Monday, May 1, 2006, May Day

It was a crisp sunny day in the Big Apple, spring in full bloom.

I chose to wear the color lavender as I went out to run some early morning errands. Making several stops along the way, I did a double take as many other people were also wearing the same color.

My final stop was at a Chase Bank, here in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, where I live. I walked over to my favorite teller, Irina, and was surprised to see that she was also dressed in lavender. Looking over at the other tellers, I noticed that they were also wearing the same color, just different styles.

"What's going on?" I asked. Chase employees are now required to dress in a lavender shirt or top which comes with the bank insignia on it. Irina mentioned that these 'uniforms' were more costly than her normal work clothes, now relegated to her closet.

Lavender, About.com

Graceful and Feminine: Lavender has long been a favorite flower and color of genteel ladies. This shade of purple suggests refinement along with grace, elegance, and something special.

Nature of Lavender: Purple and its lighter lavender shades has a special, almost sacred place in nature: lavender, orchid, lilac, and violet flowers are often delicate and considered precious.

Culture of Lavender: While purple is the color of royalty, lavender is the color of femininity. It's a grown up pink.

Lavender, Herbal Remedies, Wikipedia

Flower of cultivated lavender;
Lavender has been extensively used in herbalism. An infusion of lavender is claimed to soothe and heal insect bites. Bunches of lavender are also said to ward off insects. If applied to the temples, lavender oil is said to soothe headaches. Lavender is frequently used as an aid to sleep: Seeds and flowers of the plant are added to pillows, and an infusion of three flowerheads added to a cup of boiling water are recommended as a soothing and relaxing bedtime drink. Lavender oil (or extract of Lavender) is claimed to heal acne when used diluted 1:10 with water, rosewater, or witch hazel; it is also used in the treatment of skin burns and inflammatory conditions (it is a traditional treatment for these in Iran). There is scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of some of these remedies, especially the anti-inflammatory effects, but they should be used with caution since lavender oil can also be a powerful allergen.

Lavender/Violet Flame

Flame, Freedom, Independence, New York City

A sprinkle of lavender

Empire State Building celebrated is 75th birthday today