One of the great visual images of the community that is the United States is becoming very popular. In a show of support, Americans are displaying flags on their cars, at their homes and even in the form of jewelry to be worn, or quite simply as strands of ribbon pinned to their clothing.

Although there is no official record of the meaning of the colors of the U.S. flag, in 1782, the Congress of the Confederation chose these same colors for the Great Seal of the United States. The colors represent: white to mean purity and innocence, red for valor and hardiness, and blue for vigilance, perseverance, and justice.

Apparently George Washington interpreted the elements of the flag in this way: the stars were taken from the sky, the red from the British colors, and the white stripes signified the secession from the home country. Some say that the stripes symbolize rays of light emanating from the sun.

Our flag was the cover story of the October 1 issue of HFN: The Newsweekly of Home Products Retailing. The magazine reports: "Forget your neutral shades, your retro hues, your sepias, India inks and vermilion. The most popular color scheme this season may very well be basic red, white and blue.

In light of the September 11 terrorist attacks, home furnishings manufacturers are introducing and reintroducing products featuring patriotic themes. Some are donating the proceeds of the sales of these items to charities, while others are joining the wave of patriotism that has swept the country."

Designer, Claire Murray had created a lineup of rugs called the 'Spirit of America.' She states, "When I did this rug, I felt that it was time to inspire a patriotic connection, but it wasn't happening as much as I had hoped." Since the terrorist attacks, sales of this line of rugs have increased by at least 40%. Claire is donating $10 to the American Red Cross for every rug sold.

More blue

Blue is popping up in other places too. Consider this snack that brings smiles and laughter to a whole new generation.

Frito-Lay has just introduced a new breed of Cheetos, the crunchy neon orange American snack food. "Mystery Colorz Snack" turns your tongue either blue or green. Pop one of these tangy orange delights into your mouth and the additive activates your saliva, which in turn changes the color of your tongue.When I saw this for the first time, I definitely had to try it! It's true, it does turn your tongue blue, and the fingers you eat the snack with.

How fun!

Published: October 11, 2001

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Kathy Lamancusa is a trend strategis, professional speaker and author who tracks the forces that impact our lives. Over 1.6 million copies of Kathy's books are in print, and she has appeared on numerous television and radio shows including Oprah! She is a public speaker who can offer organizations entertaining and enlightening peeks into what is coming and what is shaping change so that they can better reach their own customer bases.