Orange

Writing Challenge: February 6, 2018

Prompt: Write about the color orange

Until the 14th century the English language did not have a word for the color orange. Called yellow-red, it was believed to be something between the two hues. An un-named bastard. It didn’t receive an identity of its own with the introduction of the fragrant fruit from Spain.

I learned in psychology that people who live in cultures that do not have a name for colors cannot perceive these shades. I was intrigued to think how the name are what gives colors their reality. I couldn’t help but to think of the color orange- and wander if the people of England couldn’t truly see the vibrant color for what it was before giving it a name.