Retired Colors

I just ran across this news article about how Crayola was officially bringing back some "retired" crayons? Some thoughts immediately crossed my mind, like, "Really? Can crayons actually become retired?" "Did kids not like these colors?" "How did Crayola know this? Had pre-K teachers across the globe been consulted?" "Did being retired mean that nobody liked them anymore and they were no longer useful?"

And then, I found myself feeling sad for these crayons that had been cast away from those fat little fingers that once held them with so much love. Sappy, I know.

So, upon hearing this news, I decided to do a bit of research. And. the word "shocked" was very appropriate when I learned that Crayola had been retiring colors since 1903! ("Didn't they need to consult with God about these changes, first?") I questioned the spiritual legs upon which they stood in this matter! After all, wasn't He the ultimate color creator?

But this practice of (retiring) has happened over 500 times in the history of the company for multiple reasons. But, remember that Crayola is a business and rarity is a marketable commodity. Funny how changing a color or even the color's name can make the "retiree" more valuable as a collective item rather than a less valuable throw-away hue of the rainbow.

I found out that there are categories of the "retired." And here they are thanks to *Jenny:

* Retired Colors

* Retired Colors with Additives

* Permanent Color Name Changes

* Color Names changed for a themed box

* Color Names changed temporarily for a contest

* Color Names temporarily changed for a brand

* Color Names Temporarily changed for a commemorative or promo set

https://www.jennyscrayoncollection.com/2018/10/complete-list-of-retired-crayola-crayon.html?m=1

Somehow, for a sentimental person such as myself with nostalgic memories of the way I adored a box of crayons, I am feeling those same emotions as when I learned that the tooth fairy and Santa, along with the capricious Easter Bunny weren't altogether their "genuine" selves.

Color me bummed!