Colors - Symbolism
One of the the easiest ways to identify something
immediately regardless of language or culture is through colour. A baby dressed in pink is
an obvious sign that the gender of the infant is female despite the
language or country. A red road sign warns us of danger even if we might
not recognise the symbol instantly. A country or sports team use colors
to identify themselves through their flag and its colours. Colours
are often mentioned in everyday language as well as literary terms to
portray a persons feelings or emotions, being "green with envy" or "in a
black mood" are familiar terms to describe jealously and feeling down.
Colors - Symbolism - Meaning
Wealth is also
often referred to by colours, being "in the red" refers to being in debt
or overdrawn whereas "in the black" is a positive term used to describe
being in credit or having money. In banking and finance terms, black is
a positive color whereas when describing a person's mood, a "black mood"
is a bad mood and "seeing red" also describes someone who is angry.
Politics are another area where colour symbolism is used. The color green
is often used to represent an independent or neutral party or to refer
to a political group that is linked to the environment. The color red
has been used to symbolise the communist party. The following quote from
the 17th century poem by 17th century written by Samuel Butler entitled
'Hudibras' illustrates how colour is used to represent religious views:
"For his Religion, it was fit, To match his learning and his wit; 'Twas
Presbyterian true blue;".
What is Color Symbolism?
Color is a
vital component of many different symbols and many colors have deep
symbolism. They are used to depict emotions, personality and feelings and many colors
have mystical properties associated with them. The rainbow consists of
seven colors. The number seven also has mystical properties, there are
several other groups of seven, for example the number of musical notes
or the number of 'Chakra's in the body. The 'Chakra's' are believed to
be the centre of life force or energy and consist of seven points in the
body from the base of the spine to the top of the head.
Colors - Symbolism - Interpretation
The
significance and symbolism of an individual color can vary greatly depending on the
culture and traditions of a particular person. Colors that are considered
lucky in one culture can have a completely different meaning in
another! For example, traditionally the symbolism of red is associated with
love, passion and romance. In many eastern countries such as China
and Asian countries such as India; brides wear red wedding dresses
to bring them good luck. However, in some western cultures it is
considered unlucky for the bridal bouquet to contain a combination
of red and white flowers as they are thought to be a symbol of blood
and bandages!
The color green is another example of how the symbolism of Individual colors can have very different meanings depending on the
country. In Ancient Egypt people were scared of cats with green
eyes. However in most other cultures the color green is associated
with nature, life and peace. In fact in Islam, green is the most
important color. It is the color of Mohammed's coat and signifies
paradise.
Color Symbolism - Dreams
The study and
interpretation of dreams is called Oneirology, the term comes
from the Greek word 'oneiros' which means dream. It is thought that dreams
have two meanings: a general meaning where the dream is told as a
symbolic story and an individual meaning, which is specific to the
dreamer. The following interpretation of colors in dreams is taken from
the book entitled "10,000 Dreams" interpreted by Gustavus Hindman
Miller:
-
Symbolism: White symbolizes Purity, virginity, innocence and
virtue. To walk with a person wearing white, proclaims that
person's illness or distress, unless it be a young woman or
child, then you will have pleasing surroundings for a season at
least
-
Symbolism:
Yellow signifies renewal, hope, light and purity. When
taken as an off-white color symbolizes degradation or cowardice.
To see yellow clothes, foretells approaching gaieties and
financial progress. You will be fortunate if you dream of yellow
-
Symbolism:
Orange symbolizes courage, endurance and strength
representing fire and flame
-
Symbolism: The symbolism of the colour Green is related to nature, fertility, hope and
bountifulness. It also symbolizes freedom from bondage. To see
green clothes, is a hopeful sign of prosperity and happiness
-
Symbolism:
Red is thought to symbolize fire and is associated with power and
importance. To dream of crimson clothes, foretells that you will
escape formidable enemies by a timely change in your expressed
intention
-
Symbolism:
Black symbolizes death, fear and ignorance and was also
used to indicate authority and power. To see yourself, or
others, dressed in black, indicates quarrels, disappointments,
and disagreeable companions; or, if it refers to business, the
business will fall short of expectations
-
Symbolism: Brown is said to signify the earth, poverty and humility
-
Symbolism: The symbolism of Blue is hope, good health and the state of
servitude. To dream of blue apparel, signifies carrying forward
to victory your aspirations, through energetic, insistent
efforts. Friends will loyally support you
-
Symbolism:
Purple is always associated with royalty, indeed the the
symbolic meaning of the color purple was for penitence and
mourning
Color Symbolism - Blue
Is it good luck to dream of the color blue? Find out in our useful
dream explanation. Why do English brides wear 'something blue' on
their wedding day? Discover a selection of interesting and
educational facts about the color blue!
Color Symbolism - Color Green
The color
green is symbolic to a wide range of cultures and religions. Find
out why green is important in Islam. Why is green associated with St
Patrick's day and the Irish people? A great selection of educational
facts and information on the symbolism of the color green.
Color Symbolism - Black
Did you know
that the color black is universally recognised as the color of mourning,
evil and violence? It is also the color of demons and witches! Find out
all you need to know about the symbolism of black. A selection of
interesting and educational facts, shades of black and dream
interpretation! All you need to know about the color black. A
useful, free resource on color symbolism.
Color Symbolism - Yellow
The symbolism
of the color yellow is open to interpretation. Some cultures see
yellow as a symbol of light and the sun while in other cultures is
represents envy, disgrace and betrayal! Find out why! A Selection of
facts about the symbolism of the color yellow.
Color Symbolism - Purple
Find out all
about the color purple and its symbolism. Did you know that in
Thailand the color purple is worn by widows to symbolise that they
are in mourning? Lots of useful facts about the color purple. What
does it mean if someone dreams of the color purple? We have also
included information on dream interpretation!
Color Symbolism - Red
Why is the
color red is often used to symbolism passion and power? Discover a
variety of facts and interesting information about the symbolism of
the color red. What are the different shades of red? What are the
HTML codes for the different shades of red? Lots of useful
information and educational facts about the symbolism of the color
red.
Color Symbolism - Orange
What is the
significance of Orange? Find out interesting facts about the
symbolism of orange, for example, did you know that
Buddhist monks wear orange robes, an outwardly sign of humility?
Lots of useful information about orange symbolism.
Color Symbolism - Feng Shui Colors
Find out
about Feng Shui Colors. Discover the symbols relating to the
elements and why 'Chi' is so important. Interesting information and
facts about this ancient Chinese art.
Color Symbolism - Pink
What is the
significance of the color Pink? Why do most people believe that the
color pink represents females? Find out interesting facts about the
symbolism of the color pink. Why is the slip used to inform
employees in America that they will soon be unemployed referred to
as a
"pink slip"? Find out the answer to this question and
many more about the symbolism of the color pink.
Color Symbolism - Meanings and Symbolism
What do each
of the individual colors mean? What does it mean if we dream about a
particular color? Discover a selection of useful and educational
facts about the meaning and symbolism of specific colors, a useful
resource for everyone!
Color Symbolism
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