Thank goodness for Valentine’s Day, which offers enlivening shades of red to perk us all up just when we were getting heartily sick of grubby snow and long cold nights!

Red is the perfect antidote to late-winter blahs, so we’ve collected some fascinating information about the color red for you. For instance, did you know that too much red can raise your blood pressure? And that the reason stoplights are red is because it is the most readily visible color? There’s nothing self-effacing about red! And can you guess which astrological sign is associated with it? Find out more about this great color, and how we can use it in our homes to add a little zest and zing. We hope you find these red details as juicy and enlivening as we did!

Red is a life-affirming color. Yes, it is the color of fire, blood, and danger but red also teaches us about strength, the ability to step up to the plate, take action, and have greater energy, vitality, confidence, and will. Red is traditionally associated with sexual vigor and the erotic flames of passion, so it makes an especially appropriate romantic companion during the Valentine season.

Here are some other traditional red associations:

Astrological sign: Scorpio.
Crystal: Garnet.
Gemstone: Ruby.
Essential oils: Clove, ginger, oakmoss
Chakra: Root, at the base of the spinal column (the center of primal force).

Red is a true attention-getter, subjugating other hues and really standing out. An all-red room might be a bit much, since increased rates of respiration and higher blood pressure might not be the best idea for most of us, but red accents can be used to add warmth, interest, and energy to any room. And it’s fun to note that many Asian cultures see red as a good-luck, good-energy color.

Red accent ideas:

Throw pillows, pillowcases, or towels.
Chinese lacquer-work plates or vases.
A bunch of flame-colored tulips or red roses.
Red throw rugs.
A bowl of dried pomegranates or red apples.
Red pillar candles.
A painting with a predominance of red.