Pink and Blue

[Angelica23]

Why is it pink for girls, blue for boys?

[Octavius]

Historically in religious and other images the colors were often associated the other way round, blue with femininity and the Virgin Mary, and red with masculinity and ferocity.

In the US Ladies Home Journal of June 1918 it was cited that "pink is a more decided and stronger color and more suitable for the boy," while "blue, which is more delicate and dainty, is pertier for the girl." Four years earlier the Sunday Sentinel recommended pink for boys and blue for girls, "if you are a follower of convention." Pink sailor suits were apparently common for boys in the early 20th century, but by the middle of the century the modern associations came about.

Louisa May Alcott in 1869 wrote in her book 'Little Women' that a mother of twins "put a blue ribbon on the boy and a pink on the girl, French fashion, so you can always tell them apart."

So there you are, blame the French!

[grumpii]

Gay boys like pink.