I see the blue everywhere I go. The ocean is a blue that parallels the sky, and much like the Cypriots, I am enamored with the beauty. I see blue in kitschy shops and evil eyes. The color resonates deeply within me. The doors and windows are Cobalt, electrified by the stark white stucco of the buildings. A bright signal, but what is it supposed to be telling me? I find myself asking, what’s the point? As we walk the streets, going to dinner, or even on field trips in different cities, the blue follows me. I see this most on painted shutters and doors. The whole island, seems to be spattered with this color.

Doors and windows themselves hold such importance in architecture. It’s your first impression and will relay the message of the rest of the building. The blue makes the buildings so inviting, even while closed. I was kind of hoping for a silly answer, like the blue paint was just popular or on sale, but the answer is much more mystical. In Greek culture, Blue has a belief to protect from evil. Sacred buildings like churches have all entrances and windows painted this beautiful blue to create “belts” of protection. Turquoise and Lapis Lazuli were used in weapon making, body adornment, and clothing, upholding the same belief. Blue holds such importance, that it is the color of the Greek flag, and is even the color of school uniform sashes. Following the turmoil in Cyprus, an uptick of this color was seen around 1974, and houses have since been painted blue and white to celebrate being Greek, and to match their flag. This blue paint is comprised of Laoulaki powder and lime, which has created the long lasting reflection of the sea, the sky, and Greek pride.