Delightful Discoveries - When Opposites Attract 11.13.10

The theory that opposites attract is never truer than when red meets black... the combination is bold, energetic, and rarely anything less than spectacular. The legends and beliefs behind color symbolism may hold the key to some of the mystery behind the relationship between these two polar opposites. Perhaps the most easily understood explanation is provided through an understanding of these colors in Feng-Shui, the ancient Chinese philosophy which relies on basic rules of nature, a discipline using the rules of heaven and earth to achieve harmony with nature and the energies that exist all around us.

The principles of Feng-Shui rely on an achievement of the balance between Yin and Yang, and one of the easiest ways to achieve this is through color scheme. Yin colors bring about healing and relaxation, while Yang colors inspire motivation and energy. Balanced together, the Yin and Yang work to enhance the flow of Chi, or life force, in your surroundings. As for these colors in relation to Feng-Shui, black is representative of the Yin and the element of water - the color of emotional protection and power as well as being symbolic of money and income. Red, representing Yang, as well as the element of fire, enhances energy, luck, passion, and ambition. Red is the more powerful and overwhelming of the two, and just as water tames fire in nature, black tames red in the world of color. The "power" of black is less a degree of strength than it is a means of maintaining control and balance...and the cool, fluid nature of water works well to balance the heat and unleashed wild energy of red's fire. If fiery red symbolizes life and energy, cooling black symbolizes not truly death, but that which brings order out of chaos...together they symbolize a balance of opposites, a harmony of energies, and a naturally beautiful palette!

poPPies R E D Plate by SAMOS from muddypotts
Leather Poppy Cuff by LittleGreenRoom
Handmade Cotton Clutch in Red and Black Ironworks Swirls from TiLTcreations

5x7 Geek chic love glasses red and black print by Quirkyville
Dress - Red and Black Vintage Knit Wiggle Dress from ByTheWay
Black and Red Patent Artshu Canvas Bag by ArtShuShus

Lola The Ladybug Organic Catnip Bell Cat Toy by AllAboutCats
Antique Child's Red Metal Ironing Board and Red Wolverine Sunny Suzy Electric Iron Set from VintageNowAndThen
Red and Black plate - Two from alexandrico

Stunning red Czech glass, hematite and crystal statement necklace from BlueForestJewellery
Black Clockhands with Bright Red Stones Earrings by CrystalDream
Hand Knit Red and Black Goddess Shawl Wrap - Moulin Rouge by FoxyGknits

Red and Black Glass Soap Dish by bprdesigns
Murano Style Red, Black Glass Necklace - Scarlet Blade by MysticWynd
Red and Black Key Typewriter from PipAndI**

Black, White and Red All Over from Spirit7Designs
Red Love Birds Printed T Shirt by expression2009
Red sewn hat Kadinela No.212 by Kadinela**

I hope you've enjoyed this study in contrasts - and that you'll be back for my next feature which happens to be a showcase of items broadly related to metaphysics and the New Age. You'll see some unique and unusual items and learn a little bit about the philosophies and beliefs surrounding these movements!

Til next time - have a wonderful day!
**designates an undiscovered or underdiscovered shop!