10 Interesting facts that all writers should know about the colour red

 by Lee Howell

1.    Red was one of the first colours used by artists in paintings back in 25000 BC, the natural pigments such as red ochre and iron oxide were readily available. 

2.    There are many expressions that as a writer we can use in our writing but are encouraged not to do so because they have been heard so many times before.  Some referring to the colour red are: “to paint the town red” – to have a real fun evening with lots of eating, drinking and dancing.  “Like a red rag to a bull” – to make someone become really angry. "To catch someone red-handed" – to catch someone in the act of doing something wrong. 

3.    Red is a very warm Feng Shui colour that should be used in a writing room to relax the writer.  Red objects lovingly used for this purpose are: lamps, candles, computer, fireplace and artwork containing the colour red.

4.    Writers should watch what they eat.  It has been widely documented that consumption of red meat halves the risk of depression.  Components of red wine help to prevent cancer, protecting also against heart problems and improving brain function.  Red grapes are extremely rich in both fibre and antioxidants which reduce the risks of cardiovascular disease.

5.    For business it became unacceptable to use red ink because red ink will not copy on a black and white office copier with a red laser.  A red laser can't distinguish red ink on a white sheet of paper. When you project red light on something white, it looks red. When you project red light on something red, it looks red. So there's practically no contrast between the ink and the paper so the scanner can't read the marks.

6.    “If one says 'Red' – the name of the colour and there are fifty people listening, it can be expected that there will be fifty reds in their minds. And one can be sure that all these reds will be very different." -- Josef Albers.

7.    Red is a popular colour for song writers some well-known examples are: "Lady in Red" by Chris de Burgh; "Little Red Corvette" by Prince and “Red, Red Wine" by UB40.

8.    Red is a colour associated and used with vengeance in stories describing poison, passion and seduction.

9.    The colour red is known to increase enthusiasm, stimulate energy, increase blood pressure, respiration and pulse rate.  It can encourage action and confidence and provide a sense of protection from fears and anxiety.

10.  My favourite red item at home is a bamboo plaque with some Chinese writing on it and underneath is a large red Chinese knot and tassels.  The red Chinese knot has come to be the symbol of reunion, luck, harmony, and love.

Every writer should bring a little red into their lives for enjoyment, health and prosperity.

What is your most important red item and why?

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Lee Howell is a UK based author and writer in the making, as well as an employee, mother and wife. More of Lee's writing can be found on her blog at http://budbin.wordpress.com/