A rainbow forms over the Ulu Baram rainforest in the Miri interior, eastern Malaysian Borneo state of Sarawak (AFP photo)
By Edita Burgos, OCDS, Philippines
Oct 25 2022
What does the word green mean to us? Among all the colors, it seems like green has assumed the most varied number of meanings and symbols.
One of the more positive connotations of green is hope, probably emanating from the color of newly sprung leaves. For after the leaves, come the flowers then the fruits.
Green can also mean calmness and deepness as in the green of the sea and coolness and vastness as in the green of mountains.
We were told in classrooms that green is the most sterile among the colors, thus most scrub suits are green, especially used in operating rooms by medical workers. Blackboards used in classrooms are actually colored green because according to studies, even if you stare at it for a long time it does not tax the eyes. We wonder why they were not called green boards.
A green thumb for plant lovers is an asset. Green light would mean go and green bucks is something our overseas workers work hard for. Green tea is a most welcome kind of green. It contains healthy bioactive compounds. Some claim green tea lowers the risk of some cancers, may protect the brain from aging, and helps prevent Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Green bacon, a fresh, non-smoked style of cured bacon is yummy. And too, the green of the emerald and the jade can be anything but negative.
However, just as the world must exist on the balance of opposites, green has its share of negative connotations. Green referring to the complexion means pale and sickly-hued. Green persons are gullible, immature or raw at what they are undertaking as in a greenhorn. A green ant can really hurt when they bite because they have the ability to spray formic acid. But a green eyed pone is jealous or envious, while one who has a green mind and one who keeps cracking green jokes are preoccupied with unsavory topics.
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