WHAT IS THE COLOUR OF THE WIND?

Being a resident of Cape Town, which is well-known for its strong South Easter wind, weather and wind play an important role in the lives of the millions of citizens of Cape Town. 
Reams and reams of publicity is written on the impact of the South Easter wind - , also referred to as the Cape Doctor -  the destruction it causes and not forgetting that it often provides for some of the most humorous front page articles, particularly clothing images taken in and around the Foreshore.

With the wind playing such a significant role in our daily lives, below a glimpse of colours I have selected to best describe my colour experiences.

Colour Dark Grey to Black
I visualise the strong South Easter wind fluctuating between grey, dark grey and black.  Its dark, black mood reminds me of the children’s story, ‘The three little pigs,’ in which the main character threatens with an authoritive voice, “I will huff, I will puff, and I will blow your house over!”
In its most darkest, powerful moments, the wind leaves a trail of destruction, trees are uprooted, houses destroyed, traffic signal lights smashed, to name but a few. The poem

‘Ode to the West Wind’ by Percy B. Shelley also comes to mind:

O Wild West Wind, thou breath of Autumn’s being,

Thou, from whose unseen presence the leaves dead

Are driven, like ghosts from an enchanter fleeing,

Yellow, and black, and pale, and hectic red,

Pestilence-stricken multitudes

The colours described in the poem remind me of the Cape Doctor as its sweeps through Cape Town.  Plastic bag, papers, tins – reflected by a multitude of colours  - bears testimory of man’s environmental attitude and  lack of commitment in contributing towards reducing the carbon footprint.    

Colour Green
The wind that causes the leaves  to fall from trees, seeds to be carried to a new resting place where it will germinate, bloom and grow, evokes in me two colours, both with own their specific images :
In the first instance it reminds me of the colour green which is the color of nature. It symbolizes growth, harmony, freshness, and fertility.

Colour Red
In contrast to nature’s green, is the colour red  represents human emotions. The wind certainly has the ability for some household members to see red, ie “Why must I clean the garden again – I did it yesterday, last week and the week before.  I hate this wind – it’s just work, work, work !”

Colour Yellow
On those lazy, hazy, summer days when the light breeze gently massages nature,  bringing slight movements to trees, plants and flowers, it reminds me of Peter Tchaikowsky’s Nutcracker Suite.  As one sits in the garden and quietly observes and listen to the melodious garden notes ‘Waltz of the flowers,’  the wind conjures up images of the colour yellow  -  sunshine, joy, happiness, cheerfulness, a warning effect indeed.

Colour Blue
On those hot summer summer days when we head for the nearest tree to seek shade and shelter from the harsh rays o the sun, the wind blowing gently through the leaves evokes images of the colour blue. Providing a welcoming relief, blue is seen as trustworthy, dependable and committed.

In conclusion, Greg Parrish, an American Golden Age Illustrator, 1870-1966S mentioned that, “The whole world, as we experience it visually, comes to us through the mystic realm of color. Our entire being is nourished by it.”

The wind, seemingly colourless, has the distinct ability to evoke numerous colour images as it crosses our paths on a daily basis.  I believe there is no right or wrong answer in responding to the question ‘What is the colour of the wind?’   We have the freedom to let our imagination run wild and in the process we can ‘paint with all the colours of the wind’ based on our experience, feelings and emotions.