What is your favourite colour? If you’ve ever asked a child this question, you are guaranteed a response before the sentence has even been completed. The common answer of pink, orange, green or some rather specific shade of yellow that only exists on bananas and sunshine are an obvious response to this very standard question directed towards the younger generations. I don’t think anyone ever questions exactly how these conclusions were developed; perhaps an experience or an item that possess this pretty hue has somehow convinced the child that anything with a similar shade must be just as enjoyable. As we grow older, colour preference remains, however one does not often distinguish themselves based on a specific shade like children so often do. That is… until September of your very first year of University comes around and you develop a whole new appreciation for your favourite colour. Now you’re not going to understand what I’m talking about until you get to that specific point in your life, however I’m going to do my best to develop a sense of understanding regarding the significance of colour.
Lets talk purple. From an entirely unbiased perspective, it has become clear to me, after only one year’s enrollment at Western, that purple is simply the greatest colour available. Looking to external sources as all arguments must be supported, my in-depth research has allowed me to come to the conclusion that although all colours are important to various aspects of life, the particular complexion of blue-violet has little competition in regards to the determination of the best tinge in our social environment. Don’t get me wrong, red and blue and yellow are all nice to look at and useful in describing some circumstances, however these common hues are no match for the outstanding aura of that one particular purpley pigmentation. According to a reliable source located on the world wide web, it is said that purple combines the stability of blue with the forceful energy of red, associating the colour with royalty, nobility, luxury, power and ambition. Purple represents the meaning of wealth, extravagance, creativity, wisdom, dignity, devotion, magic, pride, independence and magic…. I promise I’m not making this up. These characteristics are goals that we as Mustangs strive towards, proudly representing that pretty colour throughout our successes and endeavours here at Western.
TBT to 60 BC when Julius Caesar was in charge, decreeing that only the Emperor could wear purple and even the sale of purple items was punishable by death. Obviously the fact that people died over the colour is nothing to be proud of, however this event further substantiates my original theory as to why purple is the tone of a lifetime. Do you know what colour the highest denominated poker chip is… give up? It’s Purple. From eggplants to begonias and from sunsets to a glass of wine, purple is present in only the most pleasurable of circumstances. This favourable significance has contributed to the positive aura that is associated with an individuals proud expression and loyalty to their university.
Being a student a Western, one develops a connection with others as they become united through similar aspirations and experiences. We share pride in our endeavours and unite as a successful study body, supporting each other through challenges with a common foundation in school spirit. By having a colour that physically displays this unanimous verification, we develop an environment in which our affiliation is no longer questioned. We take this purple pride home with us, displaying our alliances through badges and patches and sweaters and shoes, waving the purple flag in the faces of our enemies. We find comfort in that glowing tint of violet, no longer questioning what colour we favour most.
~ Mary Whitfield