Conjuring Candles

Recently I sent this email to Crayola:

Greetings Oh Colorful Ones,

I am writing with a very important question, and one that has probably been pondered for years. In fact, this question is so important that it is being discussed in an internet chat room as I write this email. My friends and I would like to know who comes up with the names for the different color crayons you make, how they come up with the color name, how long it takes them to decide on the name, and how long they have been naming crayons? If you could answer this mystery of life we would be very grateful. Have a very colorful day!

Sincerely,

The Scholars of Color

And they have replied-

Dear Adele,

Thank you for your recent inquiry.Most of our color names are taken from the Universal Color Language and Dictionary of Names published by the U.S. Bureau of Standards. We use this reference guide because everyone sees and expresses color differently. Using the Universal dictionary as a base, we can refer to a standard color system and color names. Many crayon names are also borrowed from traditional artists’ paints. In the past, we have held promotions where consumers were asked to help name colors. To learn about possible future color naming opportunities, please become a registered user of Crayola.com by visiting http://www.crayola.com/registration/. We appreciate your contact. If additional assistance is needed, you may reach us by telephone at (800) 272-9652 weekdays between 9 AM and 4 PM Eastern Time or e-mail by visiting Crayola.com. Best wishes for a colorful future!

Colorfully yours,

Jo Ellen RaubConsumer Affairs RepresentativeCRAYOLA