There are many things that can be white with red. When we think of the color combination white and red, a few common associations might come to mind – a barber pole, the colors of the Swiss flag, Santa Claus’s outfit, or even something as simple as a can of Coca-Cola. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most popular things that are white with red, looking at cultural associations, symbolic meanings, and more. Whether it’s national flags, foods, animals, plants, or other objects, the eye-catching pairing of bold red with clean, bright white has resonated throughout history and across cultures.
Flags
Some of the most recognizable uses of the colors white and red together can be found in flags. For example, the national flags of Switzerland, Austria, Poland, Singapore, and Japan all feature strong elements of red and white. The bold, contrasting colors are easy to spot even at a distance. Let’s look at a few prominent examples:
| Flag | White Meaning | Red Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Switzerland | Purity, innocence | Bloodshed, sacrifice |
| Austria | Integrity | Strength, courage |
| Poland | Virtue | Sacrifice, valor |
The meanings behind the white and red on these flags represent concepts like courage, sacrifice, purity, and more. The colors are complementary but also carry symbolic weight.
Foods & Beverages
The food world is full of iconic examples of red and white used together. Coca-Cola’s famous can and logo pair the red and white in an eye-catching way. The company started using that color scheme in the late 1800s and it remains integral to their branding today. Other foods that utilize red and white include:
– Candy canes – The red and white swirling pattern is synonymous with the Christmas season. The red is said to represent the blood of Christ.
– Oreos – The black cookie sandwiches a rich white creme filling. Red decorates the packaging.
– Strawberries and cream – The juxtaposition of the sweet red strawberry with fresh white cream is a beloved summer treat.
– Pizza – Classic pizza often features white mozzarella cheese, red tomato sauce, and toppings like pepperoni.
The appetizing color combination stimulates the senses and appetite. It’s no wonder food brands leverage red and white to tap into positive associations.
Animals
In the animal kingdom, the pairing of red and white can serve natural purposes like standing out or blending in. Species with red and white colorations include:
| Animal | White Purpose | Red Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Cardinal | Camouflage | Attract mate |
| Ladybug | Camouflage | Warning of toxicity |
| Clown fish | Camouflage | Warning or attracting mate |
The white often helps with camouflage while the red can variously help attract a mate, warn predators away, or camouflage in coral habitats. Other animals like skunks, pandas, and zebras incorporate black along with the red and white.
Plants
Many plants and flowers feature elegant red and white color combinations. Some examples include:
– Poinsettia – The plant’s red leaves and white flowers are signature colors of Christmas.
– Carnation – These ruffled blooms come in a rainbow of colors including white and red varieties.
– Tulip – Vibrant red tulips popping up from snowy white landscapes announce spring.
– Mushrooms – Toadstools in white with red spots are the archetypal mushroom image.
– Apples – Juicy red skin covers crisp white apple flesh.
For plants, the red hues likely developed to attract pollinators while the white could blend into natural landscapes. The beautiful pairings fill fields and floral arrangements.
Other Associations
Beyond flags, foods, animals, and plants, red and white imagery permeates culture and language:
– Santa Claus – His red suit trimmed with white fur defines his iconic look.
– Barber pole – Rotating red and white stripes mark the barbershop symbol.
– Stop sign – The red octagon with white letters signals drivers to stop.
– Checks – Red and white checkerboard patterns appear on tablecloths, fabrics, and more.
– Language – Sayings like “red-letter day” and “whitelist” reference the colors.
This small sampling demonstrates how ingrained the red and white color pairing is. It taps into concepts like holidays and celebration, safety, playfulness, and communication. The bold complementarity ensures red and white will continue intriguing our eyes for a long time to come.
Conclusion
Red and white have become an eye-catching color combination across cultures and contexts. National flags leverage red and white for symbolic meaning. Brands use it to stimulate appetite and create instant recognition. In nature, the colors serve natural purposes like standing out, blending in, and attracting pollinators. And the pairing has woven itself into our languages and traditions. Whether it’s the Swiss flag, Coca-Cola, ladybugs, poinsettias, or Santa Claus, red and white have a universal appeal that continues to fascinate. The vibrant colors complement each other perfectly while also carrying deeper symbolic significance. So next time you spot something red and white, take a moment to consider what this classic color duo represents.
