Valentine’s Palette: If Pink Means Love, Why Always Red, White (2024)

Valentine’s Day is a special occasion for a lot of people around the world.

Therefore, a vibrant palette of colours symbolises the celebration, with each hue whispering its unique tales of love. While pink has long been associated with affection, the dominance of red and white in this romantic symphony leaves people pondering the intricate nuances of love’s expression.

Valentine’s Day, initially associated with romantic love in the Middle Ages, gained momentum in the 18th century with the exchange of love notes. The tradition of sending handwritten expressions of affection evolved into the elaborate celebrations we witness today.

“Valentine’s Day is a cultural amalgamation where history, legends, and symbolism converge. Red and white, woven into this celebration, represent the profound and enduring aspects of love,” says folklore expert, Dr. Ngozi Adekunle.

In essence, the importance of red and white in Valentine’s Day lies in their ability to encapsulate the multifaceted nature of love – from the fiery passion represented by red to the purity and enduring qualities embodied by white.

As we embrace these colours each February, we not only celebrate the historical roots of Valentine’s Day but also pay homage to the universal language of love that transcends time and culture.

Red, The Emblem Of Passion, Sacrifice
In the language of love, red stands as the undoubted protagonist. Its fiery hue symbolises passion, deep emotions, and the intensity of romantic connections. Draped in red, lovers across cultures express their ardor and devotion, creating a visual language that transcends words.

“Red is the colour of fire and desire, an unspoken declaration of love that ignites the flames within the heart,” remarks fashion designer, Aisha Malik.
In its historical context, red equally emerged as a symbol of deep passion and sacrifice.

Legend has it that Saint Valentine, a Roman priest during the third century, defied the emperor’s decree by clandestinely performing marriages for soldiers in love. Eventually martyred for his actions, Saint Valentine’s red-blooded sacrifice became intertwined with the celebration of love.

“Red mirrors the intense emotions and sacrifices associated with love. It is the hue of Saint Valentine’s courage and the fiery ardor that defines true passion,” notes cultural historian, Dr. Isabella Thompson.

White: Purity, Eternal Love
The complementary presence of white in the Valentine’s colour palette signifies purity, innocence, and the enduring nature of love. As the legend of Saint Valentine continued to evolve, white began to represent the purity of the saint’s intentions and the untarnished love he sought to impart in the world.

“White embodies the purity of love, a colour that transcends the temporal and symbolises the eternal nature of true affection,” remarks art historian, Professor Samuel Owusu.

Contrasting with the intensity of red, white embodies purity, innocence, and the serene beauty of a blossoming love. It serves as a canvas for heartfelt gestures, from pristine flowers to pure intentions. White’s presence in Valentine’s celebrations reflects the aspiration for a love untainted and everlasting.
“White speaks of a love that is untarnished, like a blank canvas awaiting the brushstrokes of a beautiful journey together,” shares poet and philosopher, Malik Johnson.

Pink, The Soft Embrace
While pink radiates a soft and tender allure, its prominence in the Valentine’s colour palette is a testament to the multifaceted nature of love. Often associated with sweetness and affection, pink represents the gentler nuances of romantic connections, offering a softer, more delicate expression.

“Pink is the gentle whisper of love, a hue that dances with the grace of shared moments and tender emotions,” observes artist and culture commentator Sade Oke.

What People Are Saying About The Colours Of Love
“In the spectrum of love, red is the blazing sunset, white is the calming moonlight, and pink is the gentle dawn – each telling a story of a love that evolves throughout the day,” Relationship expert, Dr. Michael Oluwatobi.

Colours speak the language of the heart; red, white, and pink are the poetry of love, expressing the spectrum of emotions that make each Valentine’s Day unique.

In the kaleidoscope of Valentine’s colours, red, white, and pink intertwine, creating a visual symphony that captures the essence of love in its myriad forms.

Each hue, a brushstroke on the canvas of romance, contributes to the rich tapestry of emotions that define this celebration of love.