We often get asked “Why pink? Is pink your favourite colour? Wow, you guys must love pink!” Whilst I do have a fondness for this particular shade the reasons for our use of the colour pink are much more complex than its aesthetic appeal. I asked my assistant Steph to find out what the colour pink means, and here is what she found;
At first thought the colour pink is linked to femininity; it is a colour of love, of kindness and tenderness. However this stereo-typically ‘girly’ colour actually holds a much deeper meaning and carries with it a large degree of influence. For example did you know there is a link between the colour pink and the suppression of human aggression? Or that the exposure to certain shades of pink can induce relaxation and have the physical effects of lowering heart rates and blood pressure?
It is pretty astounding that merely looking at or being surrounded by a colour can have such a drastic effect on the human state. It has been so effective that prisons have taken to painting certain cells in what has been deemed “Baker-Miller Pink” to reduce erratic or hostile behaviour of inmates. This technique has further been expanded to psychiatric wards where they have also seen a reduction in violence and increased relaxation among patients.
This Colour Psychology was first implemented in the US in 1979 by psychologist Alexander Schauss. Due to its success this use of pink has spread world-wide with Switzerland introducing their ‘Cool down Pink’ project on prisons and police station in 2013, with results showing “Anger levels can reduce in as little as 15 minutes”. Currently 20% of Swiss prisons and police stations have at least one pink cell.
On the back of these successful implementations the pink bandwagon has increased to active wear for elite athletes to relax before a big game, and to general interior design where people are using the colour pink for its calming qualities. Pink is also a popular colour for believers in Feng Shui, who believe it soothes energy in a room.
So why are we ‘Pink’ Cross? Apart from our links to the American Pink Cross Foundation, we are pink because our organisation stands for what the colour pinks representations. Empowered Colour Psychology states that the meaning of pink is unconditional love and nurturing. This is what we aim to provide for all the individuals who engage our services. We are pink to provide a non-threatening, calm and inviting environment which is judgment free and hopeful, not to mention it looks great!
