Love is in the air – well, more like the coronavirus. But as we all know, Valentine’s Day is around the corner. Whether you’re single or in a committed relationship, if you despise intimacy or longing for it, you just can’t seem to hide away from the love.
Universally, the color red is commonly associated with this holiday or with the idea of being intimate. This had me wonder: Why?
Thulasie Manoharan of Her Culture says, “For so long, the color red was said to represent the blood red of the beating heart, and that heart was the ultimate symbol of love” – all from the beginning popularity of Valentine’s Day in the 16th Century. Like I said in a previous post, there is a story or a certain meaning behind colors and patterns. To extend this, symbolic figures and objects influences the way we think about self-perception.
Gabrielle K. Lehmann, author of Meta-Analysis of the Effect of Red on Perceived Attractiveness, also suggests that cultural association and social learning is responsible for this phenomenon. We are all accustomed to the association of the color red with attractiveness and intimacy due to cultural ideas passed down many generations. We keep this ideology just for the sake of symbolism.
Why Red?
Red is considered as the “most attractive color”, for both heterosexual men and women, according to studies concluded by students at the University of Rochester. While some may still argue this claim, recent studies still remain inconclusive.
In contrast, recent studies suggest that wearing red may boost confidence and self-love. Back in 2017, Anne Berthold, contributing author of The Effect of Red Color on Perceived Self-Attractiveness, told PsyPost: “People can feel (or perceive themselves) more attractive when putting on red clothes. Statistically, according to our studies, the color red simply attracts attention.” Generally, red is widely considered a color to be eye-popping and attention-grabbing for the majority of the American public.
So to get into the “holiday spirit”, simply wear red. Whether it be those snazzy pants that has been sitting in your closet all throughout 2020, this is a perfect time to wear it. Whether you are going out on a date, or just reciprocating self-love, flaunt your style! Incorporate some red into your wardrobe!
Here are some ideas to inspire you for your upcoming Valentine’s Day date:
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Jeffrey Dominguez 