blaumachen

A little color ensures that life is never dull. But if you make your day "blue," it could land you in a lot of trouble! As the alarm clock wakes you from slumber each morning, you've probably had the temptation to "make blue" and hide under the covers. But what has skipping work or school have to do with color? And why blue? The verb "blaumachen" originates from the term "blauer Montag," meaning blue Monday. This was a traditional day of rest for those in the dyeing trade. On Sunday, the dyer would soak his wool and on Monday, it would be hung out to dry. The special solution would react with the air and turn the wool blue. While this process was taking place, the dyer had nothing to do other than sit down, twiddle his thumbs and "make blue" for the whole day.