An Interview with the Color Purple

Hello, everyone. Today we welcome the famous color Purple to our show. Hello. I’m so happy to be here. So, tell me, Purple, Why do people refer to prose sometimes as purple? Ha! I’m sure you know that means a flowery or excessive amount of writing. I really don’t know why I am associated with extravagance at all, and yet I also represent luxury and even royalty! Yes, that is true. I looked up some things about you. In ancient time, you represented a status symbol because the dye used to produce your deep hue came from a sea snail, which was difficult to obtain. Also you are considered bold. Indeed you are striking. Don’t you think so? Yes, I am bold for sure, but also I have a mellow side. I am found in softer shades of violet, lavender and even blue. Did you know I represent three of the seven colors of the rainbow because I am present in indigo as well as in blue and violet? Wow, that’s impressive. What about other things in nature? Are you as prevalent as green or blue, for example? Hmm, I think I am less seen in nature than blue and green are. However, I am gorgeous as Splendid Sunbird, or the Violet-crowned Woodnymph – just a few of the birds I show up on. Oh, and I am proud as can be when I am a Purple Peacock! Yes, and I’ve seen your amazing color also on butterflies. Do you show up on any other insects? Actually, I am not found on many insects, but there are purple beetles, and in the sea I am found on certain sea stars, sea urchins, coral, jelly fish, and a particular shore crab.. What about mammals? Gosh, I think I can really lay claim only to Barney, the Dinosaur, now extinct on television. Ha ha. However, I am popular as the color of some fruits and vegetables. Oh, yes, I’ve tried you, Purple, in grapes, beets, prunes and purple cabbage I have consumed. Did you know, though, there are also purple potatoes, cauliflower, and carrots? Also red onions really ought to bear my name since those are more purple than red. I think I am especially flavorful as a fig, passion fruit, and as certain berries with my hue. Thanks for mentioning all those. It’s interesting you appear in such healthful foods. Also I’ve recognized you in some plant life and pretty flowers. Can you tell me some of your favorites? Well, I think I really pop as a pansy! Many varieties of flowers bear my likeness, such as orchids and wild geraniums. However, I like my softer-hued ones – when I combine myself with blue to make a shade of the violet or when combined with pink, I become lavender or lilac. Such sweet-smelling flowers! You are breath-taking when you show up on those flowers, Purple. Is there anything bad about you? Well, for some reason I turn up on the skin or around the eyes of people badly beaten. Fortunately, Black and Blue usually get the credit for those things! Well, Purple, I think we may have exhausted the topic of the many ways you beautify our world. Have you anything to add? Well, people do use me to color many of their possessions, such as pieces of clothing, ink they use, and even candies! Naturally speaking though, I forgot to mention I’m in tanzanite and amethyst, and many other stones such as agates, and even sapphires and jade, can take my shade. You are right, Purple. You are a real gem, and it’s been wonderful talking with you. Thanks so much for the interview. You are most welcome!