FUN FACTS ABOUT COLOR

Why Footballs Are Black-and-White

Turns out the sports staple was made for TV. For the 1970 World Cup in Mexico—the first of its kind to be broadcast live on television—Adidas created the iconic black-and-white paneled ball, intended to catch the eyes of viewers better than a single-colored one would as it moved across black-and-white TV screens. The black pentagons also helped players and referees recognize the swerve and flight of the ball.

Why Surrender Flags Are White

Some believe the peacemaking symbol comes from the bland garb of ancient times. Soldiers and civilians alike had white clothes handy, and since they were highly visible against neutral backgrounds, the clothes could be waved to easily convey passivity.

Why Taxis Are Yellow

If you hailed a New York City cab in 1905, a car painted red and green would screech to a halt before you. So how did the color change from two-tone to bumblebee-bright? In 1907, Albert Rockwell created a taxi cab with an innovative 15-horsepower engine at his car company in Connecticut. Legend has it that his wife suggested the cars be painted yellow, and they've been that way ever since. By 1909, yellow taxis were zipping around New York City, courtesy of Rockwell’s cab company.

Why Karate Belts Are Black

There are a lot of myths surrounding the martial arts’ most prestigious designation. The most likely story, however, claims that white belts used to be dyed to a new color upon a student’s advancement to a higher level . Hence the increasingly darker order: white, yellow, orange, green, blue, purple, brown, red, and black.

Why a Matador’s Cape Is Red

Bulls charge at the sight of red, right? Wrong. Bulls are color-blind. Thus, a fighting bull is likely enraged by the cape’s quick movement instead of its color. So why the bold hue? Some say it helps mask one of the more grue-some aspects of a bullfight: splatters of the animal’s blood.

Why Wedding Dresses Are White

The classic white dress came from a European fashion trend. In 1840, England’s Queen Victoria donned a white lace gown to marry Albert of Saxe-Coburg. At the time, brides were married in any color—even black was popular. The queen’s choice, however, quickly inspired other brides to opt for white. In the early 19th century, Godey’s Lady’s Book issued its blessing: “Custom has decided that white is the most fitting hue for a wedding."