World Shattering

Most of us have a favorite color. Mine is purple.  Naturally, I’m interested in how purple came to be.

Perhaps you heard that nothing rhymes with the word “purple.” Not true. “Curple” is a horse’s rump.

But I digress.

The word purple derives from Tyrian purple dye manufactured from mucus secreted by the predatory, Spiny Dye Murex Snail. Legend suggests Phoenician god, Melqart, discovered the dye while strolling along the Mediterranean seashore with his dog and the nymph, Tyros. History records it was first produced by Phoenicians during the 16th century BCE.

It took more than 9,000 snails to create a single gram (.03 ounces) of dye. Since only very wealthy rulers could afford to wear purple, it was associated with the imperial classes of Rome, Egypt, and Persia. Purple represented spirituality and holiness because ancient emperors, kings, and queens were considered to be gods or at least descendants of gods.

On occasion, though, purple dye was too pricey even for royalty. The 3rd century Roman emperor, Aurelian, famously refused his wife’s request to buy a simple shawl made from Tyrian purple silk because it literally cost its weight in gold. Talk about sticker shock.

Purple’s exclusivity carried over to the Elizabethan era (1558-1603) when Queen Elizabeth I’s Sumptuary Laws outlawed the wearing of purple to anyone but the royal family. Thus, purple reflected wearers’ wealth and regal status.

Then in 1856, the eighteen-year-old chemist William Henry Perkin accidently created a synthetic purple compound while attempting to synthesize quinine used to treat malaria. Perkin was fascinated. He continued to experiment—this time with purple dye. After discovering the compound could be used to dye fabrics he obtained a patent and manufactured purple dye.  

Perkin’s serendipitous experiment was world shattering in three ways: 1) You and I can wear purple. 2) A poor young chemist made a fortune. 3) Spiny Dye Murex Snails are grateful.

Purple Passion

Judith Kolva, Artist