NATIONAL PINK DAY

National Pink Day is observed annually on June 23rd.  This day is set aside for the color pink and all it represents.

First used as a color name in the late 17th century, pink is a pale red color which got its name from a flower of same name.

According to surveys in both the United States and Europe with results indicating that the color pink combined with white or pale blue is most commonly associated with femininity, sensitivity, tenderness, childhood and the romantic.  Pink, when combined with violet or black is associated with eroticism and seduction.

Dating back to the 14th century, “to pink” (the verb) means “to decorate with a perforated or punched pattern.”

It would have been curious to find pink used in fabric or decor during the Middle Ages.  Occasionally it was seen in women’s fashion and religious art.  In the 13th and 14th century, the Christ child was sometimes portrayed dressed in pink, the color associated with the body of Christ. Pink was mainly used for the flesh color of faces and hands during the Renaissance.

The Rococo Period (1720-1777) was the golden age for the color pink. Pastel colors became very fashionable in all the courts of Europe during this time.  Madame de Pompadour (1721-1764), the mistress of King Louis XV of France, was known for wearing the color pink, often combined with light blue.  At one point in time, Ms. Pompadour had a particular tint of pink made specifically for her.

Pink ribbons or decorations were worn by young boys in 19th century England.  The men in England wore red uniforms and since boys were considered small men, boys wore pink.

Pink became much bolder, brighter and more assertive in the 20th century and 1931, the color “Shocking Pink” was introduced.

As one of the most common colors of flowers, pink serves to attract the insects and birds that are necessary for pollination.

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  • In the pink – To be in top form, in good health, in good condition.
  • To see pink elephants – To hallucinate from alcoholism.
  • Pink slip – To be given a pink slip means to be fired or dismissed from a job. First recorded in 1915 in the United States.
  • Pink-collar worker – Persons working in jobs conventionally regarded as  “women’s work.”
  • Pink Money –  the pink pound or pink dollar is an economic term which refers to the spending power of the LGBT community.
  • Tickled pink – means extremely pleased.

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HOW TO OBSERVE

The most apparent way to celebrate is to wear pink.  Enjoy foods and beverages that are pink.  Give a donation to any of the charities that use the color pink.  Use #NationalPinkDay in social media.

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF LIGHT

Every year on May 16th, the International Day of Light promotes awareness for the appreciation of light and the role it plays in science, art, education, and sustainable development. The day also recognizes the natural benefits of light, as well as its many technological applications.

Even though everyone knows what light is, it can be hard to define. Light is not just the opposite of darkness. It is electromagnetic radiation within the electromagnetic spectrum that is perceived by the human eye. Visible light has wavelengths between 400 and 700 nanometers. Another way to define light is a stream of photons that travel with wavelike properties at the speed of light.

While we perceive the world in many ways, light is one of the most significant ways we comprehend the world around us. Additionally, light energy comes in many forms including visible light, infrared waves, ultraviolet light, gamma rays, and radio waves. According to Audrey Azoulay, the director-general of UNESCO, the understanding of light allows us to achieve the greatest of scientific and technological progress.

Here are just a few of the many applications that light is used for:

  • Lights are used to illuminate spaces, such as homes and offices.
  • UV lights are used in phototherapy to treat certain illnesses.
  • Ultraviolet energy is used to eradicate bacteria and viruses from the air and water.
  • Light is used in optical fiber networks, which helps to transmit information.
  • Lights are essential for safety, such as headlights for vehicles and traffic lights.
  • They are used in many household items, such as television sets, microwaves, and cell phones.
  • Natural light helps plants grow and provides many health benefits to humans.

It seems that every part of our lives are affected by light in some way.

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF LIGHT HISTORY

Due to the success of the International Year of Light and Light-based Technologies 2015, UNESCO decided to organize a day dedicated to light. The first official International Day of Light was held on May 16th, 2018. The date May 16th marks the anniversary of the first successful operation of the laser. American physicist and engineer, Theodore Maiman is credited for inventing the laser. He fired the first laser in 1960.

HOW TO OBSERVE #InternationalDayOfLight

Worldwide events to celebrate this day include light festivals that feature entertaining optic demonstrations, scientific lectures, and photo contests. To participate:

  • Think about the ways you benefit from light and how it helps you in your everyday life.
  • Do some fun light activities with your kids, such as making a periscope or a rainbow.
  • Watch science videos about light.

Share cool photos of light on social media. When you do, be sure to use #InternationalDayOfLight or #IDL.

From our Family to yours…

May our warm wishes find you no matter the celebration this time of year.  I hope you’ll join us again next year and be sure to subscribe to Jen’s Perspective Magazine.   Find us on social media.