COLOUR STORY

The Origins Of Yellow

It’s not very hard to find the colour yellow all around us. Just take a look out the window and you’ll see flowers, insects and even our own clothing all brimming with this bright colour. But how did yellow come to feature in everyday life? That’s a story that starts far back in time.

Yellow in nature: Ochre

Nowadays, yellow isn’t just a colour used for decoration. It comes in a multitude of shades, from bright to light, and people use these to set a mood or depict certain emotions. But where did it all start? With yellow ochre. Known as an ‘earth pigment’, ochre is a natural mineral that is found in rocks or sand across the globe. It was among the first minerals used by humans.

Prehistory

Ancient peoples also seemed to paint their walls. One of the first cave paintings that uses yellow can be found in Lascaux, southwestern France. This cave painting of a horse is said to be around 17,300 years old! 

How it’s made…

Prehistoric yellow paint was made with clay containing yellow ochre that was mixed with spit or animal fat to create a paste. This paste would vary in shades from yellow to brown depending on the sand.

The Renaissance

How it’s made...

In the 1500s, artists used oil paints, made by mixing yellow pigment made with yellow ochre, with linseed oil. 

During the 16th century, yellow was associated with the disciple that betrayed Jesus Christ, Judas, and was used to depict envy or jealousy in artworks. It was often the colour of illness, as some cases of yellow fever would turn patients’ skin a mild shade of yellow. And later, in 18th century England, if you were seen to be a coward, you were called ‘yellowbellied’. Cowards were said to have a slippery nature, like reptiles. Some snakes and lizards have yellow undersides.

Ancient Egypt

How it’s made...

The ancient Egyptians used many natural minerals to create paints, including ochre. For brighter shades of yellow, they chose to use the mineral ‘orpiment’. Ground orpiment was blended with animal glues or natural gums to create a rich lemon or canary yellow.

In ancient Egypt, each colour had a symbolic meaning and yellow was the colour of the gods! It was believed that the skin and bones of the gods were made of gold. Meaning ‘eternal’ and ‘indestructible’, yellow was often blended with precious metals, like gold, to make depictions of the gods glow. Priests or priestesses of ancient Egypt were said to sometimes paint themselves yellow to ‘become’ closer to the gods.

The Modern Era

How it’s made…

In 1856, a chemical process that could create synthetic versions of natural pigments was discovered. This meant that more colours could be manufactured faster. At the end of the 19th century, there were over 8000 types of synthetic dyes to choose from, yellow being one of them!

New synthetic dyes meant that 18th and 19th century life was more colourful than ever! Yellow became the most popular way to attract attention in the French court. This meant that yellow hats, gloves and dresses were worn by all the fashionable folk of the time. Even famous artists were great admirers of the colour. Just think of Vincent van Gogh’s ‘Sunflowers’ painting.

What about now?

Think of Pikachu, Spongebob, the Minions and even the emojis on your phone. Yellow is a colour of cheerfulness and optimism. It is a symbol of happiness. Once a colour to help depict stories, yellow has become a main feature in our everyday lives.

TO BEE OR NOT TO BEE

It is not uncommon for certain species of insects and small critters to have evolved to have yellow markings as a way of warning predators against messing with them. Some fly-like insects mimic the distinctive yellow and black colouring of bees to trick predators into thinking they’re armed with a sting! Fire salamanders mean business though, as their bright yellow markings warn potential predators of their intensely toxic skin and their ability to squirt a highly irritating substance into the eyes or mouths of would-be threats.

From cave walls to famous artworks, clothing to a famous song, this undeniably cool colour has had a long journey through history and is bound to keep the future bright too.

EXTINCT BIRD

Dodo 

The dodo (Raphus cucullatus) was a large flightless bird that inhabited the island of Mauritius, on the Indian Ocean, till the early 17th century. It weighed around 23kg and was bigger than a turkey. Its large, hooked bill, short, thick legs and small, useless wings – totally out of proportion to its bulky body – gave it a peculiar appearance. It laid a single, large egg in a nest made of grass on the ground.

The earliest known account of the Dodo is found in a journal entry of an expedition made to the island in 1598. The first written account which actually used the name Dodo is found in the 1628 letter of Emanuel Altham: “Very strange fowles called by ye portingals Do Do.” While some say that the name originates from Portuguese duodo, meaning ‘silly or stupid’, others attribute the name to the sound of the bird’s call.

Sadly, the increase in exploration and trade in the 16th and 17th centuries, brought about the extinction of the dodo.

Seamen and colonists found the clumsy-looking creatures both easy to catch and tasty to eat.

The settlers introduced pigs to the islands, which destroyed the dodo’s nests and young as they foraged. Thus, by the close of the 17th century, the luckless bird was extinct.

Today, the dodo survives only in expressions like ‘dead as a dodo’, signifying foolishness or silliness. 

STORY TIME

The suitcase

A man realised that he was about to die, as he saw God coming closer with a suitcase in His hand. God said, “All right son, it’s time to go.”

Surprised, the man responded, “Now? So soon? I had a lot of plans...”

“I’m sorry, but it’s time to go.”

“What do you have in that suitcase?” the man asked.

“Your belongings.”

“My belongings? You mean my things, my clothes, my money?” the man wondered.

“Those things were not yours; they belonged to the earth,” God replied.

“Is it my memories?” the man asked.

“Those never belonged to you, they belonged to time.”

“Is it my talents?”

“Those were never yours, they belonged to the circumstances.”

“Is it my friends and family?”

“I’m sorry they were never yours, they belonged to the path,” God said, as He shook His head.

“Is it my body?” the man asked.

“That was never yours, it belonged to the dust.”

“Is it my soul?"

Again God shook His head, “No that is mine.”

Full of fear, the man took the suitcase from God and opened it, just to find that the suitcase was empty. With tears coming down his cheeks, the man said, “I never had anything?”

God answered, “That is correct; every moment you lived was only yours. Life is just a moment, a moment that belongs to you. You were born with empty hands and will die empty-handed."

☆☆☆

For this reason, enjoy this time while you have it. Don’t let anything that you think you own, stop you from doing so. Live now. Live your life with kindness and love. Don’t forget to be happy; after all, this is the only thing that matters.”

EXPLORING THE UNIQUE RAKSHA BANDHAN TRADITIONS ACROSS INDIA’S DIFFERENT PARTS

 Threads of tradition

Raksha Bandhan isn’t just about rakhis and sweets; it’s a colourful blend of traditions that change as you move from one state to another in India. From sisters tying vibrant threads on their brothers’ wrists in the North to coastal communities offering coconuts to the sea, every region brings its own unique cultural significance to this sibling celebration. Raksha Bandhan is a festival that beautifully blends love and culture, displaying the rich diversity of India’s traditions. 

Maharashtra: In Maharashtra and other coastal regions, Raksha Bandhan is celebrated as Naarali Poornima, a festival that centres around the worship of the sea. On this day, the local fishing communities offer coconuts to the sea as a symbol of reverence and to seek blessings from it. People prepare special dishes using coconut as a main ingredient. After the sea worship rituals are completed, the festivities continue with community gatherings, marking the transition from religious observance to joyful celebration.

Rajasthan: While most North Indians celebrate Raksha Bandhan by tying a rakhi on their brothers’ wrists and praying for their long lives, brothers, in return, vow to protect their sisters from all hardships. However, in the Marwari and Rajasthani communities, the tradition goes a step further. Here, sisters also tie a rakhi, known as a Lumba rakhi, on the bangle of their brother’s wife. The reason behind this unique custom lies in the belief that the wife, considered the ‘ardhangini’ or better half, is an integral part of the brother’s life. The ritual acknowledges that the responsibility of protecting and loving a sister is not just the brother’s duty alone but is shared equally by his wife. This makes the Raksha Bandhan celebration more unique, embracing the sister-in-law as an important part of the tradition.

Madhya Pradesh and Bihar: On this day, mothers and their sons do a special pooja, while farmers worship their land. The celebrations start a week before the main celebration. The wives of farmers go to their fields and collect soil by wrapping it in leaves. The soil is then sown with barley and kept in a thoroughly cleaned and decorated area of the house. This is called the ‘put’. When the seven days are up, mothers take the ‘put’ and pray for their sons’ longevity before immersing them in a well or river.

Tamil Nadu and Kerala: The celebration of Rasha Bandhan is called Avani Avittam in states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The festivities are mostly for the family’s male members. On this day, Brahmins immerse themselves in the river and seek forgiveness for all of their past sins. The janau, or holy thread, worn across the body, is replaced with a new thread at the end of the custom. They also make promises to do good deeds during this "thread changing" ceremony. 

Odisha: On Gamha Purnima, cows and bullocks are worshipped in many regions of Odisha. The festival is marked by a unique local sport known as Gamha Diyan, which is one of the highlights of the festival. Gamha Purnima is celebrated as the birth anniversary of Lord Baladeva, the elder brother of Bhagavan Sri Krishna. Over time, this traditional festival has also embraced the observance of Raksha Bandhan, inspired by the Rakhi festival celebrated on the same day across North India. This blend of rituals symbolises the strong cultural ties and evolving traditions that continue to define Odisha’s vibrant heritage.

West Bengal: This day marks the end of the five-day ritual of Lord Krishna and Radha swinging on a jhula, celebrated as Jhulan Poornima. The festivities kick off on Pavitra Ekadashi and end on Raksha Bandhan, which falls on the full moon day. During this time, idols of Lord Krishna and Radha are placed on a swing and made to swing, symbolising their divine love. The swing, adorned with vibrant flowers and intricate designs, becomes the highlight of celebrations, especially at the ISKCON temple in Mayapur, where the festival is marked with music and devotion. The whole atmosphere is filled with joy, devotion, and the colourful energy that surrounds the sacred bond of these divine beings.

INFUSE JOY INTO YOUR AND SOMEONE ELSE'S LIFE

 The Significance Of A Smile

Have we ever thought about the gestures we use daily, knowingly or unknowingly, that have a profound impact on our lives? One such gesture, right under our noses, has the power to make us happier and potentially lengthen our lives. Can you guess what it is? Yes, it's the simple yet powerful act of smiling.

The smile is a ubiquitous and heartening gesture, connecting us all, whether acquainted or strangers. This simple expression has the remarkable ability to infuse joy into someone's life, fostering a sense of unity and warmth.

A study reveals that the frequency of smiles tends to decrease as we age. Astonishingly, adults over the age of thirty smile, on average, only 40-50 times a day, whereas children effortlessly clock in 300-400 smiles daily. The  bustling lives and responsibilities gradually overshadow the simplicity of smiling.

A smile costs nothing but holds immeasurable value. It transcends language barriers, brings solace to the weary, and bridges the gaps between strangers. As we navigate our daily routines, let's preserve this innate ability to smile and rediscover the joy that a sincere smile can bring.

So let us all wear a big genuine smile on our faces. Embrace the positivity it radiates and carry it forward, creating a ripple effect that transcends the boundaries. A smile is a universal language, and by sharing it generously, we contribute to creating a world filled with warmth, kindness, and joy. Let's spread this infectious energy of smiles, uplift the spirit with a smile in our day-to-day life. May your days ahead be filled with countless reasons to smile!

A DEADLY DISEASE

Tetanus

Tetanus is a deadly disease that is caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, which can commonly be found in soil, dust, faeces, and saliva. The transmission occurs when someone’s skin breaks or is cut from an object that is contaminated with Clostridium tetani, allowing the bacterium to go into the body. Once inside, Clostridium tetani will produce toxins that affect the nerves that control muscles, which is also why one of the primary symptoms of tetanus is muscle contractions. Additional symptoms include fever, sweating, headaches, and high blood pressure. Tetanus is a significant global health concern, claiming nearly 34,700 lives, according to the Global Burden of Disease study in 2019. Understanding the ways that tetanus transmits itself and its symptoms was crucial for the development of the first tetanus vaccine, which had its roots in a German physiologist named Emil Von Behring. 

Tetanus, a dangerous bacterial infection caused by Clostridium tetani, poses a global health threat. The tetanus vaccine has significantly lowered the death toll of this deadly disease by making the immune system produce antibodies against the tetanus toxin. The article will focus on the development and impact of the tetanus vaccine on public health.

The history of tetanus and its vaccines:  The tetanus vaccine, also known as tetanus toxoid, had its first roots created in 1890 by a group of German scientists, all under Emil Von Behring, a German physiologist. Emil Von Behring was later awarded a Nobel Prize in 1901, honoring his development of the tetanus serum and, additionally, the first serum therapy for diphtheria, which was another common and deadly disease during the late 1800s. Later, based on previous findings, in 1924, the first inactive tetanus toxoid vaccine was created, meaning that morbidity and mortality caused by tetanus were lowered to some extent. Eventually, in 1938, an improved version of this vaccine was created that made itself easier to absorb with much fewer side effects. 

This variant would be proven to be incredibly effective later, when World War II began, where it prevented soldiers in the army from contracting tetanus. Soon after that, in 1948, DTP began to be used. It worked similarly to the tetanus vaccine, but it was also able to work as a vaccine for diphtheria and pertussis (two other deadly diseases) all at the same time. Despite its multiple functions, it was replaced later in 1992 with new versions due to the fact that the original caused high adverse injection reactions among people who received the injection, such as swelling around the area where the vaccine was injected. Unlike the previous version of the DTP vaccine, the new versions were able to be used on both adults and children.

The Functions of the DTP Vaccine: The DTP vaccine, which includes versions of DTaP, Tdap, and TD, is the most commonly used vaccine against tetanus since it can additionally act as a vaccine against two other deadly viruses as well. At its core, the vaccine is a preventive measure designed to train the immune system to recognize and combat these harmful bacteria. When administered, the vaccine introduces mostly harmless small fragments of the bacteria, known as antigens, to the immune system. These antigens cause the body to trigger the immune system to launch a defense. The body instantly calls specific proteins and cells called antibodies that are made to neutralize and destroy the small fragments of the viruses. 

The antibodies work to take down the antigens and destroy them quickly because, despite them posing a minor threat, the body will still attack foreign objects found in itself. Whenever the antibodies destroy the antigens, there will always be multiple memory cells. These specialized cells remember the antigens, making it so that whenever the actual virus gets into the human body, the immune system will immediately respond and attack it. This provides a level of protection that endures over long periods of time.

The reason why multiple doses of vaccines are administered is because they serve to reinforce and optimize the immune system’s quick response and efficiency. The DTaP vaccine is primarily administered to children aged 6 weeks to 6 years. This vaccine operates through a five-dose series recommended by the CDC, actively engaging the immune system to recognize and combat these diseases. Administered at specific intervals during infancy and early childhood, the DTP vaccine aims to induce a tough and lasting immune response. Usually, negative effects are less severe, such as redness or swelling at the injection site and occasionally fever.

Conclusion: Tetanus is a deadly bacterial disease caused when Clostridium tetani enters the body. Thankfully, through the efforts of many scientists around the world, a vaccine was created. Overall, the tetanus vaccine plays a pivotal role in maintaining the immune system's defenses and ensuring that a strong defense against these bacterial threats is guaranteed. The impact of the DTP vaccine on public health has been profound and massive. By preventing the spreading of Tetanus and some other viruses, the vaccine has significantly reduced the incidence of these potentially life-threatening infections. Its inclusion has illustrated the vital role vaccines play in preserving public health around the entire world. Through a comprehensive understanding of its mechanism of action and the establishment of robust immunization programs, the DTP vaccine stands as a demonstration of the power of medicine and vaccines in promoting a safer and more resilient society.

DO YOU KNOW

Why does octopus spit ink?

Octopuses, along with other cephalopods, use ink as a defense mechanism to distract or scare predators away so that they can escape. 

The ink is released from ink sacs located between the gills and is made of mucus and melanin. When released, the ink can be dispersed more widely if the octopus also uses a jet of water from its siphon. 

Some octopuses can even eject ink in thick spurts that look like their own body shape.