Colour symbolism/association

As much of my own work (and the work of artists I have researched) is focused around a few central colours, I researched the meaning and symbolism behind them, and their associations.

Pink

• primarily recognised as a "feminine" colour (in some countries like Japan it is a "masculine" colour - pink cherry blossoms = fallen warriors).
• variations of pink can be stimulating (fuschia/magenta) or calming (baby pink/peachy pink).
• associated with love and romance.
• regardless of your skin tone, some part of your body will be pink (tongue, fingertips etc).
• according to Jean Heifetz, for centuries, all European children were dressed in blue because the colour was associated with the Virgin Mary. The use of pink and blue emerged at the turn of the century, the rule being pink for boys, blue for girls. Since pink was a stronger color it was best suited for boys; blue was more delicate and dainty and best for girls. 

Red

• red is "the colour of extremes".
• it can represent love, seduction, violence, danger, anger, and adventure.
• prehistoric ancestors saw red as the colour of fire and blood – energy and primal life forces
• red is one of the top two favourite colours of all people.
• red is the international colour for stop.
• red districts sell sex and pornography in every European culture.
• the history of languages reveals that red is the first colour after black and white. (All languages have words for black and white. If a third hue exists, it is red.
• red is the most popular colour used on flags in the world. Approximately 77% of all flags include red.
• in Russia, the word for "red" means beautiful
• red captures attention. It is one of the most visible colors, second only to yellow - which explains why it is used on fire engines and stop signs to trigger alertness