Contrary to modern conventions, blue was often used for girls at the beginning of the 20th century.
Color Conventions in the Early 1900s
The idea of assigning specific colors to genders is a relatively modern development. In the late 19th century and into the early 20th century, this concept was not as rigid as it is today. However, as department stores started promoting gender-specific colors, the practices began to shift.
According to the reference, in 1918, the trade publication Earnshaw's Infants' Department stated that:
the “generally accepted rule is pink for the boys, and blue for the girls.”
This is a significant departure from current gendered color associations and reveals how these roles have changed over time.
Summary of Color Usage in the 1900s
| Time Period | Color for Boys | Color for Girls |
|---|---|---|
| Early 1900s | Pink | Blue |
Key Points:
- Reversal of Modern Norms: The colors assigned to boys and girls were essentially reversed compared to today's understanding.
- Influence of Department Stores: Department stores played a role in promoting these gendered color conventions.
- 1918 Publication: The reference from Earnshaw's Infants' Department offers concrete evidence of the color assignments in this period.
The early 1900s were a time of changing perceptions about gender and colors, leading to different color assignments than we see today.
