crimson

Everyday

1. A deep, strong red colour with a little blue in it. tree →
2. (verb, rare) To turn deep red, as when blushing. tree →

In the lessons

In art, crimson is one of the reds, deeper than scarlet. In stories, a face turning crimson shows embarrassment or anger; a crimson sky shows sunset. In Alice in Wonderland, the gardeners paint the white roses red because the Queen wanted red ones. Phrases: «go crimson», «crimson with rage».

Examples

• The sky turned crimson at sunset. tree →
• Toad went crimson with rage. tree →
• She wore a crimson velvet dress. tree →
• The crimson roses filled the garden. tree →
• His cheeks went crimson when everyone laughed. tree →
• Mix red with a little blue to get crimson. tree →
• The roses were crimson diamonds, with emerald leaves. tree →

Note

Similar reds: scarlet (bright, orange-red), maroon (dark brown-red), ruby, cherry. Blushing: «go red/crimson/scarlet».

In Jewish tradition

A deep red dye. It was used in the Temple veil and in priestly cloths, and in Isaiah it is a sign of sin.

Interpretation. Isaiah 1:18 is read as a promise of forgiveness: even deep-red sins can become white. Tradition links this to repentance, especially around Yom Kippur.

Examples

• 'Who is this that cometh from Edom, with crimsoned garments from Bozrah? (Prophets ISA.63.1, JPS 1917) tree →
• And he made the veil of blue, and purple, and crimson, and fine linen, and wrought cherubim thereon. (Writings 2CH.3.14, JPS 1917) tree →
• Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD; though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. (Prophets ISA.1.18, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Similar reds: scarlet (bright, orange-red), maroon (dark brown-red), ruby, cherry. Blushing: «go red/crimson/scarlet».