October contest theme: The color green

October is our color theme month. I was tempted to use red or blue, since they are nice, strong colors. But this being an election year, choosing one of those colors is fraught with danger. So lest I be accused of favoring Democrats or Republicans, let's go with green.

Yes, I know that there is a Green Party. But since they joined forces with the Rainbow party, I can't win. You'll just have to go with the flow.

I also know that choosing green in October will limit the nature shots that we New Englanders can take, although the last green leaf amidst a sea of reds and oranges and yellows could be effective. But think more expansively.

I visited several websites to collect some information on the color green, and the symbolism and psychological meaning it has around the world is really interesting.

It's the color of hope, envy, spring, regeneration, growth. Psychologists say it helps to relax and soothe, ease depression, and boost one's mood. Emerald and jade are well-known green gemstones. It's the color associated with the Republic of Ireland and the religion of Islam.

According to the website Sensational Color, in Japan, green symbolizes eternal life; in China, jade means virtue and beauty; in Portugal, green represents hope, and in Scotland, it's a mark of honor. Green represents the color of love for both the Roman goddess Venus and her Greek counterpart, Aphrodite. The prophet Mohammed wore a green cloak and turban, according to the website.

The fish, reptiles, amphibians, and birds that appear to be green do so because of a reflection of blue chemical light coming through an over-layer of yellow pigment. It comes in handy when blending in with the chlorophyll green of their surrounding natural environment.

In the US, it's the color of money, and denotes wealth and prosperity. It's also associated with the so-called green environmental movement. There's the Green Lantern, the Jolly Green Giant ... okay, you get the idea.

As with our previous October color themes, you must make green the focal point of your photo. However, even though we allow the use of Photoshop, you cannot artificially introduce the color green into your photo if it wasn't there originally.

Here's a look back at the winners of previous color contests:

October 2009: "Pink"

October 2010: "Purple Power"

October 2011: "The Color Yellow"

RULES:

As usual, one photo per photographer.

Deadline: Midnight Oct. 31.

For this contest, your photo MUST be taken during the month of October. No looking through your portfolio this time.

Here's our complete set of rules.

Upload your photo entry here, and see others' entries. Have fun with this one!