Orange has become widely recognized as the representative color for the state of Tennessee. From the iconic Tennessee Volunteers sports teams to official state symbols, orange features prominently as a visual identity for the Volunteer State. But why exactly did the color orange come to be so closely associated with Tennessee?
There are a few key factors that contributed to orange becoming the signature color for Tennessee. The state’s nicknames, its official state symbols, the popularity of University of Tennessee sports teams, and unique historical and cultural traditions all played a role in solidifying orange as the color of choice for Tennesseans.
Nicknames for Tennessee
One of the first associations between the color orange and Tennessee comes from the state’s nicknames. Tennessee is known as the “Volunteer State” in reference to its citizens’ reputation for rallying together and volunteering their services during times of need, especially during wars. This nickname dates back to the War of 1812 when Tennessee played a crucial role in the Battle of New Orleans by sending a large number of volunteer soldiers to assist Andrew Jackson’s troops.
The Volunteer State nickname inspired the name “Volunteers” for the University of Tennessee’s athletic teams. And since UT sports teams chose orange as their signature color, the connection between orange and Tennessee volunteer spirit became established early on.
State Symbols of Tennessee
Several official state symbols of Tennessee also have orange coloration, strengthening the link between orange and Tennessee pride. For example:
– The state wildflower of Tennessee is the orange-blooded passion flower, which boasts vibrant orange filaments in its center.
– The state fruit of Tennessee is the tomato, many varieties of which are a bright orange color when ripe.
– Orange is one of the main colors of the Tennessee cave salamander, one of the state’s official amphibians.
– The Baltimore oriole with its bright orange plumage is Tennessee’s official state bird.
– The Eastern box turtle which can have orange spots and markings is the official reptile of Tennessee.
– Tennessee’s state dog the Bluetick Coonhound is known for its unique coat pattern of black and orange.
University of Tennessee Sports Teams
The most prominent use of orange related to Tennessee comes from the University of Tennessee’s sports culture. The school’s sports teams are nicknamed the “Volunteers” in honor of Tennessee’s Volunteer State history. And since UT adopted orange as the official team color, a devoted fan culture around orange has developed.
The exact origin of orange becoming UT’s primary color is uncertain, but some records indicate it was chosen as a nod to the orange daisies that grew on The Hill, an iconic spot on campus. UT sports fans now proudly wear orange to games and events to showcase their school spirit. Neyland Stadium even acquired the nickname “The Orange Bowl” because crowds of orange-clad spectators fill the stands during football games.
UT students and alumni who strongly identify with the orange Tennessee Volunteers brand have helped popularize orange as the representative color statewide. The ubiquity of orange merchandise, apparel, and branding fuels orange’s ongoing prominence as the Tennessee color.
Historic and Cultural Traditions
Beyond the university and state symbols, orange has special cultural significance in Tennessee tied to unique historic traditions across the state. For example:
– In Knoxville, orange is strongly associated with the city’s annual Tennessee Sunburst Festival. This festival originated in the 1930s and was referred to as the Orange Festival at the time.
– Chattanooga hosts the Orange Grove Festival each April in honor of the Orange Grove Center, which serves people with intellectual disabilities.
– The city of Erin, Tennessee holds an annual Fish Fry festival where orange is incorporated into the town’s decorations to celebrate the state color.
– Orange features prominently during Tennessee’s Labor Day celebrations through events like the Orange Blossom Special train ride and Knoxville’s annual Boomsday event which lights up the Tennessee River with orange fireworks.
– Many eastern Tennessee barns were traditionally painted with a bright orange-red mineral paint created from iron oxide pigments found locally. This created a regional tradition of red-orange barn colors.
– Orange is also connected to Tennessee’s musical heritage, as the Orange Blossom Special song describes the train which traveled from Miami to New York through parts of Tennessee.
Conclusion
While many states prefer blue or red as their signature shade, Tennessee has proudly adopted orange thanks to the intertwining cultural connections this bright citrus color has with the Volunteer State. From sports fandom to historic festivals, orange conveys a lively Tennessee spirit. The orange hues found everywhere from barns to state symbols link Tennessee’s past and present with a unifying color. So whatever the exact origins, orange now feels intrinsically tied to Tennessee pride and culture. For Volunteers fans and residents statewide, orange will continue representing everything that makes Tennessee iconic for years to come.
