said to help reduce antisocial behavior and aggression by encouraging emotional expression.

The color lilac means living in the moment, being sociable and open to different ways of thinking. Being open to many different perspectives and suggestions can sometimes lead to indecision.

If Lilac is your favorite color, you are most likely:

• Emotional
• Outgoing
• Unconventional
• Immature
• Outward Thinking

In a world of blues and reds, lilac is rare and uncommon. Perhaps this explains our fascination with lilac trees that bloom for only a short time once per year.