Green means go. Green means growth. Green means yes. Green is the color that I have become deeply attached to over the years. I grew up loving the purples and pinks, much like many girls who had the “pink/purple is femininity” agenda pushed onto them growing up. It was only when I was able to experience a genuine bliss in nature that I really started to appreciate the green in the world.
Specifically in Davis, I’m met with the beauty of our arboretum, which has the natural power to exhibit our changing seasons and give us green when our students most need it. Attending a university that values Mother Nature, promotes sustainability, and fosters an overarching fondness of nature, I am able to appreciate the color even more at this university. Green has been notably linked to enhanced creative thinking, hence why many students and intellectuals enjoy nurturing their minds in the presence of nature.
Symbolically, green represents many virtues that as a young adult, I have been trying to embrace in my day to day. Green is calming. In the chaos and constant struggle that encapsulates college, calm and quiet is an imperative element of my ability to maintain composure. Green is also a huge symbolizer of vitality, nature, and health. Instinctually and evolutionarily we are aware that green in nature signifies life, sustenance, and health. One of my favorite parts of experiencing the constant change of our world is seeing the lush greenery that follows a rainy season. It reminds me that even when something feels dead and lifeless, it can always be nurtured and revitalized. My own religion, Hinduism, embraces the color in its rituals, often adorning deities with green flowers and celebrating traditional festivals by feasting using a green banana leaf as a plate. The color green also brings about a sense of motivation, positivity, and affirmation. The phrase “give a green light” is commonly used when affirming and approving a decision, especially an important one. Whenever I enter a new chapter in my life, such as starting college, a new relationship or friendship, or embarking on a new career development, I find myself searching for and subconsciously including green in my essence. I find comfort in knowing this color can bring such optimism to my being.
Nevertheless, green has also notably been associated with greed, envy, and infidelity. I have personally been greeted by the “green-eyed monster” when met with competition or comparison. Consequently, I do not like this green-eyed version of myself, but I guess jealousy and gluttony are elements of the human condition that we must learn to acknowledge, embrace, and redirect into motivation and gratitude. We commonly see the phrase “seeing green” when one is making money, in reference to our country’s currency. For me personally, this phrase represents the fine line between greed and ambition, motivating me to achieve financial independence but reminding me to remain humble and stray from indulgence in excess.
As spring approaches, I hope to embrace green in all its forms and attributes. It remains my favorite color to see, wear, and be around and our world remains a more beautiful place because of its existence.