24 Fun Facts About The Color Blue | Myth Busted

1. Blue is the favorite color of 29% of people worldwide.

Blue is a color that is beloved by many people around the world. In fact, a recent survey found that 29% of people worldwide consider blue to be their favorite color, making it the most popular color globally. 

This may be due to the calming and peaceful associations that are often connected with the color blue, as well as its versatility and wide range of shades, from deep navy to bright sky blue.

People often decorate their homes in shades of blue, wear clothing in shades of blue, and use blue in branding and advertising.

2. The word “blue” comes from the Old French word bleu, which originally referred to a dark shade of black.

The word “blue” comes from the Old French word “bleu,” which originally referred to a dark shade of black. 

Over time, the word’s meaning shifted to describe the color we now know as blue. 

The word’s origins highlight the close association between blue and darkness, reflected in how we perceive the color today.

3. Blue is associated with peace, calmness, and tranquility.

Blue is the color of the sky and the ocean, and it is strongly associated with peace, calmness, and tranquility.

The vast expanse of blue in the natural world can evoke feelings of serenity and relaxation, so blue is often used in interior design to create a sense of calm in living spaces.

This association with peacefulness is also reflected in how blue is used in many cultures to symbolize trust, loyalty, and sincerity.

4. In ancient Egypt, blue was considered to be the color of the heavens and divinity.

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In ancient Egypt, blue was considered the color of the heavens and divinity and was used in art and decoration.

Egyptians believed that the god Amun had a blue aura, so the color was often used to depict him in art.

The precious stone lapis lazuli, imported from Afghanistan, was also highly prized for its rich blue color and was often used to create jewelry and other decorative objects.

5. Blue was traditionally associated with pain in China.

Blue traditionally held negative connotations in some parts of China. A dark shade of blue symbolized mourning and was often used in funeral ceremonies. Beyond grief, blue also represented sadness, coldness, and indifference in cultural contexts.

Interestingly, in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), water, often associated with the color blue in Western cultures, is symbolized by black, showcasing diverse cultural interpretations of color symbolism.

6. Exposure to blue light disrupts sleep by blocking melatonin, making it harder to fall asleep.

Exposure to blue light, primarily from the sun, impacts our circadian rhythms and sleep patterns. During the day, it enhances alertness by stimulating parts of the brain and raising body temperature and heart rate.

However, blue light exposure in the evening can disrupt sleep by suppressing melatonin release, tricking our brain into thinking it’s daytime.

This misalignment of circadian rhythms can lead to various health issues like metabolic disorders and depression. Strategically managing blue light exposure can mitigate these risks and promote better sleep hygiene.

7. A blue moon is the second full moon in a calendar month, occurring once every 2-3 years.

The concept of a “blue moon” denotes a rare event in which two full moons appear within a single calendar month.

This uncommon phenomenon contrasts with the typical lunar cycle of 29.5 days. It occurs approximately once every 2-3 years, truly highlighting its rarity and unique nature.

8. Blue eyes are relatively rare, occurring in only about 8% of the world’s population.

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Blue eyes are relatively rare, occurring in only about 8% of the world’s population. The color of a person’s eyes is determined by the amount and type of pigments in the iris, the colored part of the eye.

Blue eyes are caused by a lack of pigment in the iris, allowing light to reflect off the back of the eye and create the blue color we see.

This genetic trait is most common in people of European descent.

9. Picasso had a “blue period” in his artwork.

Pablo Picasso experienced what is famously known as his “Blue Period” (Spanish: Período Azul) between 1901 and 1904. During this phase, his artwork predominantly used shades of blue and blue-green, reflecting somber themes inspired by his experiences in Spain and Paris.

Despite initial struggles to gain recognition and sell his paintings during this period, Picasso’s Blue Period is now celebrated as one of his most significant artistic phases. It showcases his profound exploration of themes such as poverty, loneliness, and despair.

10. Blue morpho butterflies have wings that trick predators with a light illusion.

The Blue Morpho butterfly boasts a breathtaking spectacle. Though not truly blue, its wings shimmer with an iridescent brilliance that fools the eye. This dazzling effect isn’t due to pigment but a clever trick of light.

The microscopic scales on the wings act like tiny prisms, selectively reflecting blue wavelengths. As the butterfly flits through the air, the angle of light hitting the wings constantly changes, creating a mesmerizing, ever-shifting display.

11. The blue whale is the largest animal in the world.

The blue whale is a massive mammal and the largest animal in the world. It can grow up to 100 feet long and weigh as much as 200 tons.

These gentle giants can be found in all of the world’s oceans and are known for their unique blue-gray coloring.

Despite their size, they feed almost exclusively on small crustaceans called krill.

12. Ancient Greeks and many other cultures didn’t have a word for blue.

Ancient Greeks and several other ancient cultures lacked a term for the color blue. Instead, they described the sky, wine, and sea as nearly “purple” rather than blue. This intriguing absence of a direct word for “blue” in Ancient Greek has puzzled scholars and linguists.

Homer’s works, the Iliad and the Odyssey, only mention four colors: black, white, greenish-yellow, and red (porphyro). Aristotle identified seven hues, primarily variations in brightness rather than distinct colors.

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13. In the language of flowers, the bluebell symbolizes humility, constancy, gratitude, and everlasting love.

In the language of flowers, the bluebell signifies humility, constancy, gratitude, and everlasting love. Its delicate blooms, adorned with hues of blue and violet, evoke feelings of sincerity and devotion.

As a symbol, the bluebell reflects enduring affection and appreciation, making it a popular choice in floral arrangements for expressing heartfelt sentiments. Whether given as a token of gratitude or as a declaration of everlasting love, the bluebell conveys profound emotions with its understated beauty.

14. The mineral azurite is a bright blue color and was used as a pigment in ancient times to create blue paint and dye.

Azurite is a bright blue mineral that was commonly used as a pigment in ancient times to create blue paint and dye.

Its vibrant color and durability made it popular for many cultures throughout history.

15. The Blue Man Group has entertained audiences with a distinctive mix of music, comedy, and theater since the 1990s.

The Blue Man Group is a performance art group that has entertained audiences with its unique blend of music, comedy, and theater since the 1990s.

The group’s signature blue makeup and inventive use of props and instruments have made them a favorite of audiences worldwide.

16. “Feeling blue” means feeling sad or unhappy.

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The phrase “Feeling blue” refers to a state of sadness or unhappiness, often accompanied by a sense of melancholy or low spirits. This expression, commonly associated with the color blue’s symbolic representation of sadness, reflects the human experience of emotional distress.

Additionally, “Monday blues” refers to the feelings of melancholy or reluctance that many people experience at the start of the workweek. Mondays are often associated with the end of leisure time and the return to routine, leading to a sense of dread or apprehension for some individuals.

17. The Blue Lagoon is a famous geothermal spa in Iceland that is renowned for its vivid blue water and natural beauty.

The Blue Lagoon is a famous geothermal spa in Iceland that is renowned for its vivid blue water and natural beauty.

The lagoon’s water is rich in minerals and is believed to have therapeutic properties to help ease various skin conditions.

18. Blue light therapy treats seasonal affective disorder, acne, and other skin conditions.

Blue light therapy is a treatment used to alleviate seasonal affective disorder, acne, and other skin conditions.

The therapy works by exposing the affected area to specific wavelengths of blue light, which can help to reduce inflammation and promote healing.

19. The world’s first blue roses were created using genetic engineering in the early 2000s.

The world’s first blue roses were created using genetic engineering in the early 2000s.

While roses of many other colors have been cultivated for centuries, blue roses have long been considered impossible to create naturally.

The development of blue roses was a significant breakthrough in the field of plant genetics.

20. Blue is a primary color in the RGB (red-green-blue) color model used for digital displays and screens.

Blue is a primary color in the RGB (red-green-blue) color model used for digital displays and screens.

By combining different amounts of red, green, and blue light, it is possible to create a virtually unlimited range of colors on a screen.

21. Once in a blue moon means something that happens very rarely.

“Once in a blue moon” is a common idiom describing something very infrequent. Despite the saying, blue moons themselves aren’t uncommon, occurring every 2-3 years on average.

The phrase likely originated from the rarer second full moon in a calendar month, not the actual color of the moon.

22. Blue diamonds are among the world’s rarest and most valuable gemstones.

Blue diamonds are among the rarest and most valuable gemstones in the world, with some specimens selling for millions of dollars.

These diamonds, which are found in very limited quantities, get their blue color from the presence of boron in their crystal structure.

23. Blue blood refers to noble or aristocratic lineage.

Blue blood is a term used to describe individuals from noble or aristocratic backgrounds, typically associated with privileged lineage, wealth, and power. This expression stems from the concept of “blue” blood being indicative of higher social status.

Historically, the term “blood” has symbolized family connections, emphasizing shared lineage among relatives. Those identified as blue-bloods belong to the aristocracy, holding esteemed societal positions. References to blue blood often evoke images of kings, queens, princes, and princesses portrayed in Shakespearean dramas, highlighting their noble lineage and elevated social standing.

In the American context, prominent families such as the Kennedys and Bushes are often regarded as blue bloods, reflecting their longstanding influence and prestige within society.

24. In Hinduism, the god Krishna is often depicted as having blue skin, representing his divine and transcendent nature.

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In Hinduism, the god Krishna is often depicted as having blue skin, representing his divine and transcendent nature.

This blue color is associated with the infinite and is believed to represent the boundless potential of the divine.

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