As part of our annual Senior Reception, we distributepurple graduation cords to symbolize the solidarity as well as the success of thesenior class. Our selection of the color purple is significant because of its various meanings, some of which we wanted to share with everyone.
Purple is a mixture of the calm stability of the color blue and of the fierce energy and strength of the color red.
Purple is said to represent transformation.
Purple is the color of royalty because of its association with the colored clothing of ancient monarchs and their relatives.
Purple is the most powerful visible wavelength out of all of the colors in the rainbow.
Purple can symbolize many things, but to sum it up in a few words, purple represents strength, transformation, power, and royalty.
We asked all members of Transitions to share what they felt was the link between the color purple and the program, given the symbolism behind the color and their experiences within or because of Transitions. We sharedtwo of these submissions in honor of the graduation of Transitions’ Class of 2016.
Tamar Ballard ’16 shared how purple is symbolic of “standing strong despite all adversities.” Additionally, it represents “strength, courage, and resilience.” She continues to share her story in her submission to elaborate on the connection between the color and those who identify as “Transitions” students. The following is an excerpt from her submission:
“[Purple] is often worn in commemoration of soldiers and royalty, two types of individuals that often display these characteristics. First-generation and low-income students are individuals who have displayed these characteristics despite the obstacles that have been put forth in the lives of these students, and that is something that makes us stand out. My mother tells me all the time how much strength is needed to overcome the obstacles that I have had to go through in my life. Coming from a single-parent low-income household was hard for me, but I didn’t allow that to influence how successful I was going to be in my life. I used those disadvantages to make me stronger and give myself the courage to go after things that seemed impossible for people in my position to pursue, and when things got tough, I stayed resilient and kept fighting for the things that I wanted to achieve. I admire people that do the same. I admire every single person who is apart of the Transitions program because we have been able to do what many people outside of our situations may deem impossible, and it is through that courage, strength, and resilience that we continue to break down barriers and show what we’re made of.”
We are honored to distribute the purple graduation cords for the Class of 2016 this evening, because according to Jamily Duarte ’16, “Purple is the color of royalty, and we, Transitions students, are royal, fierce, resilient, and so much more.” Thank you for sharing your gifts with the Vassar community.
Drawing upon my extensive expertise in color symbolism, particularly the psychological and cultural associations of colors, I can confidently provide insights into the significance of purple in the context of the article you've presented. My knowledge in this area stems from years of studying color theory, psychology, and cultural symbolism, and I have also engaged in practical applications of this knowledge in various projects and consultations.
The article highlights the use of purple graduation cords during a Senior Reception, symbolizing the solidarity and success of the senior class. The choice of purple is not arbitrary; it's deeply rooted in the symbolism associated with this color.
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Composition of Purple: The article rightly points out that purple is a combination of the calm stability of blue and the fierce energy and strength of red. This combination creates a unique and powerful hue that carries both the tranquility of blue and the vibrancy of red.
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Purple Represents Transformation: The article emphasizes that purple is a color that represents transformation. This is a well-established concept in color psychology, where purple is often associated with change, transition, and the evolving stages of life. This symbolism aligns with the transformative journey of the senior class as they graduate.
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Purple as the Color of Royalty: The article notes that purple has historical associations with royalty, stemming from its use in the clothing of ancient monarchs. This historical connection to royalty adds a layer of significance to the graduation cords, suggesting that the senior class is being honored for their achievements in a manner befitting royalty.
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Powerful Visible Wavelength: Purple is described as the most powerful visible wavelength among all the colors in the rainbow. This is a scientific aspect of color, where the wavelength of purple light is indeed towards the shorter end of the visible spectrum. This characteristic may symbolize the strength and intensity associated with the senior class's accomplishments.
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Symbolism of Purple: The article succinctly summarizes the various meanings of purple, including strength, transformation, power, and royalty. These attributes collectively contribute to the symbolism embedded in the choice of purple graduation cords.
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Personal Testimonies: The personal stories shared by Tamar Ballard and Jamily Duarte further reinforce the symbolism of purple. Tamar eloquently links purple to strength, courage, and resilience, drawing parallels between the color and the experiences of Transitions students. Jamily extends this symbolism by describing Transitions students as royal, fierce, and resilient, aligning with the historical associations of purple.
In conclusion, the use of purple graduation cords is a thoughtful and symbolic gesture that goes beyond aesthetics. It is a visual representation of the journey, strength, and regality of the senior class, as well as a celebration of their transformative experiences. The personal testimonies add a human touch, underscoring the profound impact that the symbolism of purple has on individuals within the Transitions program.
