With spring arriving this week, thoughts of green have been dancing in our heads from the fresh blades of grass that will be popping up soon to the new leaves on the trees. The color green can symbolize nature, growth, rebirth, renewal, and hope. It can also represent balance, fertility, and vitality. Mam people associate green with the importance of agriculture and the forests.
Green is a secondary color made from mixing yellow and blue. It is dominant in nature and symbolizes renewal and new beginnings. Interestingly, the word “green” comes from the Old English word “grene” which was used to describe the color of plants. Most humans can see more shades of green than any other color. Because of this, night vision goggles use green. Green also is used as a description of sustainability and being kind to the planet.
Green has a dark side too. It is considered the most poisonous color in history. In 1775, a Swedish chemist named Carl Wilhelm Scheele invented a green for painting that was laced with arsenic (and therefore highly poisonous). Many believe this paint was used on the wallpaper of Napoleon’s bedroom and that it caused his death. In the late 1800’s, Paris Green, an equally poisonous paint color replaced Scheele Green in popularity. They are still questioning whether these toxins were the cause of Cezanne’s diabetes or Monet’s blindness. And of course green can be used to describe the emotions of envy or jealousy.
Green has been shown to a positive effect on people, it is calming and soothing, known to alleviate stress. The “Green Room” is the place people wait backstage before going on television. As long ago as the 1500’s, theaters had a backstage area where actors would wait. The rooms were covered in greenery and grass to absorb noise and keep the actors cool which lead to calling it “the Green Room.” Studies have shown that green has also has a positive influence on memory and problem solving. People are more likely to remember words that have been written in green.
Everywhere you look on our website, shades of green abound—from Forest Green napkins to Emerald Green tote bags. Green has been a cornerstone of our designs since the beginning, featured in one of our original stripes, Soft Multi. Inspired by a Cajolá servilleta (a basket napkin), this stripe was initially crafted using a backstrap weave and adapted for the foot loom.
One of our most treasured designs is the Quetzal Jade stripe, which combines striking teal, olive green, and turquoise hues. It’s a fan favorite across our kitchen, dining, and bag collections.
Most recently, in 2024, we introduced the Poblano Stripe—our latest addition to the green family.
Green certainly is a powerful color with positive vibes nowadays. From its connotations of environmentally friendly to a sign of peace, harmony and a symbol of luck of course, it plays an important role in our lives.
Where would be without a green light telling when us to go??
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