Political colour which dates back to the French Revolution in the 18th century and the revolutions of 1848. Before this nascence, the colour red was generally associated with monarchy or the Church due to the symbolism and association of Christ's blood. The colour red was chosen to represent the blood of the workers who died in the struggle against capitalism. All major socialist and communist alliances and organisations—including the First, Second and Third Internationals—used red as their official colour. The association between the colour red and communism is particularly strong. Communists use red much more often and more extensively than other ideologies
Palatinate (colour) Palatinate (colour) Palatinate or 'palatinate purple' is a purple colour associated with Durham University. It is used in the academic dress of Durham University and in the faculties of medicine and law at Newcastle University (being a former college of Durham University). The term has been used to refer to a number of different shades of purple. The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as a "light purple or lavender colour", which is used for Durham (and Newcastle) academic hoods. For corporate purposes Durham University uses a darker shade. A separate colour, 'palatinate blue', is derived from the Coat of Arms