Why Do I Love the Color Red?

My favorite color is red, but I don’t know why. Do people really know why a favorite is a favorite?!

I don’t just like any red, either. There are so many different shades and tones of red. If I had to pick one I would say cherry red—a red that is richer and darker than pure red. But, in reality, I like a different kind of red for a lot of different things.

I like certain reds for vehicles. My dream car will be my perfect red, but if given a choice for a rental car, I will choose any red over silver or black. The red that Apple uses for their cases is not my favorite. The red I wear and that looks good on me is more of a burnt/brick red or a cranberry red. I don’t like red ink. I usually pick the red game piece—no matter the shade. I’ve never done full-on red as a decoration; it’s usually too much but I’ve used it to accent. I love red roses. I will pick red candy over other colors. The color of red in Fall is beautiful. I don’t like Christmas red or firetruck red. Barn red is pretty and so are rubies and pomegranate seeds. It seems like I don’t see a lot of red things in nature, so the rare glimpse of red is so much more powerful to me. Seeing a splash of red on an animal, or a red flower or plant, or red mushrooms, or even a red sunset is enjoyable.

Let’s look a little deeper into the color red.

Consider how red is used in language: red flags, redneck, seeing red, paint the town red, red-hot, caught red-handed, in the red, red herring, red eye, red carpet treatment. Do the meanings behind these phrases have anything to do with why I like the color? Probably not.

Red is associated with love, warmth, and comfort. It is also connected to anger, excitement, and other intense feelings. It can sometimes mean speed and danger. For some, it brings to mind feelings of strength and power. I don’t think any of these things have ever crossed my mind when I think about red. I just like red because it is a pretty color.

Red is one of the top two favorite colors of all people. 77% of all country flags include red. It is the international color for stop. Red means beautiful in Russian. There are 23 different shades of red crayons. Large buildings were painted red because red paint was the least expensive to purchase and the easiest to make.

I found this interesting information about red and personality here, and actually agree with a lot of it. “Red is the color of strength, health, and vitality, Red is often the color chosen by someone outgoing, aggressive, vigorous and impulsive—or someone who would like to be! It goes with an ambitious nature but those who choose it can be abrupt at times, determined to get all they can out of life, quick to judge people and take sides. Red people are usually optimistic and can’t stand monotony; they are rather restless and not at all introspective, so they may be unaware of their own shortcomings. They find it hard to be objective and may blame others for any mishaps. Quiet people with a preference for red may feel the need for the warmth, strength and life-giving qualities of the color, or they blanket their true feelings under a sober exterior. Red is usually chosen by people with open and uncomplicated natures, with a zest for life.”

What is your favorite color and why? Share your answer in the comments.