The significance of red is passion, temper and power. That is why rose, the “little red”, was a masculine colour and attributed to boys. In contrast blue was the colour of Mary in the Christian tradition. That is why light blue, the “little blue” was attributed to girls.

At the beginning of the 19th century there was change. Blue became the symbol for the world of work and men. Boys were wearing modern sailor suits. As a traditional contrast the colour rose remained for the feminine babies.