Red is one of the most vibrant, attention-grabbing colors. It’s associated with passion, energy, danger and excitement. When we think of things that are vivid red, a few common objects probably come to mind – a bright red apple, a fire engine, a stop sign or traffic light. But there are many more interesting things in nature and everyday life that exhibit a striking, bold shade of red. In this article, we’ll explore some of the reddest, most crimson objects and phenomena around us.
Red pigment comes from a variety of sources in nature. One is the red phytoplankton that flourishes in some bodies of water. Another is lycopene, a red carotenoid pigment found in tomatoes, watermelon, pink grapefruit and more. Anthocyanins create red hues in plants like red cabbage, cherries, strawberries, raspberries and red onion skins. In animals, red coloration comes from hemoglobin, a red protein that carries oxygen in blood cells.
So let’s look at some super red things found in the natural and man-made world.
Natural Red Things
In the plant world, poinsettias with their dramatic red leaves have to be one of the reddest. These popular Christmas plants display vibrant crimson bracts during winter months. Redwood trees get their name from their ruddy bark. Their evergreen needles even appear tinged with red. Other plants renowned for their scarlet colors include red clover, cardinal flower, Japanese maple leaves, red-veined sorrel and sumac.
There are some incredibly red minerals, rocks and soils found in nature as well. Cinnabar is a bright red mercury ore used since ancient times as a pigment. Ruby, one of the world’s most precious gemstones, exhibits an intense, deep red hue. Red jasper, red granite and red sandstone are other brightly colored rocks. Laterite, a red soil high in iron oxide, covers extensive areas of tropical and subtropical regions.
In the animal kingdom, red is a common color used to attract mates, scare off predators or camouflage with surroundings. Cardinals and vermilion flycatchers sport brilliant red plumage. Ladybugs announce their toxicity with contrasting red wing covers. Red foxes get their common name from their russet fur. Autumn brings landscapes dotted with red squirrels and their reddish fur coats. Lobsters turn bright candy apple red when cooked, thanks to astaxanthin pigments in their shells. When threatened, some octopus species can really turn on the red, blanching white then flooding their skin with red pigments.
Man-Made Red Things
Of course, red is a popular choice for man-made objects and surfaces as well. Vibrant red paints grab our attention on traffic signs, fire trucks, sports cars and more. The iconic crimson of a British telephone booth or Coca-Cola can is instantly recognizable. Red plastic is used for everything from picnic cups to children’s toys.
In fashion and textiles, red is a staple color for accessories, clothing and home décor. Classic red lipstick, a red leather jacket, a Chinese silk dress and Santa Claus’ red suit convey distinctive looks. Red tablecloths, rugs, blankets and pillows add warmth and richness to interior spaces.
Red light districts, known for adult entertainment venues and sex shops, reflect red’s association with lust and sin. Las Vegas is famous for its flashy neon signs and marquees lighting up the night skyline in red. Inside casinos, red carpeting and wall coverings stimulate and invigorate gamblers.
Of course, nothing is redder than a fire engine or shiny red sports car. Automotive paint formulators know that red color draws our eye like no other. High impact reds with names like candy apple, fireball and torch red are popular defaults for hot rods, race cars and sports models aiming to make a bold statement. But even mainstream sedans and mini-vans come in shades like merlot, cherry or burgundy red to add flair and distinction from the usual white, black, gray and silver.
Red Foods & Drinks
In the supermarket produce section, plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables sport red skins and flesh. Red apples, strawberries, raspberries, cherries, pomegranates, radishes, tomatoes, red onions and red bell peppers make it easy to add red color to your diet. Ruby red grapefruit, watermelon and red grapes offer more Choices.
Grab a jar of tomato sauce, salsa or ketchup off the condiments aisle and you’ve got instant red. The meat department carries red options like ground beef, steak and pork tenderloin. Canned cranberry sauce and jars of maraschino cherries bring more red to your grocery cart.
For beverages, red wine, fruit punch, cranberry juice and ruby red grapefruit juice contain lively red tones. Shirley Temple cocktails and grenadine add red flair to drink menus. Harvard professor Amy Cuddy’s influential 2012 TED Talk on power posing mentions wearing a red shirt and drinking red Gatorade to feel more powerful.
In baking and candy making, red velvet cake along with cherry, raspberry or strawberry flavored items showcase red ingredients. Cinnamon red hot candies pack a spicy, red punch. Candy apples and lollipops hand out red treats for Valentine’s Day, Halloween or just because.
Red Everyday Objects
| Object | Why It’s Red |
|---|---|
| Fire alarm | Red draws immediate attention |
| Solo cup | Brand identity and visibility |
| Meat thermometer | Red indicates “stop” temperature is reached |
| Swing set | Safety; red alerts people to equipment |
| Tool box | Quick identification and location |
| Measuring tape | Contrast with measurements markings |
| Emergency flares | Visibility to indicate road hazard |
| Exit sign | Grab attention to indicate emergency exit |
| Fire extinguisher | Red signifies emergency/danger equipment |
| Siren | Associated with police, fire and emergency vehicles |
Red is a stimulating, energetic color and a visual standout. No wonder red finds its way into so many important objects and situations where getting attention is crucial. The prevalence of red in our everyday world underlines just how much this color is a superstar at attracting our eyeballs.
Red in Nature
| Item | Red Pigment Source |
|---|---|
| Cardinal feathers | Carotenoids |
| Ladybug wings | Astaxanthin |
| Strawberries | Anthocyanins |
| Red maple leaves | Anthocyanins |
| Blood cells | Hemoglobin protein |
| Red fox fur | Pheomelanin |
| Lobster shell | Astaxanthin |
| Ruby gemstone | Trace chromium impurities |
| Red algae | Phycobiliproteins |
| Redwood tree bark | Tannins |
This table reveals nature uses a diverse palette to produce red coloration. Red pigments serve purposes from attracting pollinators to camouflaging or warning off predators. The prevalence of red across land, sea and sky shows how essential it is in the natural world.
Conclusion
Clearly red is a standout wherever it is found, whether naturally occurring or intentionally colored by humans. There are myriad vivid red objects, plants, animals, foods and more that exhibit this most energetic hue. Red’s ability to attract attention, convey meaning and incite reactions ensures it will always remain an essential part of our visual world.
