Feature

Orange Elation

Fariha Ishrat Khandaker

FOR those of you who have never been in a fox hunt with tiny British men atop robust stallions, honking and yelling along side their fox hounds; all after a agile little creature marked by the colour orange. Its sad really once the poor little thing is caught and…better to not get into details of it. But, as difficult as it will be to stop sympathizing with the poor fox, I suggest you pay more attention to its colour that I have so enthusiastically mentioned. Orange.

Yes, as one is seemingly smart, or would like to consider themselves so, by saying, 'I knew that!' Well, congrats. Its not just the fruit that seems to have made in internationally as a mainstream pick for most culinary delicacies, the colour manages to make its bold statement in our visual spectrum by giving the rainbow community one more reason to celebrate. This vibrant colour has its direct link with the sun; thus is associated with connotations of warmth, energy, and a cheery disposition. As a stimulant for emotions and even the appetite, orange secures its spot in nature through the shades of autumn with its changing leaves, the advent and setting of the sun, and need it be mentioned, the citrus fruits. Orange holds it place as a mediator between the heat of summer and the cold of winter. Thus, the good mood that most people seem to be in during the season that is in between.

If one is more on the extrovert side of nature (personality wise), orange is a sure way to exude that flamboyancy that is simply craving attention, but ever so subtly. In accordance to Feng Shui, orange placed in the south and south direction seem to act out its best; the directions governing fame and reputation and love and marriage, respectively. So, the Chinese five-foot geniuses think its best to place orange to just one wall of your room in order to fill your life with an abundance of youthful energy and joy.

It's one word in the English dictionary that doesn't rhyme; maybe this could act as one more reason why this shade shows up with an attitude at every occasion. And it's not a bad thing at all. A bit of hyperness is always well sought after. Well, maybe that is why it is so aptly suited to the Dutch, as they hold it as their national colour. Explains the enthusiasm they have with life and trying out all that life has to offer. It could also explain why it is used by the construction industry for road signs and in usage of safety jackets and also to warn passers-by of the impending dangers ahead. Ahem. Hopefully point taken. More appropriately, orange is as sweet and as fun as a colour as can be, and if it helps with the notion of life which is to bear with it a thoughtfulness and consideration of others as the sun has for the entire solar system that it embraces.

[picture source: deviantart.com]