Hi,
It has to do with the abundance of colour in their enviroment. Example: Tropical birds, Tropical flowers, ect.
In the southern region of the US, Ex: Lousiana., they paint their houses, blue, yellow, green, orange, salmon. The trim on the houses can get quite eye popping. You could probably find these on an historical architectual site. I know this as I was raised in Lafayette, LA. and also lived in New Orleans. Spectacular colours abound in New Orleans. The French Quarter has these colours fixed as per historical colours used. French, Spanish, and African influences abound. Another interesting feature I would like to mention in the pourch and parlour ceilings, it is painted sky blue. Most often used to denote a treatures house (a practitioner of Hoodoo). It has a spiritual connection to the Virgin Mary. (Most of this area is Catholic.) The colours of houses, east and west, have alot to do with religion. Colour has significance in most religions. I believe the red trim on oriental houses bring luck and keep away evil. If my memory serves. Hopefully someone with that knowledge will respond.(back to the subject),The farther away we move from spirituality the more conservative the colours become. I believe it is like an old shirt, the more you wash it, the less colour it has.

Now, having said this, there is NOTHING wrong with being conservative, I just resist having it thrust upon me. Why can't colour be a part of being conservative. I do have hope. Evidence the VERY colourful ties being worn by the most conservative men. I hope it keeps going and extends to the women. Reagan liked red, so conservative women were able to start wearing red. I have noticed this has leasened since he left office and his passing. It is possible to be conservative and wear colour.

With the advancement of industry, the populace is forced to conform to more conservative colours, ( tans, whites, beiges). This can be enforced by community by-laws. It is a colour prejudice plain and simple. The colourfull houses are viewed as "low class". These beautifull houses are being obliterated because of this prejudice. The spanish, creole, african and others were looked down upon. Therfore, their wonderful sense of colour is being lost.

This also extends to dress. All you have to do is look at the government, or office dress. Dark blacks, grays tans, beiges are rampant. Any colour is considered to be to Bohemian. All you can get away with is MAYBE coloured accessories. Just try wearing red shoes, for example. You'd be the talk of the water collore gossip. Even having red hair is a bit much, (I know since I have natural red hair and am forced to wear it in a very conservitive manner if I am to be accepted. I have actually not been hired for having red hair. How do I know this?, I was told! by the boss! This also extends to boarding an airplane! I am always pulled out if I wear my hair down. Yes all red heads are terroists, sarcasim is my answer.)

This has been my experience on the loss of colour.Colour is a personal statement that I hope one day will be accepted. Our cultural difference should be accepted and even encouraged. Just think if we peoples got together and all start wearing and encouraging the use of colour. I believe we would be happier. I wish we could form a revolution of colour, like the sixties! (though I think flourescent colours hurt my eyes and should be used sparingly.)

Well, that is my take on colour and society. Let's dialog NOW!

Kim W., Greeley, CO.
(All statements are based on my personal experience and are not the opinions of colormatters.com or any persons of this site)