Colour Your Way Through Life! For March 2016

Colour Stories

Holi is just around the corner, and as we prepare for the vivid and vibrant festivities, here are some interesting legends associated with this Festival of Colours!

"Bura na mano, Holi hai!"

Every Holi brings back fresh memories of these gleeful words and pranks played on friends, relatives and neighbours. As we gear up to play Holi in this colourful and lively month of March, here are some interesting legends associated with this Festival of Colours.

Holi celebrates the arrival of spring, Lord Krishna and the triumph of good over evil in the legend of Holika and Prahalad. The festival is synonymous with boisterous merrymaking and a riot of colours – either as powder or water with the 'pichkaari'. Dyed water is shot or thrown from buckets or thrown as balloons at one another. It is a sanctioned anarchy and no one is spared!

It is said that Lord Krishna is associated with the festival as he often teased the Gopis with water and dry colours. According to another legend, Krishna was jealous of Radha's fair complexion as he himself was dark. He told this to his mother Yashoda, who teasingly asked him to colour Radha's face and see her complexion change. Because of this association with Lord Krishna, Holi is played with great fervour in Vrindavan and Mathura, two cities in the Northern part of India that is affiliated to Lord Krishna. Another legend says that the infant Krishna killed the demonic 'Putna' on the same day and Rasleela was celebrated by gopiyas in remembrance of this miracle.

Lord Krishna played with colours to celebrate the victory of good over evil. It is one of the few times when social restrictions that are usually associated with status, caste, sex and age are relaxed. Holi is one festival where it is impossible to tell who is rich and poor once covered in colour. Barriers between men and women, young and old are broken down by the bright colours of Holi.

During the olden days, the 'gulal' colours were made at home using flowers of 'Palash' known as the 'Flame of the Forest'. The flowers, once plucked, were sundried and then ground to a fine dust. Mixed in water, the powdered dust would turn into a brilliant hue of saffron-red. This saffron-red pigment along with the coloured powdered talc called 'aabir' were the main colours used for Holi. These days, the festival has changed with people painting the town red, green, yellow, purple, orange, pink and every colour you could possibly imagine!

Colour Trivia

Colour Facts For March 2016

1. Chameleons are known for their quick and dramatic colour-changing abilities. It's a common misconception that they do this to camouflage themselves against a background. In fact, chameleons mostly change colour to regulate their temperatures or to signal their intentions to other chameleons. When males encounter a male competitor or a potentially receptive female, it shifts the background colour of its skin from green to yellow, its blue patterning turns white and red becomes brighter. Owners of chameleons can learn to read their pet's mood based on the colour of its skin.
2. As our colour vision first begins to develop, red is the first colour that a baby can see, at about 3 months. This is probably because red has the longest wavelength among colours, which makes it the easiest colour to process by the developing receptors and nerves in the baby's eyes. But it takes a little longer for them to be able to see blue and violet. This is because blue light has shorter wavelengths, and fewer colour receptors exist in the human retina for blue light. The other colours like blues, greens, and yellows come within the first weeks of life.
3. The Dalmatians' trademark spots are not visible on their coats until they are about ten days old. The spots are present on their skin at birth but you don't see them at the beginning. This means the majority of Dalmatian puppies are born with solid white coats. The puppies' spots continue to develop and darken fast until the puppy is mature, usually between 1 and 2 years of age. After that age, the dog continues to develop spots throughout its lifetime, but at a much slower pace. Usually these spots are black or brown. Interestingly, Dalmatians have spots even in their mouth!

Colour Quotes For March 2016

• "Colour in a picture is like enthusiasm in life."

  - Vincent Van Gogh

• "Colours are brighter when the mind is open."

  - Adriana Alarcon

• "It is the eye of ignorance that assigns a fixed and unchangeable colour to every object, beware of this stumbling block."

  - Paul Gauguin

Colour Tips For March 2016

1. It is easy to be overwhelmed with the several options available when choosing curtains for your home. The amount of sunlight that the room gets matters when choosing a curtain colour. It is best to avoid bright colours if the room gets a lot of light as it tends to fade faster. It is wise to choose neutral colours as they are less likely to fade. If you wish to make a statement, go for bright and bold curtains. For monochromatic décor, it is wise to avoid bold colours. Colour-coordinated curtains create balance and harmony in the room. You can either match or contrast your curtains with your walls.
2. Are you keen to refresh your home décor? How about infusing some gold into it? Gold is timeless and bold. It brings regality that its matte counterparts can't achieve. You can incorporate gold lamps, pots, photo frames or mirrors for a touch of elegance. Gold ornate lighting on the ceiling and bedside tables is also a good idea to add that glamour quotient to your home. You can also use gold accents to brighten dark rooms. Try metallic spray paints to add a touch of sparkle to a neutral living space. You can also use some small gold accents that will have a great impact in your home. 
3. Grey can be a powerful tool for creating living spaces of any colour palette, from subdued to bold. It may not seem like much on its own, but when mixed right, it can add a lot of flavour. The key to choosing grey is to pick it from the same colour family as the rest of the colours you are using. If you had a colour that is overpowering, you could tone it down by using grey, or better still, change the overpowering colour. When using grey, keep the attention focused on interesting architectural elements.

World Of Colours

Colours & Emotion For March 2016

1. Why do we say 'going green with envy'? They say that jealousy is the green-eyed monster. This is because jealousy can lead even the nicest people to do awful things! It has a reputation for ruining important relationships. No one knows who first came up with the term 'green-eyed monster' or when it was first used. The phrase was used, and probably coined, by William Shakespeare to denote jealousy in his written work, The Merchant of Venice, in 1596. Some believe that green has been linked with jealousy since the ancient times. Greeks believed that jealousy occurred as a result of the overproduction of bile, turning the skin slightly green!
2. The association between colour and emotion is well known. Ever wondered why we say we are 'feeling blue' when we are depressed or sad? Studies have shown that intuitive metaphors like feeling 'blue' have their roots in reality. Dark, muted colours tend to be associated with gloom and sadness, while bright colours are perceived as happy. It is also an expression that describes the customary practice among several old deep-water ships. If a ship lost a captain during a voyage, it would fly a blue flag and have a blue band painted along the entire hull when returning to its homeport.

Colours & Fashion For March 2016

The 2016 Golden Globe Awards red carpet saw celebrities dressed to the nines. One colour that stole the show was gold. Several stars sashayed down the red carpet in stunning gold dresses, reflecting the true spirit of the prestigious awards ceremony. Brie Larson's golden gown stayed true to the theme with golden stars all over. Kate Hudson's rose gold number showed off her toned abs in all their glory, while Eva Green glowed in a golden lace gown. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley made jaws drop with her gold shimmery piece and Lola Kirke looked like a Greek goddess in a golden yellow toga dress. Feast your eyes on these beauties for some inspiration!

Colours & Gems For March 2016

1. The first colour that comes to mind when you hear 'Sapphire' is blue. The different trace combinations of iron and titanium lend the different shades of blue to the gemstone. There also is a rare and highly valuable sapphire, which appears blue to violet in daylight and changes to purplish red or purplish blue when lit by incandescent light. Isn't that fascinating? To add to their enigma, blue sapphires are considered to have healing properties. They are believed to be the talismans of authority, truth and protection. This gemstone is used to celebrate 45th and 70th wedding anniversaries in the Western culture.
2. Aquamarine is a bluish-green member of the beryl family that symbolizes hope and is believed to bring good health. It gets its name from Latin words that mean water and sea. It is also used to protect sailors, assuring a safe voyage and preventing seasickness. According to a legend from the Middle Ages, if a man hid a piece of Aquamarine inside his mouth, he could call the devil and force him to give a truthful answer to any question. It is said that as long as the man kept the stone in his mouth, the devil could neither harm nor deceive him!

Colours & Nature For March 2016

1. Prasinohaema skinks living on the island of New Guinea actually have green bones and tissues. Their blood is green too and is a deadly poison. They have an incredibly high concentration of the bile pigment, biliverdin, which makes their blood green. No other vertebrate is known to have green blood. What makes it further interesting is the fact that biliverdin is extremely toxic and if humans have even a tiny amount of biliverdin in their blood, it means that they are suffering from jaundice. It is surprising because at these concentrations of bile pigments in the blood, skinks should be suffering from jaundice too!
2. Located in the jungles of Columbia is Cano Cristales, which is known as 'The River of Five Colours'. It makes for a pretty picture with pink, green, orange, red and yellow mosses and plants growing under cool, crystal-clear waters. It is considered to be the most beautiful and colourful river in the world. When the water level is perfect, one can see different varieties of algae and moss in full bloom, flaunting an array of colours. Macarenia clavigera, an interesting species of plant that lines the river floor, turns brilliant red like autumn leaves; though this happens for a brief period, it is a sight to behold!

Décor

Light It Up!

When it comes to decor, bad lighting can break a home’s ambience and vibe. We help you with everything you need to know about the chandelier and how it can do a lot for your home!

The chandelier is called a crowning glory and rightly so! It can do a lot for your home. It is an absolute blend of form and function. Not only does it illuminate a room, it also provides an interesting design element. It has a rich history that dates back to medieval times. Initially, it was a construction of crossed wooden beams that had upright spikes to hold candles. However, with the passage of time, it has evolved and developed into a beautifully-designed creation.

When selecting a chandelier, it is crucial to understand the importance of proportion. You are spoilt for choice with the wide range that is available to suit every budget and taste. No matter what the size and style of the chandelier, it contributes to the overall ambience of the living space. The light emitting from it exudes warmth and sophistication. So just get creative with your use of chandeliers. You can look beyond the foyer and the dining room when it comes to mounting it. It is equally at home in a living room, bedroom or even bathroom!

There is a false notion that a chandelier has to match the style of your home. You can mix different styles of chandeliers and make it work for your home. But do remember to stick to one metal family. Choose the right size of chandelier as it can make your room look big or small according to its size. You have got to consider the width and height of the space available before buying one. You can try experimenting with multiple chandeliers over a long dinner table. Remember that the taller the ceiling, the larger the chandelier. For ceilings that are nine feet or higher, opt for a multi-tiered chandelier. An appropriately portioned chandelier in the right place can add a touch of unexpected drama.

If you have a chandelier that is out-dated, don't shy away from giving it a makeover. You can put a coat of spray paint for a modern finish or try a colour that is bold or funky. Replacing the chandelier's shade can change its overall look as well.

A Touch Of Tiffany In Your Home!

From extraordinarily complex to deceptively simple patterns, Tiffany lamps are prized possessions in any home. Take a look at these beautiful works of art and see how you can use them as accent pieces to beautify your living space!

You can increase the allure of your home with proper illumination. While lamps may serve a practical purpose, Tiffany lamps serve a decorative purpose as well. They add an air of splendour and elegance to any room that they are placed in.

It has been more than 100 years since their invention but they are timeless pieces that are here to stay. They are one-of-a-kind pieces that look stunning in any décor. They often flaunt unusual shapes and beautiful colours that are not found in typical lamp shades.

The intention of Louis Comfort Tiffany, the creator of the Tiffany lamp, was not just to light up a place but to add beauty to it as well. What makes Tiffany lamps charming is that they were developed during the age of mass production and at a time when industrialization was at its peak. Due to their manufacturing process, all Tiffany lamps had different colours and unique illumination patterns. They were developed using innovative glassmaking techniques where certain metallic compounds were added to molten glass for a unique iridescent sheen. As many as seven colours were added to hot glass so that one piece would possess multiple hues without any need for painting. Copper foil was used to fuse the stained glass pieces together.

These Tiffany lamps consist of seven different design categories that gleam like jewels and throw brilliant shards of light wherever they are placed. They are divided into irregular lower and upper borders, cone and globe categories that you can choose from. Nautilus Seashell, Lotus leaf, Spider Web, Peacock Feather and Wisteria are few of their designs that prove that there is no limit to imagination.

You can check these coveted lamps in their geometric designs and nature-themed designs such as flowers, dragonflies and butterflies for some inspiration! You can also use them on your bedside table, on the floor or in your study. From intricately and beautifully cut pale pastels, to rich, deep coloured hues, you will be totally spoilt for choice!

Magic With Mason Jars!

Who would have thought that the humble Mason jar could be both useful and look beautiful at the same time? Here is a look at its functional and decorative possibilities!

Mason jars originated from the moulding of glass jars to can and preserve food items. The name 'Mason' came from its patented owner, John Mason, during the epic era of canning. There is more to this wide-mouthed Mason jar than meets the eye. You can use it for any conceivable purpose and place it in any part of your home, whether it is the kitchen, bedroom or living room. You can keep it in the kitchen to guard the rich fragrance of freshly ground spices or the aroma of freshly roasted coffee beans. However, it is much more than a glass jar with a screw-top lid!

Believe us, it possesses amazing creative potential. You can place it in your toolbox to keep an assortment of screws and nails. You can use it as a light fixture and brighten up window sills. You can transform it into a lantern or a wall sconce and create a romantic ambience in your balcony.

It can be treated as a vase to display your favourite flowers. You can mount it as a quirky wall hanging, use it as a soap dispenser, or turn it into a storage container for toothbrushes and toothpastes. It can be made into a wonderful wall planter or used to create a terrarium.

You can place votive candles or string lights inside it to illuminate a particular corner of your home. You can even go a step further by turning it into an oil lamp. You can explore your crafty side and even create a photo frame or a piggy bank out of it! These days, trendy cafés are serving their best offerings in these cute mason jars and so can you!

The Mason jar can achieve a whole new meaning with a little bit of creativity. You can repurpose it and put it to good use in your home. It has been capturing the imagination and hearts of many for long with its versatility! Get your creative juices flowing and create your very own Mason jar masterpiece!

Colours & Ancient Sciences

Feng Shui For March 2016

Are you afraid of black? Get Feng Shui ’wise’ and see if the colour can bring happiness and wellness into your life?

Bring Black Back!

Feng Shui is an art that has been designed to create a sense of balance and harmony in your life. It classifies colours into five distinct groups, each representing different elements – Fire, Earth, Metal, Water and Wood. Each element is associated with a different colour.

Black is an expression for water and makes an excellent colour choice for a front door facing north as it governs the north sector, strengthening the energy of the house. You can also choose black for a front door facing east or south-east. If your door is facing south or west, it is best to avoid painting it black.

When designing your interiors, the balance of yin and yang and your favourable colours based on your birth element must also be considered. Do remember not to place a colour in the zone of an opposing element. For example, never place black in the fire zone as it is a colour associated with water.

A house, and every room within, has eight directions, each with an element and colour that can be energized to activate the luck of those corners. The right colours can be used on the walls of the room, or objects placed in these corners. Black helps create calm and reduces anxiety, acting like a powerful shield. Since it absorbs all colours, using black can bring things into focus. You just need to find the right spot for this mysterious, yet powerful colour.

If painting the wall or floor black doesn't sound appealing to you, you can consider adding a couple of design elements in black. You can use black in candleholders, benches, tables or chairs. Another interesting way to use black is by highlighting architectural features in a room. This can be something as simple as painting the window casing, shelves or crown moulding black. If you have been reluctant to decorate your house with black accessories, this is the right moment to rethink!

Reiki For March 2016

Do you know the power of pink in Reiki? Read on to know how it can bring about positive changes in you…

Enhance Your Kitchen with Vaastu!

Reiki is pronounced 'Ray Key' and it is an energy that is omnipresent. It is a Japanese word, and is spelt 'Leiki' in Chinese. Reiki has not only been used for healing but also to reach enlightenment for thousands of years in ancient Tibet. When the Reiki energy flows, both the person giving and receiving are healed and purified on several levels. Another technique, known as colour healing, has been used since the earliest times in the healing temples of China, Ancient Egypt and Atlantis.

The energy of unconditional love is the energy used for healing ourselves and others. Pure and selfless love is the highest energy for us. The colour pink is the colour of universal love. Like a prayer, the colour's energy can be sent to the whole world or to a particular region for healing. It is a good tool to use when channelling healing energy. It comprises of both fire and air elements. It constitutes emotional love of self and others, friendship, affection, harmony and inner peace.

Reiki can be combined with light to bring about physical healing. We can use lights of different colours for the process of healing. The law of nature states, "Where there is light, there is energy and colour. Where there is colour, there is light." Based on this Law of Nature, the active healing colours of the Reiki Symbols were found.

Pink light has a very high vibration and represents the energy of love. It can bring a sense of lightness, comfort and ease. Reiki and pink light are both soft energies and can bring about gentle, yet powerful healing. All that you need to do is connect with the energy of the pink light and visualise it surrounding you, your family and places around you. To put yourself in a space of love and calm before you get back to the daily grind, use pink light alongside Reiki.

Pink light is specific to the upper chakra, which is your spirit side. Thoughts become more focused and intuition increases, especially telepathic communication. It is a powerful tool to cleanse the chakras and balance them. It can also activate the energy-channelling ability and accelerate the process of spiritual development.

Vaastu For March 2016

The kitchen forms an integral part of the house. Take a look at how the science of Vaastu can enhance the aura of the kitchen.

Enhance Your Kitchen with Vaastu!

The kitchen plays a vital part in the health of your family. According to Vaastu, it should be placed in the 'agni' corner of your house or restaurant. The 'agni' corner means the southeast direction, which is considered the best for kitchens as the element of fire governs in this direction. Therefore, it is the best option for your kitchen. If this placement is not possible, another great option is the northwest corner of the house.

Is your refrigerator, sink, stove and counter jammed into one wall? Your crammed kitchen could extinguish the joy associated with cooking. Vaastu states that kitchen appliances are also linked to different elements and each appliance belongs to a location that is governed by its element. The stove is almost as essential as the placement of the kitchen. Hence, it too should be in the south-east direction. It is also advised that the person cooking shouldn't face the south.

Sinks and taps in the kitchen represent the flow of water. They should be placed in the north-east direction and away from the cooking stove since fire and water are opposite elements that repel each other.

If the kitchen has a refrigerator, then it should be placed in the south-west direction. Avoid keeping it close to the corner and avoid placing it in the north-east direction.

Windows are important for the kitchen. Imagine standing in the kitchen with no view, simply staring at a dead space! An exhaust should be placed in the east. Windows, be it large or small, should be in the east. If there are ventilators, it should be placed in the south.

The modern kitchen is incomplete without electronic appliances such as microwaves, ovens and heaters. These should be placed in the south or the south-east direction of the kitchen. Remember never to place them in the north-east direction. Storage cupboards should be kept in the southern or western walls of the kitchen. It is best to avoid the north and east side walls while placing storage units. Drinking water vessels like earthen pots, filters, RO and pitchers should be placed in the north-east side.

Bear in mind these tips for a Vaastu-friendly kitchen that brings positive vibes!