For the past few years, we’ve been seeing acid green pop up everywhere. On the surface, this trend seemingly comes from no where, but the bright and punchy color has a history that quickly disproves that theory. We’re looking back at the vibrant history of acid green from its roots in ancient symbolism and exploring why the electric color has stood the test of time.
The Symbolism of Green
To truly understand the enduring allure of acid green, one must trace its roots back to some of the world’s earliest literature, including the Bible. In biblical contexts, green symbolizes life, restoration, and new beginnings (Psalm 1:3). This symbolism carried through the ages, finding expression in the art of Ancient Egyptians who used green to represent rebirth and regeneration.
The Industrial Revolution and the Birth of Acid Green
The Industrial Revolution marked a turning point in the history of colors, particularly with the invention of acid green in 1775 by Swedish chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheele. This new hue was not only bright and captivating but also cost-effective and easy to produce. Acid green quickly replaced older, more expensive green pigments, making its way into various products, from children’s toys to home furnishings. Acid green—specifically arsenic green—became accessible, and rose in popularity as it was affordable and available.
1814 Paris Green
In an attempt to create a green pigment that was less susceptible to fading, paint manufacturers, Wilhelm Sattler and Friedrich Russ invented Paris Green in 1814. Paris Green was made with a chemical blend of copper acetate and arsenic trioxide. It was celebrated for its rich, dark green hue and was praised for being a more durable and vibrant substitute to Scheele’s green. Also called emerald green because of its similarity to the gemstone, Paris green rose in popularity throughout the 19th century and was used by many painters, including Claude Monet. In 1867, Paris green was recognized as an effective pesticide and would go on to treat pests around the world for the next century. It was once used to kill rats in Parisian sewers, which is how it acquired its common name.
The Dark Side of Acid Green: Arsenic and Fashion
The drawback to this bright new color was its production with arsenic, a truly acidic and dangerous substance. As the popularity of acid green increased, so did the health risks for factory workers exposed to the dangerous chemical. Arsenic-laced garments and homewares became fashionable, especially among elite society. Tragically, this fashion trend took a deadly turn, with the death of Matilda Scheurer in 1861, a young artificial flower maker whose job involved working with arsenic-laced powder. Her demise raised public awareness about the dangers of arsenic in fashion, leading to the decline of acid green in garments for a relatively short period of time. It is now understood that arsenic-laced wallpaper is infamous for having killed Napolean Bonaparte in 1821 after he lived with his luxurious walls for 7 years. The dangers of arsenic-laced garments and housewares were misunderstood for decades as mortality rates were high across the board during that time.
The Green Resurgence: Uranium Glass and the Impressionist Movement
While acid green in fashion persisted through the 1860s, it emerged in glassware with the invention of uranium glass in 1830 which would be prominent throughout World War II. Uranium glass is acid green in color and glows under UV lights. Imitations to the originally made Bohemian glass reached France in 1836 and in 1837 popularity grew even more as a set of uranium glassware was created for the accession of Queen Victoria. An increasingly growing global economy contributed to the widespread favor of uranium glassware. This glassware, made with trace amounts of uranium, is known for its unique and affordable—and much safer properties.
Advancements in green pigments and paints aided in a resurgence of green in art during the Impressionist movement (1874-1886). Acid green, the color, was less chemically acidic, and safer and revitalized the color’s presence in the art world.
The Enduring Positive Attributes of Green
Beyond its historical journey, green continues to captivate us due to its positive attributes. As a combination of yellow’s optimism and blue’s calmness, green evokes feelings of revival, freshness, vitality, and peace due to its connection to nature. Studies even suggest that green improves concentration, making it an ideal color for peaceful and nurturing environments. The iconic green-shaded banking lamp (invented in 1909) rose to popularity and has an everlasting appeal because its perceived as being easy on the eyes and was thought to increase productivity. Banking lamps have stood the test of time because of their appearances in TV shows and because of their gentle green hue we can’t get enough of.
Green In Modern America
Production of Uranium Glass halted in America during World War 2 (1946) to divert uranium supplies towards The Manhattan Project. American’s love for acid-green was quickly reimagined as a translucent, limey, jiggly treat—that you guessed it—was affordable and accessible. Jell-O reigned supreme in 6 flavors including lime, and promised easy, beautiful, dishes to be served. While lime Jell-O in a dazzling acid green hue was invented in the 1930s, it rose in popularity in the 50’s. Acid green continued to be popular in mod dresses in the 1960’s and track shorts in the 70’s.
One thing we know for sure: acid green is always in style.
Including now. We’re seeing acid green on runways, in luxury goods, in beauty and wellness, and even in the aisles of the grocery store. I can’t say for certain why various tints and tones of acid green seem to transcend time and place, but I have a few wild guesses.
It could be the positive attributes that are associated with the color green, and its obvious ability to catch your eye. From a purely technical design perspective, it could be popular now because it is a high contrast color on both dark and light backgrounds, making it an accessible choice. Or, most simply—despite a lengthy history—acid green still feels fresh and new.
