Blue for Boys and Pink for Girls!
It's the rule...and one that for me at least, was accepted without question through my only blue eyed baby boy through my fourth and final blue eyed grandson....UNTIL!!!
Before I get to the 'Until', let's look at when, how and why most of us are 'Dyed In Time' pink and blue rule followers. A bit of research revealed:
For centuries, ALL children wore practical white dresses, which made for easy change of nappy's (cloth diapers). Pastel baby clothes were introduced in the mid-19th century, but were loosely gender specific. For instance this from a Ladies Home Journal in June 1918..."the generally accepted rule is pink for boys and blue for girls. The reason is that pink, being a more decided and stronger color, is more suitable for the boy, while blue, which is more delicate and dainty, is prettier for the girl."
So there ya go...just the opposite of our thinking today. So what happened?
Baby Boomers and Women's Lib...that's what!!! In the 1940's baby clothes manufactures made the decision for everyone and declared Blue for Boys and Pink for Girls. So much for the 'Strong and Delicate Theory'. The next Trend we can thank the Women's Liberation movement for...The Unisex Trend of the 1960's and 70's.
You should know that as a 1960's and 70's Texas Mama there was no way my blue-eyed baby boy was allowed to wear pink by his Cowboy Granddaddy and his Football Father who had definite ideas about that Baby Boy's sex...and there was no Uni about it! I 'Sew' wanted to make Pink Stuff, and finally did with the birth of a granddaughter.
~And now for the UNTIL Reveal~
Oh...BTW, one of his Sponsors? A Baby Clothing Shop!
4xGreat Grandmother Lucy birthed EIGHT Boys and ONE Girl.
I bet they ALL wore White Dresses and Cloth Nappy's!
New on Tracks of My Georgia Ancestors
Linking To
hahhaa...gotta say I love this post.
ReplyDeleteMy boy didn't wear pink, either...
UNTIL, he also rode bulls all thru high school and collage and one pair of his chaps...PINK....HHAAAA...
Ain't Life Grand...!!
OOO, and I am a Texas follower...:))
ReplyDeleteI did not know this. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI do think that blue should be for boys AND girls. After all, it's so pretty!
Have a good Blue Monday, Sue.
Loved this! Mr OP always had opinions when it came to dressing our boys!
ReplyDeletexo
Who knew! Very interesting!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Cindy
How interesting!?
ReplyDeleteAll my life it was understood boys wore blue and girls pink. Now the rule is not set in stone. You see them in all colors.Love that shot of the little cowboy.
ReplyDeleteI've never once thought of the history of "blue is for boys and pink is for girls." How interesting that it was once the opposite!
ReplyDeleteLove those last photos!
Hi Sue, My comment is belated but i am happy to be visiting again. Two weeks with our grands then both of us had a cold which we caught from our grandson, put us out of commission for quite a while.
ReplyDeleteInteresting photos and the info about pink and blue for girls and boys. I have a photo of us on our 25th anniversary and we were both wearing pink. Pink for guys was big in the 1980's. Love the cowboys. Smile. Especially the boots.
Thank you for your comment. I always love to hear from you.
Hugs, Jeanne
Hi Sue .. what a fascinating bit of history - I'd no idea.
ReplyDeleteLove the photos though .. and your delving into family history - those pink boots are to die for!!
Cheers Hilary
Love all these pinks! My oldest son bought a brand new shirt and it is pretty in pink! I need to get a shot of him wearing it. He has been on a very strict diet since January 1 and the payoff is amazing! He is looking so fit. I am praying he gets a big promotion this week at work. He is a really good kid!
ReplyDeleteYou are one busy lady with your phamily roots! I love hearing your stories. This was an interesting and fun post!