The Colour Green

Green- a colour found everywhere, especially in nature, which is where the origin of the word comes from. It is derived from the Middle English and Anglo-Saxon word grene, from the same Germanic words grass and grow.

In the Middle Ages, the colour of clothing denoted class or rank and green was a colour worn by merchants, bankers and the gentry. (Red was the colour of nobility).

The Mona Lisa wears green.

The benches in the House of Commons in England are green (those in the House of Lords are red).

                                              

A green light indicates it is safe to move. 

                                         

On the spectrum of visible light, green is found between blue and yellow.

To create green sparks, fireworks use barium salts, such as barium chlorate, barium nitrate crystals, or barium chloride, also used for green fireplace logs.

Surveys show green is the colour most associated with calmness. Many hospital walls were painted shades of green.

It is also the colour used to express envy and jealousy-the green-eyed monster; green with envy.

In casinos, the gambling tables are always green.

Many bank notes are green.

The International colour for Britain in motor car racing is green (commonly known as British Racing Green).

                                                          

People who are good gardeners have a green thumb (USA) or green fingers (UK).

Green is used on the flags of many countries, including Ireland.

                                                   

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!