National Purple Day

Elegant woman wearing a flowing purple dress, walking through a lavender field at sunset, surrounded by fluttering butterflies.. — National purple day illustration

Welcome to WhatNationalDayIsIt.com, where we uncover the fascinating stories behind our favorite national days! Today, we're diving into the mystical world of National Purple Day.

When is Purple Day?

It's national purple day on the 26th March.

The Origins of National Purple Day

Do you feel like purple is a color that deserves a day all to itself? Well, you're not alone! National Purple Day, celebrated on March 26th, is all about embracing the elegance and richness that purple brings to our lives.

The origins of National Purple Day can be traced back to the online community. It all started with a group of dedicated purple enthusiasts who wanted to spread their love for the color to the world. They believed that purple was more than just a color; it represented creativity, magic, and individuality.

On March 26th, 2018, these passionate purple fans took to the internet and declared it National Purple Day. Their goal was to encourage people to incorporate purple into their lives, whether it be through clothing, decorations, or simply appreciating the beauty of purple flowers.

How to Celebrate National Purple Day

There are countless ways to celebrate National Purple Day! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Wear your favorite purple outfit and rock it with confidence.
Create a purple-themed meal with purple potatoes, grapes, or berries.
Decorate your space with purple kaleidoscopes, balloons, and streamers.
Host a purple-themed party and ask your guests to dress in their finest purple attire.

Remember, National Purple Day is all about embracing the magic of purple and letting your creative side shine.

History behind the term 'Purple'

14th century

The birth of the word

The term 'purple' originates from the Old English word 'purpul' which came from the Latin word 'purpura'. This Latin term referred to a mollusk, the Murex brandaris, which was used to create a famous and highly prized purple dye in ancient times.

Tyrian Purple and the Roman Empire

The color of emperors

In ancient Rome, purple became associated with luxury, power, and royalty. The imperial purple dye, known as Tyrian Purple, was extracted from the shellfish found in the Mediterranean Sea. Because it was a time-consuming and expensive process to produce, Tyrian Purple was reserved for the Roman emperors and other high-ranking officials.

16th century

The rise of the color symbolism

During the Renaissance, purple gained a symbolic meaning. It became associated with wealth, nobility, and creativity. The rarity and cost of purple pigments meant that only the wealthy elite could afford to wear purple clothing. Artists, such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, often used purple pigments in their masterpieces to convey these symbolic meanings.

18th century

Purple revolutionizes fashion

In the 18th century, a synthetic purple dye called mauveine was accidentally discovered by English chemist William Henry Perkin. This discovery revolutionized the fashion industry as it allowed the production of affordable purple fabrics. The popularity of purple soared, and it became a fashionable color, often associated with luxury and elegance.

20th century

Purple as a symbol of political movements

Purple has been used as a symbol of various political movements throughout history. In the early 20th century, the Suffragettes adopted purple, along with green and white, as their symbolic colors to represent loyalty, hope, and purity in their fight for women's suffrage. Purple also became associated with the Civil Rights Movement in the United States, symbolizing the unity among people of different races.

Present day

Purple reigns in popular culture

Purple continues to captivate popular culture. It is often associated with creativity, spirituality, and mystery. The color has become iconic, with artists like Prince, who famously proclaimed 'Purple Rain,' incorporating it into their work and personal brand. From fashion to music, purple remains a symbol of uniqueness, individuality, and artistic expression.

Did you know?

Did you know that the world's most expensive purple gemstone is the Purple Heart Diamond? It was sold for a whopping $4.5 million at an auction in 2019. Talk about purple power!