UGA Rivalry Review: Florida Gators traditions, rituals and more

September 1, 2012; Gainesville FL, USA; Florida Gators cheerleader and fans cheer “gator bait” during the second quarter against the Bowling Green Falcons at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Florida school colors

The Florida school colors are Orange and Blue – decidedly NOT Blue and Orange. Auburn, Clemson, and Florida all sport orange in their color scheme, and Georgia fans love to hate orange.

At least the Gators came by the colors honestly.

The colors were acquired from the two schools that united to form the University of Florida: The University of Florida at Lake City (Previously the Florida Agricultural College), school colors blue and white, and East Florida Seminary in Gainesville, school colors orange and black.

Orange – ugly as a pair of jean shorts – is appropriate for a Florida color. Coastal sunsets, orange juice and sunburn all come to mind. Florida Blue, however, is quite fetching. A fairly bright variant of primary blue appropriately reminiscent of beach houses and secluded lagoons, basic color theory holds that Florida blue complements perfectly Florida orange.

While Georgia fans find the colors unappealing at best, the Gator Nation earns credit for wearing them boldly – with or without jean shorts – and proudly shouting “Orange – Blue” when prompted.