The Mystery And History Behind The Blue City! For January 2017

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  • calendar-iconJan , 2017
  • Colour Magazine
  • 4 min read

Colour Stories

From tackling termites to keeping the city cool, there are several theories why Jodhpur is the “Blue City.” Read further to find out the mystery and history behind the Blue City …

Every city of Rajasthan has something unique about it and Jodhpur is one such city. Here, on the orders of the city's founder, Rao Jodha, many of the box-like houses are painted a luscious blue, like the sea in the arid Indian landscape. The colour of Jodhpur tells its history and has interesting stories associated with it.

It is believed that the blue pigment coating on a house used to indicate that a Brahmin, traditionally consisting of priests and town elders dwelled here. The Brahmin class could afford the copper sulphate lime washes and applied it to their houses which were concentrated in just one area of the city. It is commonly thought that the Brahmins painted their houses the blue colour to emphasize their royal connection when in fact they were the only ones able to afford the special exterior paint. For a long time, blue signified the home of a Brahmin but over time the colour became a badge of identity for non-Brahmins too.

Another theory attached to it is that the colour blue is a good reflector of the sun's rays and keeps houses cool. This theory is puzzling since Rajasthan's other great cities are not painted blue. A third reason, which is more practical than artistic; termites were known to destroy the walls and structures made up of lime mixture. Copper sulphate is effective in repelling the insects. The copper sulphate under certain conditions turns blue, giving the houses their famous uniform blue colour.

One can get a bird's eye view of Jodhpur and its iconic blue houses in the old town. A winding lane leads up the 125 metre high hill, on which the majestic Mehrangarh Fort is built. The walls are 36-metres high in places, offering added elevation. No matter what the true reason behind the prevalence of the colour, anyone looking from these heights will realise that the term 'the blue city' is indeed apt for this historic city.

One must visit this place for its palaces, sand dunes, sprawling forts and bumpy camel rides! The landscape is scenic, mesmerizing and one can be assured of a memorable experience.

Colour Trivia

Colour Facts For January 2017

  1. Have you ever wondered why tennis balls are mostly yellow? The governing bodies of tennis approve both white and yellow balls. However, the fluorescent yellow ball known as the 'high visibility optic yellow' quickly became the norm after it was introduced in 1972 as it was easier to see on colour TV. Though orange balls had been shown by studies to be the most visible against many backgrounds and surfaces, they didn't show up well on television. The increased visibility of the yellow colour helped the players to make the correct choices and correct shots on field.
  2. Why do celebrities walk the red carpet? Red carpets and rugs were rolled out to welcome royalty and sacred figures way before it was used in movie premieres. Aeschylus, the ancient Greek playwright first mentioned the ritual in the play 'Agamemnon.' President James Madison stepped off a riverboat and onto a red carpet in the year 1821. By 1902, the red carpet was a symbol of hospitality for railroad passengers. In 1961, it was re-associated with royalty when it debuted at an awards show!
  3. Is there a reason why referees wear black and white? Let's find out. In the early 20th century, referees used to sport white dress shirts, bow ties, and beret-like hats. In 1920, when a referee named Lloyd Olds got mistaken for a football player and passed the ball, he decided it was time for a change of clothes. A year later, he showed up at a game wearing the black and white striped shirt that we all know of. Initially, the fans hated the new look until they realized it really did help distinguish the referee from the players!

Colour Quotes For January 2017

  • "Life is about using the whole box of crayons."

    - Anonymous

  • "Sunset is still my favourite colour, and rainbow my second."

    - Mattie Stepanek

  • "Attitude is the mind’s paintbrush it can colour any situation."

    - Barbara Johnson

Colour Tips For January 2017

  1. Once you finish using a water-based paint, wipe as much of it as possible off brushes and rollers before you rinse them in the sink, so that as little as possible is washed down the drain. Remember not to pour used white spirit or solvent-based paint down the sink or into a drain, as doing this can harm the local water supply, animals and plant life.
  2. When you have finished your paint project, there will usually be a part of the surface that you painted first that will have dried. Often you can wipe any leftover paint over the dry surface. To clean the brush, hold it under cold running water and make use of a scrubbing brush to brush out any paint. You will find that paint has a habit of gathering at the base of the bristles, so continue this process until the water runs clear. As an alternative, you can dry out the paint and simply put it in the garbage to dispose it.
  3. It is a good idea to wrap paintbrushes tightly in either kitchen foil or cling film so that air cannot get to it. The brush will then be ready for use later—or even the following day. Plastic wrap or plastic bags are not the ideal brush and roller wrapping material. They don't work well as excessive air in the bag allows drying to take place and thin plastic wraps can be slightly porous, allowing moisture to escape, hardening the paint on the brush.

World Of Colours

Colours & Emotion For January 2017

  1. The Rose Period of Picasso lasted from 1904 to 1906. This period showed an increased personal joy and romance for Picasso and he used cheerful orange and pink colours in contrast to the cool, sombre tones of his previous Blue Period. During these few years, Picasso was happy in a relationship and this has been suggested as one of the possible reasons he changed his style of painting. The dominating subjects of his art during this period were harlequins, circus performers and clowns.
  2. The reason why red is considered to be Christmas colour goes back to the early years of Christianity in the 1300s. Adam and Eve's Day was celebrated every December 24th. Churches put on a Paradise Play depicting Adam and Eve's story. The apples on the paradise tree represented the fall of Adam in these plays. Red is also the colour of Holly berries, which is said to represent the blood of Jesus Christ when he died on the cross, reminding the world to celebrate his selfless love and sacrifice.

Colours & Fashion For January 2017

All-white sneakers are a rage this year. In fact, over the last few seasons, this trend has cropped up and everyone from designers to celebrities is sporting them. If you are wondering how, this is all because of the strategic relaunch of the Adidas Stan Smiths. It looks like the trend isn't going anywhere anytime soon and if you're considering buying a pair of sneakers, these white sneakers are your best bet! If you feel like a fish out of water when it comes to dressing up without heels, you need to check out these white beauties immediately!

Colours & Gems For January 2017

  1. The name Rhodochrosite comes from the Greek 'rhodon' for rose, and 'chros' for colour. It is a striking gem with stripes of pink and sometimes orange. It was discovered by Inca Ripac, an Incan ruler around the 13th century. The Incas believed that it was the blood of their former kings and queens turned into stone. It is known as the 'Stone of Love and Balance', believed to help people find love. It also helps release past psychological issues, stimulates blood circulation, improves eyesight, and helps overcome fear and paranoia.
  2. The name of the stone Chrysoprase comes from the Greek word 'chrysos' meaning 'golden' and 'prason' meaning 'leek' as a reference to its colour. It is sometimes called the 'Stone of Venus'. It was believed to be a magical stone and was said to bring good health and longevity to marriages. It is believed that Alexander the Great used to wear it on his belt to help him win battles. But one day, while Alexander had taken off his belt to bath in a river, a snake bit the stone and threw it in the water. Alexander could not find the stone and never won a battle after this. In the Middle Ages, people used to think that one could become invisible by putting it in one's mouth.

Colours & Nature For January 2017

  1. The quetzal is a bird that many name among the world's most beautiful and colourful. It lives in the mountainous, tropical forests of Central America surviving on fruits, insects, lizards, and other tiny creatures. It was the sacred bird of the ancient Mayas and Aztecs. Today, it is the national emblem of Guatemala whose monetary unit is also called the quetzal. It has long blue-green plumes covering its tail which is white underneath. Its head, with a rounded hair-like crest, and the top of its breast are gold-green. The back is blue with a gold-tinged mantle and a red belly.
  2. Parrot fish are generally brightly coloured with fused teeth that form beak-like plates that make them look like parrots. Their colours range from greens to reds, blues and yellows, even greys, browns and black. Interestingly, males and females of the same species look different and female parrotfishes can even change into males. Their colouration and patterns are a classification nightmare, varying significantly. They change their colour as they go from babies to adolescents, and finally to adults. Parrotfish are mainly responsible for making scuba diving so colourful.

Décor

Dress Up Your Fridge With Some ‘Cool’!

All fridges are cool by default! Here’s how to make yours cooler and a standout feature for your kitchen…

The fridge is pretty much the largest functional appliance in every house. Why not jazz it up and make it a great conversation starter with the use of your creativity?

It is difficult to find a fridge which is beautiful and quirky in design. However, you can make it one by adding your personal touch to it. You can also hide rusty spots on your fridge using contact paper or magnets. You can think of a design and cut out the pieces accordingly and then start attaching it one by one.

Have you observed that the space above the refrigerator is usually ignored? It is quite often underused but you can use it for built-ins. Simple shelves can be installed and you can display a few cookbooks and some barware on it. If you thought wallpapers are just meant for your walls, think again! You can add some beautiful patterns and colours to your fridge, giving it a snazzy transformation. It's an easy project that won't burn a hole in your pocket and you can just peel off the wallpaper if you get bored of its look.

If you're tired of a white or black fridge, the simplest and the quickest way to change its look is by changing its colour. You can do this with a help of paint, a brush, and masking tape. However, it is important to clean the surface thoroughly prior to painting. You should de-oil and sandpaper it, and cover all the parts that you want unchanged using a masking tape.

You can think out of the box and stick magnetic fridge clocks on your fridge. If you don't find it interesting enough, you can get artsy and make your own photo magnets. You can simply stick Polaroid pictures of your family trips using glue or tape. You can make your fridge a place to write notes and keep shopping lists. You can also change the look of your fridge using a special chalkboard paint that can be bought at any hardware store.

Now that you have so many ideas about decorating your fridge, get started and make it something more than just a cold storage for preservation of food and cold drinks.

Décor Trends For 2017!

Let’s welcome 2017 as with it comes more opportunities and trends to decorate your living spaces. In this edition, we cover this year’s décor trends for your bedroom and living room. Read on to know more…

The living room colour schemes trends for 2017 come with beautiful colours that can be used for modern living rooms. The colour schemes that are going to dominate in the coming year are Dusky Blue, Blue Green, Acid Lime, Taupe Beige and Earthy Green.

Retro is back!
Retro lighting is the perfect way to add a bit more character without going over the top. Invest in it in the coming year to illuminate your living room and create a wonderful ambiance.

V for Velvet!
Velvet adds a luxurious vibe to any living space. It is going to be big in fashion in the coming year, making it a good reason to incorporate it in your home.

Jewel tones
Jewel tones are great for living rooms and decorative elements such as Lucite, Opal and Quartz adds incredible radiance. Jewel tones will replace copper and marble. Therefore, keep in the mind to look for accent pieces like stained glass and iridescent metals while decorating your living room in the upcoming year.

Bedroom Trends
If there is one room where you wish to be surrounded in a world of comfort, it has to be the bedroom. It is a personal sanctuary where you rest, rejuvenate, introspect and sleep. It is one of the rooms where many of us spend the most time in when we are home. We believe that your bedroom should be a combination of the latest trends and timeless pieces that go well with the overall theme of your home and suit your personal style.

As 2017 rushes towards us, here are a few trends in designing that will shape the bedroom in the coming months:

Go Green!
If you are an eco-conscious individual, reclaimed wood will be of interest to you. You can have wooden accent walls in your bedroom and use it for side tables, dressing table, ceiling inserts and custom beds.

Say it with Custom Headboards!
Headboards will change dramatically in 2017. You can design custom headboards for your bedroom instead of the timber bed frames that are currently dominating the market. It can infuse a touch of opulence to any bedroom.

Rise of Wallpapers!
The year 2017 will see a revival of wallpapers. They can be used to add some colour and contrast to the bedroom. You can choose a vibrant pattern keeping in mind the colour scheme of your bedroom.

Dark is In!
When it comes to furniture, there will be a preference for richer and darker tones. Pastel colours saw a rise in 2016 and are set to continue in the coming year, albeit as accent pieces for darker shades.

Add some Bohemian flair!
Add a few plants and colourful textiles to make your bedroom boho-chic and invite good vibes.

Faux-Furry Love!
Faux-fur furniture is going to make a comeback. This plush and tufted look is soon to become mainstream, so keep your eyes peeled and welcome its fuzzy return.

We are hoping to see a lot of interior design trends take centre stage in 2017. Check out our Part 2 on décor trends for your kitchen and dining room for 2017.

Social Décor Trends For 2017

Welcome to Part 2 of décor trends for 2017! If you feel that every New Year is a new reason to tweak your décor, then you’ve come to the right place! Join us as we cover social home décor trends to look out for in 2017…

Festivals are the most social time of the year, what with all the family and friends visiting, and we bet that your kitchen and dining room are busy hubs at this time. What's more, being the beginning of a new year, this is a good time to spruce up your home's social hubs, namely your dining room and kitchen. So let's get right into it!

Brighter colours are making a comeback!
2016 saw a lot of greys, blacks and neutrals taking centre stage in décor circles, but it looks like colours are back this year! Light yellows, blues, greens and oranges make a great lively colour for your kitchen, inspiring you to spend more time in them. Offset these colours with greys, whites or neutrals for a kitchen that is fresh on style.

Add some green for the soul!
Speaking of colours, green seems to be at the top of the list this year. Featuring as Pantone's 2017 Colour of the Year, Green is symbolic as it represents nature and stands for revitalization. You can feature greens in various areas of your dining room, as green vases, coffee tables, side tables, a mantelpiece, a piece of art or even a shade on your walls.

Calling all pattern-lovers!
The fall of 2016 saw NY Fashion Week spotting this quirky trend and it wasn't long before it caught on in the home décor space. This is a good time to pick a couple of differently patterned cushions for your solid coloured couches. You can also pair and drape quilts on furniture for an interesting twist. Patterned placemats can add a fun quotient on your dining table too!

Add a rustic touch!
With the number of us reaching out to nature increasing, you can add a roughly hewn table to your dining room to add an element of that warm and natural rustic charm. If a table seems out of reach, a couple of wooden stools will do as well! If not chairs or stools, how about a wooden bench for a unique and quirky appeal? A natural brown curtain, wooden blinds or decorative wooden items such as hand-fans are other items that can add to your décor's earthy quotient.

We hope these tips will help you up your social game this year so you and your loved ones can make the best of 2017!

Colours & Ancient Sciences

Feng Shui For January 2017

Did you know that the Chinese Knot is a form of art in China? Read on to know all about it…

Knotty Tales!

The Chinese Knot has a symbolic meaning that not many of us would have known. There is a long history of using knots in decorating clothes or hanging them from the ceiling or on the wall. Skilled knot artists weave complex knots and sell them as souvenirs.

They are called panchangjie (winding long knot) and it is tied and woven from a single length of cord. Interestingly, each shape has its own symbolic meaning. Most knots are symmetrical and double layered with two cords entering the knot from its top and two leaving from its bottom. Each type of knot has been named after its shape and its symbolic meaning. Knot weavers use a variety of colours, but they usually prefer weaving deep red ones as it signifies good luck.

Origin
The Chinese Knot started as an ornamental art in the Tang and Song dynasties. In the Tang Dynasty era (618-907), it was used for artistic decoration and to express thoughts and feelings. The traditional art form was carried on by succeeding generations. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, people started to name the various knots with the square knot expressing peacefulness and the ruyi (good-fortune) knot expressing auspiciousness. The word for 'knot' itself is 'jié' and is related to several other terms that reinforce the symbolic meaning of the knots. For example, 'tuán jié' means 'to unite,' 'jié hūn' means 'to marry,' and 'jié guŏ' means 'result,' bear fruit,' or 'outcome.' In ancient times and even at present, lovers give a knot as a token of their love. The 'true love knot' and the 'double happiness knot' are given or used at weddings to express mutual love and growing old together with devotion. Even today, Chinese knots are rich in symbolic meaning, and they therefore hold sentimental value when given as gifts or passed down through families.

Modern Usage of Artistic Knots
Along with being messages and symbolic gifts, the Chinese knots are still used on traditional Chinese clothing and as good luck charms. They are a means of fastening traditional garments instead of buttons. These days, even silk is used to make these clothing knots. They are used as jewellery like earrings, rings, bracelets and necklaces too.

Reiki For January 2017

We have discussed the colourful auras many a time; today, let us go deep into the meanings of the colours associated with auras and how they can help heal…

Auras for Healing

Spiritually, aura colours can impart energy for healing. Take a look at some of the aura colours and the meanings associated with them.

Yellow is optimistic, easy-going, creative and playful. It symbolizes intellect, creativity, happiness, the power of persuasion and also cowardice. On a physical level, it associates with the spleen and to the person's energy source known as the "chi". In healing, using yellow promotes clarity of thought.

Blue symbolizes spirituality, intuition, inspiration, calm and inner peace. It is also associated with sadness and depression ('the blues'). In healing, blue is used for cooling and calming, both mentally as well as physically. People with a great deal of blue are often very sensitive and supportive of others. They are the ones people lean on for moral and emotional support during a crisis.

Purple is linked with power, both earthly as well as spiritual. In healing, purple is used for mental disorders. In the aura, purple signifies higher spiritual development.

Indigo relates to the third eye and shows an intuitive and sensitive person. It indicates an individual who takes an interest in the extra sensory perception or paranormal activity. Their attention wishes to turn inwards.

Orange symbolizes the individual's relationship to the external world. It focuses on the needs and wants of the physical body and the ways in which these are satisfied. In healing, orange may increase immunity and sexual energy. In the aura, it signifies thoughtfulness and creativity.

Pink represents unconditional love, which means a love that seeks nothing in return. It is also the colour of friendship and sociability. In the aura, it signifies balance between the spiritual and the material.

Brown is the colour of the earth and represents material success, practicality, concentration and study. In the aura, it indicates "down to earth-ness" and common sense.

Red symbolizes passion, strength, energy, courage, physical activity, creativity, warmth and security. It is also linked with aggression. In healing, using red brings warmth. However, it is a powerful colour and should be used in moderation. In the aura, it signifies materialism, materialistic ambition, a focus on sensual pleasures and a quick temper.

Vaastu For January 2017

We welcome the New Year with new hopes and dreams! And now is the best time to start fresh, here are some Vaastu décor tips for your new year…

New Beginnings for 2017!

New Year means new beginnings, an opportunity to start afresh. And what better way to do that than getting your home/office Vaastu right? Here are some décor tips to start off 2017 with:

1) New Year New Calendar
You may love the graphics on your old calendar, or are just too lazy to change it or get a new one. But according to Vaastu, one must get rid of the old calendar as it reduces chances of progress and you are stuck with old stories instead of thinking of creating new ones. Do not hang the calendar in the south direction; you can hang it in west, east or north. Also choose calendars that have happy vibrant pictures instead of dull or sad ones which are believed to release negative energy. You can even get a personalized calendar made with your favourite family photos!

2) Detoxify your Home
Now is a great time to get rid of things you don't require anymore. Find all the things you haven't used in the last year or so and give it away to someone who will actually use it. Neat, tidy and organized places attract positive energy and good vibes. You could also donate old outfits, utensils or furniture to the needy, and kick off the New Year with a good deed done. De-cluttering always feels good!

3) Resolutions Poster
Do you make new resolutions every year but find it difficult to keep them after a month or so? Buy inspirational posters or make your own so that your resolution is always visible to your eyes and it will encourage you to keep them all through the year. A framed poster also makes a nice piece of décor for your empty walls, make sure it is colourful and in contrast to your wall paint!

4) Get Rid of Negative Energy
If 2016 was not too good for you, and you're looking forward to a better year, add some items to your home that attract positive energy. A Buddha statue, vase of fresh flowers, bowl of sea-salts or a sea-salt statue or running water fountain statues are some great options to add to your living room as they all invite positivity.

5) Home Makeover
Just like a lot of us go a for a new look for the New Year with a new haircut or hair colour, it's a great idea to give your room or home a makeover with a fresh new paint job. So, if you have been procrastinating, now is a good time! Pantone recently announced Greenery to be the colour for 2017, you could add that to one of your rooms too.

Let's hope you have fun setting up your home's Vaastu décor. Have a great New Year!

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