Colors and You: Color Symbolism and Effects of Color in Our Lives

All About Colors And What They Say About You

Nature’s gift to us ‘Light’, brings with it a whole spectrum of what we call Colors/Colours. A huge part of our everyday life in almost everything we do, colors have a profound and undeniable impact on our lives and say a lot about our personalities. Each color symbolizes different things and invokes different emotions. We are drawn to certain colors for a reason, from clothing choices, colors in our homes right down to the foods we eat. Colors reflect our inner attitudes and emotional states. Knowing more about each color and understanding their effects can help us truly benefit from making colors a way of life and not just a ‘feel-good’ preference.

The Symbolism & Effects of Colors
The Symbolism of Colors comes from its use as a symbol or to representation of something as observed across time. The Symbolism of Colors differs in different cultures around the World. Here’s a quick look at the most common representations & symbolism of the basic colors-

Blue

Symbolism of Blue
A hot favorite of a lot of people, Blue is a non-threatening and confident color. Seen as a color of confidence, it represents stability, loyalty and trust-worthiness among other traits like security, wisdom and dependability. Hence Blue is the predominant color chosen for police officer uniforms and business attire.

*Blue is the color of the throat chakra

Effects of Blue
Blue is the dominant color of natures elements – the sky and water. It is perceived with a cooling and calming effect. Darker shades like Navy blue and Royal blue are said to convey richness and even superiority, while lighter shades have soothing undertones with a  serene or sedate effect. Bright electric shades of blue are dynamic and express exhilaration.

Green

Symbolism of Green
Nature is the most representative of this color, which is why Green is the fore running color in any eco-friendly movement. Regarded the color of eternal life, green also symbolizes good luck, peace, vitality, fertility and wealth (which explains the choice of green for currency). Its extremes symbolize envy (“green with envy”), jealousy, disgrace (in China) and greed.

* Green is the color of the heart chakra

Effects of Green
Due to it’s association with nature, green has a calming effect and is the color of rebirth and renewal. Lighter shades like lime with undertones of yellow have a tranquil and refreshing effect. Green being the color of Peace denotes balance, harmony, and stability.

Red

Symbolism of Red
This intense color has many associations across various cultures. Symbolizing danger, intensity, love and passion, it’s a bold color with strong meanings. As the color of blood and fire, red symbolizes war, heat, bravery, strength and aggression. Red, also, typically conjures up symbols representing love, sex and romance. In some cultures like in China red denotes purity, joy, prosperity and celebration.

* Red is the color of the base or root chakra

Effects of Red
Recognized as a stimulant, Red evokes strong emotions such as excitement, strength, danger, passion, and aggression. This attention seeking color is often more effective in smaller doses than than all out red. Deeper shades like maroon, burgundy, ruby, blood red have more subtle effects as compared to crimson, scarlet, tomato and flame red.

Purple/Violet

Symbolism of Purple/ Violet
Purple is the color of royalty. Highly symbolic of spirituality, purple is used a lot in religious ceremonies and by priests and leaders. Embodying the opposite colors red and blue, purple represents a middle ground or balance of the two contrasting colors. In some cultures however, it represents mourning.

* Violet is the color of the crown chakra

Effects of Purple/Violet
This color is uplifting and encourages creativity and spirituality. Deeper shades like plum, mauve, wine, eggplant associated with royalty, sensuality, and enlightenment. While lighter shades with a blue undertone like violet, orchid, lavender and lilac are more romantic, feminine and delicate.

Orange

Symbolism of Orange
Another attention seeking color like it’s relative Red, Orange represents energy, happiness, balance, warmth and enthusiasm. Not considered a serious color orange symbolizes playfulness and sparks a lot of controversy.

* Orange is the color of the sacral chakra

Effects of Orange
Less intense than red with the cheerfulness of yellow, orange is an energizing color. It is a vibrant color which stimulates a variety of emotions like kinship, warmth and a sociable attitude. Its also stimulates the appetite.

Yellow

Symbolism of Yellow
The symbol of sunlight and optimism, yellow shines with cheerfulness, joy, hope and intelligence. The color of gold, yellow is a sign of wealth. On the flip side however, it represents hazards and deceit.

* Yellow is the color of the solar plexus chakra

Effects of Yellow
This very visible color draws a lot of attention. It denotes happiness and is quite perky. It helps create excitement and also instills hope. It make one feel youthful.

Also Read:

Heal Yourself Through Color

* Photo credits: photos by lemuelinchrist, Furryscaly, www.butkaj.com, Dennis Wong, niseag03, FotoosVanRobin, Seamus Murray on flickr