Lau AlexandraI have a distinct memory of being at a family gathering when I was younger, maybe 15 or so years ago, and having a discussion about color. That’s not usually a hot topic of conversation during Thanksgiving or Christmas, so this one stuck with me.
“What if what I think of as the color red, is really the color green to someone else? And my green is really the color blue to a different person?” my cousin Lisa mused. It generated a long conversation, with no consensus made at the end.
My teenage mind was blown.
Actually, my adult mind is still blown over this possibility. Is what I see as blue the same blue that others see? What about colors associated with holidays? Halloween just passed- everyone knows orange, black and hints of purple and green are traditional Halloween colors…and we’re all viewing the same hues. Right?
I guess I don’t know for sure, and I’m certainly no science whiz, but I think I’ll go out on a limb and say that- within a few shades differentiated by vision- those of us who can see color are all viewing the same general spectrum.
Whether or not that’s true, I’m exceedingly grateful for color, especially during this time of year. Seeing nature go ablaze in autumn is something I look forward to with fervent joy. There’s something about taking a walk in a park, surrounded by the characteristic reds, oranges, and yellows that just hits differently. There’s a certain smell and chill in the air unmatched by any other time. Perhaps it’s the excitement of the holiday season to come- or perhaps it’s just enjoying nature’s last show before it hibernates for winter. Either way, I hope those colors never fade.
‘til next time,
Lau
