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!
About the Creator
Shirley Belk
Mother, Nana, Sister, Cousin, & Aunt who recently retired. RN (Nursing Instructor) who loves to write stories to heal herself and reflect on all the silver linings she has been blessed with :)
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Comments (28)
Lovely story
It's all just a bit of marketing in the end. But, that's not to say that it's a bad thing to change things around; people might be nostalgic about certain things, but change is necessary in order for companies to stay relevant. In that way, they can become nostalgic for the continuing generations - who maybe remember their favorite colors by a different name than you. In that way, all that is old gets to be new again. A Rose Pink by any other name is just as sweet, after all. :)
I use crayons for my artwork, and this was a good read, relatable. 👍🏾
♥️♥️♥️
Congrats on top story! A box of Crayola crayons brings back so many great childhood memories! I always enjoyed looking at the various color names on each label.
Read this and meant to come back and comment. Congrats first and formost on the Top Story, Shirley! Very well deserved! It's a weird thing to retire colours...it reminds me of when they retire Monopoly pieces and flavours of things. Cos there is just as much complaints about the decisions. So, makes me think, who the hell is deciding these stupid decisions! lol. Well done on highlighting it, Shirley!
I agree! Who gives them the right to retire a color? I guess in business they can retire anything. But that color will live on in some other way. Informative article, Shirley. Congrats!!!
Lovely story..
🤣 Oooh! This is a GOOD one! That one-of-a-kind topic done pitch perfect! What a hilariously slamming top story!
Back to say congratulations on your Top Story! 🎉💖🎊🎉💖🎊
Very interesting!
This was so interesting to hear about!! Time to check out those retired colors!
Haha. This is great, and I really want to know what colour is "bummed." LOL. Congrats on the TS.
Now I wish to find out all teh colors that were retired, but wow there are a lot of them. Very interesting. Congratulations on top story
Yes ! You got Top Story , congrats 🎉🎊🎈🍾
Awww. I just thought they were upgrading. The idea of "retiring" colours feels really sad.
Very cute story… I feel a little saddened for those retired Crayons too. Like many retired people, those Crayons should be more busy than ever 🤔.
Oh wow, I never knew anything about this! So fascinating!
This is so interesting..Thanks, Shirley...great work
Gosh I didn't know retiring colors was a thing!? Great article - really interesting.
Love this . Great work.
wonder what colors they will bring back
I had no idea! How could you retire a color!? Colors are colors even if children don’t use them to color with they should still be there.
I never thought about crayons this way before! The idea of them getting "retired" feels kinda sad, like they were forgotten. But I guess Crayola knows how to keep things exciting! 😂
It’s amazing how something as simple as a box of crayons can hold such profound memories and emotions.