WRITTEN by JOHN MORRIS
“Let the blue sky meet the blue sea and all is blue for a time”
Most people love the color blue. But in reality, the word blue itself has many meanings and interpretations. It is a color… a feeling… a music genre… and even a textile process.
There have been hundreds or maybe even thousands of songs with the word ‘blue’ utilizing all its meanings. I bet right now you’re humming Blue Christmas by Elvis or one of Elton John’s many songs with ‘blue’ in the lyrics.
Heck, I know two people on the island that can answer the title of this piece with a resounding ‘yes’ because blue is part of their name.
On Roatan the word blue is used constantly… not only to describe our crystal clear waters under a beautiful blue sky, but also for many businesses, including yours truly.
But why? Does it make us feel good?
When you’re feeling blue, you are sad and depressed. But when blue is used as a color, we feel good. The sight of the Caribbean blue sea with its color variations (depending what lies below) ignites a feeling in us of warmth and relaxation.
There is a story that floats around the island now and again about a woman on vacation who brought three Mason jars to Roatan in order to collect all the different colors of the sea to take back home. Needless to say, the result was a bit embarrassing.
I have read that in the Bible, blue spiritually signifies the Healing Power of God. “It is the most sublime subject and color which represents biblically, the Word of God.”
And who wants to mess with that?
Blue is known to have a calming effect in the paint color of a room and is often described as peaceful, tranquil, secure, and orderly. Blue is often seen as a sign of stability and reliability.
No matter what you believe, the color blue has a special meaning or feeling for all of us. Can you imagine if the Caribbean Sea was yellow instead?
But why is it so clear and blue?
Science tells us that water molecules reflect the blue part of the light spectrum and absorb the rest. This combines with the relatively shallow Caribbean which allows reflection from the sea floor. And voilà – clear blue water.
It really has nothing to do with water temperature – have you ever jumped into the Mediterranean Sea in June?
Add to that the beautiful soft, white coral sand (my friend Aaron calls it “Grouper poop”) and you have our little paradise of Roatan. Yes, fish feed off the coral reef and leave sand behind.
So that’s your lesson for this week. I hope it wasn’t boring, but it is an important factor if you’re planning a vacation or to relocate. Colors do affect us… along with climate.
Many performers have recorded the song Am I Blue but one of the most memorable was Billie Holiday. She sang it in such a bluesy way that it was depressing but we all can relate. Her love was gone leaving her alone and well… blue.
So, do you have a case of the blues?
If so, I strongly suggest you wash them away with some warm Caribbean waters surrounding our beautiful island of Roatan!
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