See the word ‘lilac’ mentioned anywhere and you can almost smell the heady, sweet scent of flowers. The lilac colour takes its name from the flower, which is a light purple shade with a slightly pinkish hue on the tips. The hue represents innocence, youthfulness, spirituality and tranquillity. The first recorded use of the colour name ‘lilac’ was in England in 1775. In 19th century Europe, pale lilac was used in clothing to mark the final stages of mourning. In the love language, lilacs are given at the beginning of a courtship, symbolising the first emotions of love. As the blooming of lilacs often represents the beginning of Spring, giving lilacs to your beloved indicates your blossoming feelings.

The seven deadly sins, also known as the capital vices or cardinal sins, are a grouping and classification of vices under teachings in Christianity. Did you know that the Seven Deadly Sins originally had one unique colour associated with them? The seven sins are envy, pride, wrath, sloth, lust, greed and gluttony. Envy is green and that is where the Green-Eyed Monster idea has come from, Pride is purple, which is the colour of royalty, Wrath is red, Sloth is light blue, Lust is blue, Gluttony is orange and greed is yellow.

Watermelon Tourmaline

Gems are truly enchanting with their wonderful spark and beautiful colours. One such gem is Watermelon Tourmaline. As the name suggests and as seen in the picture above, Watermelon Tourmaline has a juicy burst of colours, reminding us of Watermelon, the fresh summer fruit. The term ‘tourmaline’ has been derived from the Singhalese phrase, ‘Tura Mali’, which means “stone mixed with vibrant colours.” The second word ‘watermelon’ comes from the fruit itself. This gem is found in Madagascar, Brazil, Afghanistan, Nigeria and the United States. It is regarded as one of the most eye-catching gems with its amazing colours.

Opal

The magnificent gemstone you are looking at is known as Opal. A pure display of nature’s wonder, it exhibits a kaleidoscope of colours like none other! Depending on the condition in which it was formed, opal colour may be translucent, opaque or transparent. While writers have held it on a pedestal comparing it to fireworks, volcanoes and galaxies, what is amusing to note is that it was once considered an unlucky stone. Yes, you read that right! It was associated with bad luck because of its negative mention in a novel written way back in the 1800s. In the present day, it is considered to bring good luck, peace and joy to its wearer.

Woodpecker

Have you ever observed this bird sitting on the branches of trees near your home, tapping or drilling holes in tree trunks in search of insects? This small and beautiful bird is called a Woodpecker. It often communicates by drumming with its beaks, producing a reverberatory sound that can be heard at some distance. Some species eat fruits, birds' eggs, tree sap, human scraps and small animals. It usually nests in holes that it excavates in tree trunks and performs a useful service by its removal of insect pests on trees. If you are fond of wooden furniture, you can take care of it by using Berger’s Imperia Breathe Easy - the perfect way to renew your favourite wooden furniture in case it has lost its sheen and become dull.

Hooded Pitohui

Let us introduce you to this bird photographed. It is called the Hooded Pitohui. Doesn’t it look beautiful? But wait a moment… Did you know that this bird is one of the world’s toxic birds? Yes, you read that right! The Hooded Pitohui gets its poison from a part of its diet, which is the Choresine beetle of the Melyridae family. It is a species of bird in the genus Pitohui and is found in New Guinea. It has black feathers on its head and an orange or red belly. The bright colours of the Hooded Pitohui, along with the strong odour that it emits, are meant to keep away the predators. Fascinating, isn’t it?