Yellow : Week 2
the marigold
Last weekend, I attended a natural dye class to deepen my study of plants and their colors for a long-term natural dye and weaving project I have been dreaming up. I am fascinated by how the colors produced by some plants can be surprising and may not reflect the plant’s external appearance, while others match their appearance perfectly. Many plants can be used for natural dyes, and every class I’ve taken focuses on those native to the area. In this class, we used four: oak gall, black walnut leaves, loquat leaves, and marigolds. This led to some interesting yellow observations during class, which I am sure I came upon because we are currently focusing on yellow in our color study.
The marigold is commonly used in natural dyeing worldwide and is well known for its vibrant yellow hues. Although the marigold is mostly an orange flower, sometimes yellow, the dye it produces is yellow. While I stood over the dye pot, I found it interesting that an orange flower yielded a yellow dye, more so from a color-therapy perspective, as it’s not so unexpected that an orange flower would produce yellow when steeped in water. On the Color Flower discussed and shown in Green : Week 1, orange is the closest color to yellow. Both colors convey strong feelings of joy and bliss. What struck me standing over the dye was that the opposite of joy and bliss is usually grief or struggle. I thought of how the marigold is the shining star of Día de los Muertos, and I began to wonder if this connection is because the marigold yields yellow dye. Is our inner world attracted to the Marigold because of it’s underlying yellow characteristics? This thought led me to explore the deeper meaning of the marigold. What I found is that in many cultures, the meaning attached to the marigold aligns perfectly with the essence of yellow.
I like tangible ways of working with color. Plants and crystals harness the true essence of color in powerful ways. I like to wear crystals, put them on altars, and buy flowers in particular colors that my soul is attracted to at any given time. I have a newfound respect for the Marigold and its yellow, subjacent beauty. I think she will be a new fave in vases around my house. Here are some of the meanings associated with her, where you can see her strong connection to the themes of yellow discussed in Yellow : Week 1:
Associated with grief and despair in Victorian times
Associated with good fortune (abundance) in Hindu culture
Known as “flower of 400 lives” (Aztec), their vibrant color and aroma are believed to guide souls to altars during Día de los Muertos (Mexico) (connecting with passed loved ones)
Due to their hardy nature, they represent strength and endurance (often needed when addiction is present and in walking through grief)
And lastly, they represent sunshine, optimism, and warmth (the positive personality aspects of yellow).
I am forever in awe of how color is connected to everything. May we all find some marigolds to love and admire this week