A Glimpse into the Meaning, Symbolism & Psychology of Color Color Therapy and Your Wardrobe All About the Color By Madaline Marrar
A
Contents Page 3-4 Page 5-6 Page 7-8 Page 9-10 Page 11-12 Page 13-14 Page 15-16 Page 17-18 Page 19-20
By Madaline Marrar
Red
The Psychological Effect of Red Colors Red is associated with blood, heat, and vigor. Red is passionate, intense, and fierce. It’s also associated with love (Valentine’s Day), Christmas, and the element of danger. Red hues are warm, active, and exciting. Red lights cause an increase in breathing, heart rate, and central nervous system functioning. Though red may stimulate most people, it can calm others, depending on their associations with that particular color. Red has been known to increase appetite in restaurants.
Meaning of the Color Red Red has more personal associations than any other color. Recognized as a stimulant red is inherently exciting and the amount of red is directly related to the level of energy perceived. Red draws attention and a keen use of red as an accent can immediately focus attention on a particular element. How the color red affects us mentally and physically * Increases enthusiasm * Stimulates energy * Encourages action and confidence * A sense of protection from fears and anxiety
Our reaction to color is instantaneous and has a profound impact on the choices we make. Red has more personal associations than any other color. Recognized as a stimulant, red is inherently exciting and the amount of red is directly related to the level of energy perceived. Red draws attention, and a keen use of red as an accent can immediately focus attention on a particular element.
3
Color symbolism and psychology Red strikes a chord with more cultures than many other colors because of its intensity, passion and invocation of an inherent physiological response. Red is the color of celebration and good luck (China), purity and integrity (India), and mourning (South Africa). When used with a wide brush, red typically makes whatever it’s painted on look larger, whether it’s a torso or wingback chair. The color is bold and audacious, so it usually dilutes the colors around it. For this reason it’s used to accent and highlight objects of importance such as the stop light on a traffic signal. Studies show that red can have a physical effect, including increasing the rate of respiration, raising blood pressure and thus making the heart beat faster. Red is also said to make people hungry (McDonald’s, Burgerville, corner cafés). The red ruby is the traditional 40th wedding anniversary gift. Red is also the color of the devil in modern Western culture. Red typically symbolizes passion, strength, bravery, danger, energy, fire, sex, love, romance, excitement, speed, heat, arrogance, ambition, leadership, courage, masculinity, power, danger, gaudiness, blood, war, anger, revolution, radicalism, Communism, aggression, respect, martyrs, the Holy Spirit, conservatism (US politics), Liberalism (Canadian politics), wealth (China) and marriage (India).
Red Do different colors affect your mood? The most emotionally intense color, red stimulates a faster heartbeat and breathing. It is also the color of love. Red clothing gets noticed and makes the wearer appear heavier. Since it is an extreme color, red clothing might not help people in negotiations or confrontations. Red cars are popular targets for thieves. In decorating, red is usually used as an accent. Decorators say that red furniture should be perfect since it will attract attention.
Interesting information about red Red is the highest arc of the rainbow. Red is the first color you lose sight of at twilight. The longest wavelength of light is red. Feng shui recommends painting the front door of a home red to invite prosperity to the residents. Bees can’t see the color red, but they can see all other bright colors. Red flowers are usually pollinated by birds, butterflies, bats, and wind, rather than bees.
4
Red
Color Symbolism by Culture China: Good luck, celebration, summoning Cherokees: Success, triumph India: Purity South Africa: Color of mourning Russia: Bolsheviks and Communism Eastern: Worn by brides
All About the Color RED Red has more personal associations than any other color. Recognized as a stimulant, red is inherently exciting and the amount of red is directly related to the level of energy perceived. Red draws attention and a keen use of red as an accent can immediately focus attention on a particular element. How the color red affects us physically Increases enthusiasm Stimulates energy and can increase the blood pressure, respiration, heartbeat, and pulse rate Encourages action and confidence Provides a sense of protection from fears and anxiety
5
Western: Excitement, danger, love, passion, stop, Christmas (with green)
Quotes about red “Everyone knows that yellow, orange, and red suggest ideas of joy and plenty. I can paint you the skin of Venus with mud, provided you let me surround it as I will.” -- Eugene Delacroix “If one says ‘Red’ – the name of color – and there are fifty people listening, it can be expected that there will be fifty reds in their minds. And one can be sure that all these reds will be very different.” -- Josef Albers “Of all the hues, reds have the most potency. If there is one electric blue, a dozen reds are so charged. Use them to punctuate white, burn into bronzes, or dynamite black.” -- Jack Lenor Larsen “Painters use red like spice.” -- Derek Jarman “Perhaps blue, red, and yellow strike the mind more forcibly from there not being any great union between them, as martial music, which is intended to rouse the nobler passions…” -- Sir Joshua Reynolds
A
Orange Meaning of the Color Orange Orange, a close relative of red, sparks more controversy than any other hue. There is usually strong positive or negative association to orange and true orange generally elicits a stronger “love it” or “hate it” response than other colors. Fun and flamboyant orange radiates warmth and energy. Interestingly, some of the tones of orange such as terra cotta, peach or rust have very broad appeal. How the color orange affects us mentally and physically * Stimulates activity * Stimulates appetite * Encourages socialization
7
A Glimpse into the Meaning, Symbolism & Psychology of Color Orange, a close relative of red, sparks more controversy than any other hue. There is usually strong positive or negative association to orange and true orange generally elicits a stronger “love it” or “hate it” response than other colors. Fun and flamboyant orange radiates warmth and energy.
Color symbolism and psychology Orange is energy, enthusiasm, ‘get-it-done’ attitude, and balance. It typically symbolizes Hinduism, Buddhism, happiness, energy, balance, heat, fire, enthusiasm, flamboyance, playfulness, gaudiness, autumn, desire, Sagittarius (star sign), and September. Orange has less intensity or aggression than red and is calmed by the cheerfulness of yellow. Orange is symbolic of the Royal family of the Netherlands. As such, in the Netherlands, Orange symbolizes royalty, and as William of Orange was the Calvinist color, orange symbolizes protestantism, particularly in Ireland (Orange Order).
Orange
How do colors affect our moods? Orange is a combination of yellow and red. Orange is considered a warm color like red, but to a lesser extent; orange expresses energy. It has luminous qualities and has been used for attention-getting purposes, such as on caution signs. Orange brings up memories of fall leaves, pumpkins and Halloween. It symbolizes balance, warmth, enthusiasm, vibrance, flamboyancy, and is demanding of attention. In Ireland orange has religious significance (Protestant).
The Psychological Effect of Orange Colors Orange is associated with warmth, enthusiasm, and exuberance. It’s a lively color, associated with Halloween and Thanksgiving. Orange isn’t as intense as red because it’s blended with the cheeriness of yellow. Orange has been touted as one of America’s least favorite colors, perhaps because it’s been associated with arrogance, danger, and overemotion. Orange is used to draw attention – such as the caution signal on a traffic light.
Color Symbolism by Culture Orange Ireland: Religious (Protestants) Western: Halloween (with black), creativity, autumn
8
Orange Wearing Orange - Energetic and Creative Orange urges you to get out into the world and create something grand! Orange is a very high energy color. Its creativity juices are extremely intoxicating and sweet tasting. Wearing orange is fun and can make you feel quite playful. Artists love dabbling with orange hues. Orange screams with sexual energy too, not surprising since orange is associated with the sacral chakra. Because of its highly-charged intensity some people cannot comfortably wear this color. Adorning yourself with an orange accent piece can add a hint of playfulness. Beware, if you need to complete a mundane project avoid wearing orange as it might interfere with the stick-to-it-ness required to stay on task.
The Color Psychology of Orange Orange is a combination of yellow and red and is considered an energetic color. Orange calls to mind feelings of excitement, enthusiasm, and warmth. Orange is often used to draw attention, such as in traffic signs and advertising.
Quotes about orange ”Everyone knows that yellow, orange, and red suggest ideas of joy and plenty. I can paint you the skin of Venus with mud, provided you let me surround it as I will.” -- Eugene Delacroix “There is no blue without yellow and without orange.” -- Vincent Van Gogh “If we were to imagine an orange on the blue side or green on the red side or violet on the yellow side, it would give us the same impression as a north wind coming from the southwest.” -- Ludwig Josef Johann Wittgenstein “Reds, yellows and oranges conjure up sunlight and fire, while the blues and blue-greens evoke snow and ice, sea, sky and moonlight.” -- Anonymous
10
“Orange is red brought nearer to humanity by yellow.” -- Wassily Kandinsky “Orange is the happiest color.” -- Frank Sinatra
A
Yellow The Color Psychology of Yellow Yellow is a bright that is often described as cheery and warm. Yellow is also the most fatiguing to the eye due to the high amount of light that is reflected. Using yellow as a background on paper or computer monitors can lead to eyestrain or vision loss in extreme cases. Yellow can also create feelings of frustration and anger. While it is considered a cheerful color, people are more likely to lose their tempers in yellow rooms and babies tend to cry more in yellow rooms. Yellow can also increase the metabolism. Since yellow is the most visible color, it is also the most attention-getting color. Yellow can be used in small amount to draw notice, such as on traffic sign or advertisements.
A Glimpse into the Meaning, Symbolism & Psychology of Color Yellow shines with optimism, enlightenment, and happiness. Shades of golden yellow carry the promise of a positive future. Yellow will advance from surrounding colors and instill optimism and energy, as well as spark creative thoughts.
12
Meaning of the Color Yellow Yellow shines with optimism, enlightenment, and happiness. Shades of golden yellow carry the promise of a positive future. Yellow will advance from surrounding colors and instill optimism and energy, as well as spark creative thoughts. How the color yellow affects us mentally and physically * Mentally stimulating * Stimulates the nervous system * Activates memory * Encourages communication
Color symbolism and psychology Yellow echoes the dual nature of red. Though yellow evokes feelings of hapiness, when we are confronted with too much yellow we become annoyed or angered. Yellow typically symbolizes sunlight, joy, happiness, earth, optimism, intelligence, ideism, wealth (gold), summer, hope, air, liberalism, cowardice, illness (quarantine), fear, hazards, dishonesty, avarice, weakness, greed, decay or aging, femininity, gladness, sociability, friendship, Gemini, Taurus, Leo (golden yellow, star signs), April, September, deceit, hazard signs, death (Middle Ages), mourning (as in Egypt and Frank Herbert’s Dune), courage (Jpan), royalty (China) and God (gold). Yellow ribbons were worn during times of warfare as a sign of hope as women waited for their men to return.
Yellow How do colors affect our moods? Yellow represents joy, happiness, optimism, idealism, imagination, hope, sunshine, summer, gold, philosophy, dishonesty, cowardice, betrayal, jealousy, covetousness, deceit, illness, hazard, spirituality and inspiration. The yellow rose is a symbol of friendship, less passionate or threatening than red ones. In Asia yellow is sacred, and imperial.
Color Psychology Cheerful sunny yellow is an attention getter. While it is considered an optimistic color, people lose their tempers more often in yellow rooms, and babies will cry more. It is the most difficult color for the eye to take in, so it can be overpowering if overused. Yellow enhances concentration, hence its use for legal pads. It also speeds metabolism.
13
Yellow All About the Color YELLOW Yellow shines with optimism, enlightenment, and happiness. Shades of golden yellow carry the promise of a positive future. Yellow will advance from surrounding colors and instill optimism and energy, as well as spark creative thoughts.
Interesting information about yellow Yellow is psychologically the happiest color in the color spectrum. In medical terms, a yellow flag indicates a quarantine. 75% of the pencils sold in the United States are painted yellow.
Color Symbolism by Culture China: Nourishing Egypt: Color of mourning Japan: Courage India: Merchants Western: Hope, hazards, coward
Quotes about yellow “Everyone knows that yellow, orange, and red suggest ideas of joy and plenty. I can paint you the skin of Venus with mud, provided you let me surround it as I will.” -- Eugene Delacroix “As a picture painted in yellow always radiates spiritual warmth, or as one in blue has apparently a cooling effect, so green is only boring.” -- Wassily Kandinsky “Oh yes! He loved yellow, did good Vincent...When the two of us were together in Arles, both of us insane, and constantly at war over beautiful colors, I adored red; where could I find a perfect vermilion?” -- Paul Gauguin
14
“What a horrible thing yellow is.” -- Edgar Degas
A
Green The Psychological Effect of Green Colors
Meaning of the Color Green Green occupies more space in the spectrum visible to the human eye and is second only to blue as a favorite color. Green is the pervasive color in the natural world that is an ideal backdrop in interior design because we are so used to seeing it everywhere.
16
Green is associated with nature, health, and abundance. It’s also connected to money, wealth and good luck. Green is a tranquilizing color, and is connected to the interaction between human and environmental health.
Wearing Green - Nurturing and Earthy
How the color green affects us physically and mentally
Green is considered to be one of the most healing among all the colors.
* Soothing * Relaxing mentally as well as physically * Helps alleviate depression, nervousness and anxiety * Offers a sense of renewal, self-control and harmony
Because green is the color of trees and grasses it is a wonderful color choice to wear anytime you are wanting to feel more in-tune with nature. Green represents the Spring season and new growth. Choose this color to wear whenever you are embarking on something new or wish to turn over a new leaf.
The Color Psychology of Green Green is a cool color that symbolizes nature and the natural world. Green also represents tranquility, good luck, health, and jealousy. Researchers have also found that green can improve reading ability. Some students may find that laying a transparent sheet of green paper over reading material increases reading speed and comprehension. Green has long been a symbol of fertility and was once the preferred color choice for wedding gowns in the 15th-century. Even today, green M & M’s (an American chocolate candy) are said to send a sexual message. Green is often used in decorating for its calming effect. For example, guests waiting to appear on television programs often wait in a “green room” to relax. Green is thought to relieve stress and help heal. Those who have a green work environment experience fewer stomachaches.
Green Do different colors affect your mood? Currently the most popular decorating color, green symbolizes nature. It is the easiest color on the eye and can improve vision. It is a calming, refreshing color. People waiting to appear on TV sit in “green rooms” to relax. Hospitals often use green because it relaxes patients. Brides in the Middle Ages wore green to symbolize fertility. Dark green is masculine, conservative, and implies wealth. However, seamstresses often refuse to use green thread on the eve of a fashion show for fear it will bring bad luck.
17
Green Color Symbolism by Culture
How do colors affect our moods? Green, one of most-often cited favorite colors. It represents nature, environment, health, good luck, renewal, youth, vigor, spring, generosity, fertility, jealousy, inexperience, envy, misfortune.
China: Green hats indicate a man’s wife is cheating on him, exorcism India: Islam Ireland: Symbol of the entire country Western: Spring, new birth, go, Saint Patrick’s Day, Christmas (with red)
Quotes about green “Green how I want you green. Green wind. Green branches.” -- Federico Garcia Lorca “Green is the prime color of the world, and that from which its loveliness arises.” -- Pedro Calderon de la Barca “He had that curious love of green, which in individuals is always the sign of a subtle artistic temperament, and in nations is said to denote a laxity, if not a decadence of morals.” -- Oscar Wilde “Absolute green is the most restful color, lacking any undertone of joy, grief, or passion. On exhausted men this restfulness has a beneficial effect, but after a time it becomes tedious.” -- Wassily Kandinsky “Green represents the dead image of life.” -- Rudolf Steiner
18
A
Blue How do colors affect our moods? Blue represents peace, tranquility, calm, stability, harmony, unity, trust, truth, confidence, conservatism, security, cleanliness, order, loyalty, sky, water, cold, technology, and depression. Blue can “slow the pulse rate, lower body temperature, and reduce appetite.” Blue is considered a business color because it reflects reliability. In China, blue is associated with immortality. In Colombia, blue is associated with soap. For Hindus blue is the color of Krishna. For the Jews, blue symbolizes holiness. In the Middle East blue is a protective color. Note: Blue is often considered to be the safest global color.
The Psychological Effect of Blue Colors Blue is associated with spirituality, thought, and melancholy. It’s also connected to calmness, cleanliness, and wisdom. When you feel blue or “have the blues”, you’re usually a little sad for the moment – but the blues are fleeting. This color is thought to be an appetite suppressant, because blue isn’t a natural color for fruit, vegetables, or meat (even blueberries are more purple than blue). Blue colors have the opposite effect of red colors. That is, blue causes a decrease in breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. It’s a subduing, cool color that can appear peaceful, but may also seem sad.
Interesting information about blue Owls are the only birds that can see the color blue Over the past decade, scientists have reported the successful use of blue light in the treatment of a wide variety of psychological problems, including addictions, eating disorders, impotence, and depression. People are often more productive in blue rooms. Pablo Picasso’s “Blue Period” refers to a series of paintings in which the color blue dominates and which he painted between 1901 and 1904. The Blue Period is a marvelous expression of poetic subtlety and personal melancholy and contributes to the transition of Picasso’s style from classicism to abstract art.
20
Blue
Meaning of the Color Blue Blue is the overwhelming “favorite color.” Blue is seen as trustworthy, dependable and committed. The color of sky and the ocean, blue is perceived as a constant in our lives. As the collective color of the spirit, it invokes rest and can cause the body to produce chemicals that are calming; however not all blues are serene and sedate. Electric or brilliant blues become dynamic and dramatic, an engaging color that expresses exhilaration. Some shades or the overuse of blue may come across as cold or uncaring. Blue is the least “gender specific” color, having equal appeal to both men and women. Indigo, a deeper blue, symbolizes a mystical borderland of wisdom, self-mastery, and spiritual realization. So, while blue is typically the color of communication with others, indigo turns the blue inward to increase personal thought, profound insights, and instant understandings. Blue is the least “gender specific” color, having equal appeal to both men and women.
Color Psychology Blue The color of the sky and the ocean, blue is one of the most popular colors. It causes the opposite reaction as red. Peaceful, tranquil blue causes the body to produce calming chemicals, so it is often used in bedrooms. Blue can also be cold and depressing. Fashion consultants recommend wearing blue to job interviews because it symbolizes loyalty. People are more productive in blue rooms. Studies show weightlifters are able to handle heavier weights in blue gyms.
How the color blue affects us physically and mentally * Calming and sedate * Cooling * Aids intuition
Color Symbolism by Culture Cherokees: Defeat, trouble Iran: Color of heaven and spirituality Western: Depression, sadness, conservative, corporate, “something blue” bridal tradition
21
Blue All About the Color BLUE Blue is the overwhelming “favorite color.” Blue is seen as trustworthy, dependable, and committed. The color of ocean and sky, blue is perceived as a constant in our lives. As the collective color of the spirit, it invokes rest and can cause the body to produce chemicals that are calming. However, not all blues are serene and sedate. Electric or brilliant blues become dynamic and dramatic -- an engaging color that expresses exhilaration. Some shades or the overuse of blue may come across as cold or uncaring. Indigo, a deeper blue, symbolizes a mystical borderland of wisdom, self-mastery, and spiritual realization. While blue is the color of communication with others, indigo turns the blue inward to increase personal thought, profound insights, and instant understandings. Blue is the least “gender specific” color, having equal appeal to both men and women.
Quotes about blue “There is no blue without yellow and without orange.” -- Vincent Van Gogh “Blue color is everlastingly appointed by the deity to be a source of delight.” -- John Ruskin “Blue is the only color which maintains its own character in all its tones...it will always stay blue; whereas yellow is blackened in its shades, and fades away when lightened; red when darkened becomes brown, and diluted with white is no longer red, but another color – pink.” -- Raoul Dufy “I have broken the blue boundary of color limits, come out into the white; beside me comrade-pilots swim in this infinity.” -- Kasimir Malevich
22
“If you see a tree as blue, then make it blue.”-- Paul Gauguin
Purple How do colors affect our moods? Purple represents royalty, spirituality, nobility, ceremony, mystery, transformation, wisdom, enlightenment, cruelty, arrogance, mourning. Purple is considered an exotic color. Purple dye was made from the mucous gland of a snail. It required thousands of snails to yield 1 gram of dye causing it to be a color only nobles could afford. Today purple is a trendy color targeting creative types.
Meaning of the Color Purple Purple embodies the balance of red simulation and blue calm. This dichotomy can cause unrest or uneasiness unless the undertone is clearly defined at which point the purple takes on the characteristics of its undertone. A sense of mystic and royal qualities, purple is a color often well liked by very creative or eccentric types and is the favorite color of adolescent girls. How the color purple affects us mentally and physically * Uplifting * Calming to mind and nerves * Offers a sense of spirituality * Encourages creativity
Wearing Purple - Unique and Special Wearing purple shows others that you want to be noticed. Purple is seldom worn as a neutral color. Purple is the wrong color choice to make if you are wanting to blend in among others as you go about your business. The color purple, especially shades of violet, will definitely make a statement. Wearing purple shows others that you want to be noticed. If it is your desire to feel special and unique then purple is the right color choice. If you would like to send a message out into the world that you’re one of a kind and that you could care less about conformity, then wear purple.
24
Purple All About the Color PURPLE Purple embodies the balance of red’s stimulation and blue’s calm. This dichotomy can cause unrest or uneasiness unless the undertone is clearly defined, at which point the purple takes on the characteristics of its undertone.
Color symbolism and psychology
With a sense of mystic and royal qualities, purple is a color often well liked by very creative or eccentric types and is the favorite color of adolescent girls.
The culture of Thailand considers purple to be the color of mourning. This is different from western cultures, where purple is the color of royalty and wisdom. The Purple Heart, a military honor given to those wounded or killed in the United States military, embodies both purple attributes. Purple can symbolize nobility, envy, sensuality, spirituality, creativity, wealth, royalty, nostalgia, ceremony, mystery, wisdom, enlightenment, arrogance, flamboyance, gaudiness, mourning, exaggeration, profanity, bisexuality, pride, May, November, riches, romanticism (light purple), delicacy (light purple), and penance. Purple is the color of mourning for widows in Thailand. Purple was also the color of dye that corkers used to make the king and queen’s clothing[citation needed].
How the color purple affects us physically Uplifts Calms the mind and nerves Offers a sense of spirituality Encourages creativity
25
Purple Color Psychology - Purple Purple is the symbol of royalty and wealth. Purple also represents wisdom and spirituality. Purple does not often occur in nature, it can sometimes appear exotic or artificial.
Quotes about purple “I think it pisses God off if you walk by the color purple in a field somewhere and don’t notice it.” -- Alice Walker “Born in the scientific purple.” -- George Howard Darwin “But, luckily, he kept his wits and his Purple crayon.” -- from Harold and the Purple Crayon (1955) “Oh, I love red. I’m very loyal to my colors. I love violet.” -- Elizabeth Taylor “Violet has the shortest wavelength of the spectrum. Behind it, the invisible ultraviolet. Roses are Red, Violets are Blue. Poor violet, violated for a rhyme.” -- Derek Jarman
26
Do different colors affect your mood? The color of royalty, purple connotes luxury, wealth, and sophistication. It is also feminine and romantic. However, because it is rare in nature, purple can appear artificial.
Pink
Pink
Pink encourages friendliness while discouraging aggression and ill-will. Since the color pink is said to have a tranquilizing effect, sport’s teams sometimes use pink to paint the locker room used by opposing teams. Some studies of the color pink suggest that male weightlifters seem to lose strength in pink rooms, while women weightlifters tend to become stronger around the color. Pastries taste better when they come out of pink boxes or served on pink plates (it only works with sweets). Pink makes us crave sugar.
All About the Color PINK Brighter pinks are youthful, fun, and exciting, while vibrant pinks have the same high energy as red; they are sensual and passionate without being too aggressive. Toning down the passion of red with the purity of white results in the softer pinks that are associated with romance and the blush of a young woman’s cheeks. It’s not surprising that when giving or receiving flowers, pink blossoms are a favorite. Pink is the color of happiness and is sometimes seen as lighthearted. For women who are often overworked and overburdened, an attraction to pink may speak of a desire for the more carefree days of childhood.
Quotes about pink “Pink is the navy blue of India.” --Diana Vreeland “I fell off my pink cloud with a thud.” --Elizabeth Taylor
28
Pink Friendship, unconditional love, conviviality, affections, unselfish emotions, spiritual healing, emotional love. * pale pink stands for an infant girl
Pink How the color pink affects us physically Bright pinks, like the color red, stimulate energy and can increase the blood pressure, respiration, heartbeat, and pulse rate. They also encourage action and confidence. Pink has been used in prison holding cells to effectively reduce erratic behavior.
Wearing Pink - Open Heart Wearing pink conveys compassion and an open heart. Most people associate pink with babies, little girls, and feminine energies. But more than feeling feminine, wearing pink conveys compassion and an open heart. When people are wearing pink, whether they are male or female, they appear approachable and capable of loving others. If you want to feel heart-connected reach for that pastel pink sweater from your closet to wear. And if pastel colors don’t suit you try on something in bright fuchsia. You’ll feel pretty in pink.
29
Pink Interesting information about pink Pink is a sister color of red, but they are very different in terms of symbolism. It is a tranquilizing color. For this reason in many prisons the cells of the most dangerous residents have been painted pink[citation needed]. It symbolizes spring, gratitude, appreciation, admiration, sympathy, socialism, femininity , health, love, romance, June, marriage, joy, flirtatiousness, innocence and child-like features.
Color Psychology - Pink
Pink is essentially a light red and is usually associated with love and romance. Pink is thought to have a calming effect. One shade known as “drunk-tank pink� is sometimes used in prisons to calm inmates. Sports teams sometimes paint the opposing teams locker room pink to keep the players passive and less energetic. While pink’s calming effect has been demonstrated, researchers of color psychology have found that this effect only occurs during the initial exposure to the color. When used in prisons, inmates often become even more agitated once they become accustomed to the color.
30
Black Meaning of the Color Black Black is authoritative and powerful; because black can evoke strong emotions too much can be overwhelming. A classic color for clothing possibly because it makes the wearer appear thinner and more sophisticated. How the color black affects us physically and mentally * feeling inconspicuous * a restful emptiness * mysterious evoking a sense of potential and possibility.
Color Psychology
32
Black is the color of authority and power. It is popular in fashion because it makes people appear thinner. It is also stylish and timeless. Black also implies submission. Priests wear black to signify submission to God. Some fashion experts say a woman wearing black implies submission to men. Black outfits can also be overpowering, or make the wearer seem aloof or evil. Villains, such as Dracula, often wear black.
Color Symbolism by Culture Black China: Color for young boys Western: Funerals, death, Halloween (with orange), bad guys, rebellion
h
Color symbolism and psychology Black is a multi-dimensional color that can mean classic or new. It has an ominous characteristic symbolizing death. Therefore it is used in Western cultures for funerals. It has an air of intelligence (graduation robes), marked with rebellion (the bad guy), shrouded in mystery (space). It typically symbolizes absence, modernity, power, sophistication, formality, elegance, wealth, mystery, style, evil, death (in Western cultures), fear, emptiness, darkness, seriousness, conventionality, rebellion, anarchism, unity, sorrow, and professionalism.
Black How the color black affects us physically makes one feel inconspicuous provides a restful emptiness is mysterious by evoking a sense of potential and possibility
Wearing Gray or Black - Invisibility and Blending In Wearing grays and blacks can be depressive. Let’s face it, black and gray are fashion basics. We all have the basic black suit or black dress slacks that are a must wear for a number of different social settings. Aside from the slinky spaghetti strapped number you have hanging in the back of the closet, you likely choose to wear black because you prefer to blend in and not make any statement. Wearing black will allow you to keep a low-profile in social settings if that is your intention. Don’t wear black if you want to stand out amidst a crowd. Most folks don’t even bother to wear black at funerals anymore, it’s just too sad to wear dreary and dark colors.
33
Black The Color Psychology of Black Black absorbs all light in the color spectrum. Black is often used as a symbol of menace or evil, but it is also popular as an indicator of power. It is used to represent treacherous characters such as Dracula and is often associated with witchcraft. Black is associated with death and mourning in many cultures. It is also associated with unhappiness, sexuality, formality, and sophistication. In ancient Egypt, black represented life and rebirth. Black is often used in fashion because of its slimming quality.
How do colors affect our moods? Black is the absence of light and therefore, of color. It represents power, sexuality, sophistication, formality, elegance, wealth, mystery, fear, evil, anonymity, unhappiness, depth, style, evil, sadness, remorse, anger, underground, good technical color, mourning and death. In speech we say “Don’t let a black cat cross your path”, “Black Market” or “Black Monday”.
Quotes about black “I’ve been 40 years discovering that the queen of all colors was black.” -- Pierre-Auguste Renoir “Black is real sensation, even if it is produced by entire absence of light. The sensation of black is distinctly different from the lack of all sensations.” -- Hermann von Helmholtz “Without black, no color has any depth. But if you mix black with everything, suddenly there’s shadow - no, not just shadow, but fullness. You’ve got to be willing to mix black into your palette if you want to create something that’s real.” -- Amy Grant “Black is not a color.” -- Edouard Manet “There’s something about black. You feel hidden away in it.” -- Georgia O’Keeffe
34
“Black is a color of power and strength, and to see all those players, with the captains linking their arms in front - it’s a powerful picture.” --Hayden Fry
White Meaning of the Color White White projects purity, cleanliness, and neutrality. Doctors don white coats, brides traditionally were white gowns and a white picket fence surrounds a safe and happy home. How the color white affects us mentally and physically * aids mental clarity * encourages us to clear clutter or obstacles * evokes purification of thoughts or actions * enables fresh beginnings
How do colors affect our moods? White is what we see when all colors come together in perfect balance. It represents reverence, purity, simplicity, cleanliness, peace, humility, precision, innocence, youth, birth, winter, snow, good, sterility, and marriage. We use white in figures of speech like “pure as the driven snow” or “a white lie.” We associate white with the good guy in old western movies. In Japan, white carnations signify death. In eastern cultures white symbolizes coldness and sterility.
Wearing White - Fresh Outlook - New Beginnings Wearing white will help reduce any nagging feelings of disappointment or drudge. White represents cleansing and new beginnings. Putting on a white blouse feels like being given an opportunity to start the day with a clean slate. Wearing a white garment, as long as it hasn’t taken on any discoloration from too much laundering, can offer a fresh and bright outlook. Be sure to get rid of any dingy white clothes often, replacing them with brighter whites.
36
White
Interesting information about white According to Pantone Inc., white is the best selling color for the classic american t-shirt. More shades of white are available commercially than any other color. White clothing typically becomes translucent when wet. The appearance of white in a dream is thought to represent happiness at home. White castles are a symbol of achievement, destiny perfectly fulfilled, and spiritual perfection. Originally, scientists wore beige coats. In the late 19th century, medical professionals chose white ones. The color white was chosen because of the idea of hope and expectations for healing and recovery that the physicians would bring.
Do different colors affect your mood? White Brides wear white to symbolize innocence and purity. White reflects light and is considered a summer color. White is popular in decorating and in fashion because it is light, neutral, and goes with everything. However, white shows dirt and is therefore more difficult to keep clean than other colors. Doctors and nurses wear white to imply sterility.
Color Psychology - White White represents purity or innocence. White is bright and can create a sense of space or add highlights. White is also described as cold, bland, and sterile. Rooms painted completely white can seem spacious, but empty and unfriendly. Hospitals and hospital workers use white to create a sense of sterility.
37
White
Quotes about white “White...is not a mere absence of colour; it is a shining and affirmative thing, as fierce as red, as definite as black...God paints in many colours; but He never paints so gorgeously, I had almost said so gaudily, as when He paints in white.” -- G. K. Chesterton
Color symbolism and psychology White is the color that represents purity, neutrality, sterility and youth. White is often associated with cleanliness or sterility. White is also associated with neutrality and peace — hence a white flag for surrender or parley. For the same reason it is a neutral color that will continue to be the preferred backdrop on websites and the “color” behind the color. In Western tradition the bride wears white, a custom dating back to Ancient Greece. There, the temple that was dedicated to the goddess Athene was made of white marble. It led to the linking of the color to virginity. In India white is used during death of family members as symbol of sorrow.
“The first of all single colors is white ... We shall set down white for the representative of light, without which no color can be seen; yellow for the earth; green for water; blue for air; red for fire; and black for total darkness.” -- Leonardo Da Vinci “ELOQUENCE, n. The art of orally persuading fools that white is the color that it appears to be. It includes the gift of making any color appear white.” -- Ambrose Bierce “Black and white are absolute...expressing the most delicate vibration, the most profound tranquility, and unlimited profundity.” -- Shiko Munakata “Never use pure white; it doesn’t exist in nature.” -- Aldro T. Hibbard “White covers a multitude of sins.” -- Jonathan Milne
White is known for symbolizing light, reverence, purity, truth, snow, peace, innocence, cleanliness, simplicity, security, humility, sterility, winter, coldness, surrender, fearfulness, unimaginative, air, death (in Eastern cultures), life, marriage (in Western cultures), hope, bland, empty (interior) and January (winter).
How the color white affects us physically Aids mental clarity Encourages us to clear clutter or obstacles
38
Evokes purification of thoughts or actions Enables fresh beginnings
A
Article References Color symbolism and psychology
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Color_symbolism_and_psychology
Color Therapy and Your Wardrobe Wearing Your Emotions
By Phylameana lila Desy, About.com Guide healing.about.com/od/colortherapy/tp/color_wardrobe.htm
All About the Color http://www.sensationalcolor.com/index.php
A Glimpse into the Meaning, Symbolism & Psychology of Color Written by Kate Smith
http://www.sensationalcolor.com/color-messages-meanings/color-meaning-symbolism-psychology/ psychology-of-color-a-glimpse-into-the-meaning-symbolism-psychology-of-color.html
Color Symbolism Chart by Culture
Understand the Meanings of Color in Various Cultures Around the World By Jennifer Kyrnin, About.com Guide
http://webdesign.about.com/od/color/a/bl_colorculture.htm
Color Psychology
Do different colors affect your mood? by David Johnson
http://www.infoplease.com/spot/colors1.html