Personality of Common Colors

"Colors, like features, follow the changes of the emotions". - Pablo Picasso

Each color has a typical character and personality. Indeed perceptions of color are subjective, but most colors have a common meaning. A peek into the personality of color.

Violet: Is a striking magical color, which is a combination of red and blue. Since it combines the energy of red with the calming effect of blue, the color is capable of tickling ones imagination. It embodies- mystery, nobility, spirituality, arrogance, and enlightenment. The younger generation seems to show a fond liking for this shade, it happens to be a part of every teenager’s wardrobe. Teamed with white or black, or even a light shade of yellow, it can create a show stopping impact.

Indigo: Beauty and wisdom are attributes of this color. It can promote deep thinking which is why it is a good color to use for meditation. However, it is not recommended for those who are depressed as it can enhance those feelings. When people are troubled by a problem and are seeking an answer, this color can trigger intuition.

Blue: How often have we felt calmness enveloping us as we looked up at the blue sky? Known as the most non-controversial global color, it is usually associated with peace, harmony, security, and confidence. It is also used as a business color implying order, truth and, reliability. In some countries like China, blue is associated with immortality. In India, the Hindus relate to Lord Krishna when they think of Blue. In the Middle East, blue is a protective color whereas for the Jews it indicates holiness and spirituality. The idiom “in the blues” is usually associated with feeling low or depressed. In therapeutic terms blue is thought to bring down the pulse rate, reduce appetite and lower the temperature of the body. Some research has shown that the color blue might just stoke latent creativity.

Green:

“Green is the prime color of the world and that from which its loveliness arises.” - Pedro Calderon de Barca

Is the color of nature, it does represent health, good luck, and vitality. In today’s scenario “going green” has become the buzz word for being environment friendly. The rather infamous emotion ‘envy’ takes on a green color with the famous phrase ‘green with envy’. In India, green is the color of Islam; some religious meaning is attributed to the color green in Ireland. Most surgeons wear them in their operating rooms as it is known to soothe, calm and also have great healing powers.

Yellow: This color which always has the sunny side up represents joy, happiness, and optimism. In Asia yellow is sacred, and forms an integral color during auspicious occasions. This color also symbolizes positive energy and can brighten ones moods. It is an eye-catching color and not uncommon to see cars of this shade which convey a sporty and cool look.

Orange: Bright and visible, the color symbolizes energy and liveliness. It is a fiery shade with a mix of yellow and red, and is aptly used to attract attention. No wonder, it finds a pride of place on caution signs. It symbolizes balance, warmth, enthusiasm, vibrance, and flamboyancy. Shades of orange are quite a raving hit among young girls, no wonder the orange hue lipstick is always in demand. Orange is most often used as wall color or as part of the decor in restaurants and living rooms. This color is not recommended in bedrooms, as this color may create restlessness and promote insomnia. If one is feeling low, bored or lonely, just sport this bright shade and see your mood perk up.

Red: A fiery color emanating from the sun, making most colors pale in comparison to its attractive nature. Red radiates unique energy and stands out in the spectrum of colors. One cannot miss the color red, and that is why it is used in stop and exit signs. The color has such a powerful character- it is capable of increasing the heart rate and blood pressure. Some people feel the adrenaline rush when they wear the color red. While psychologists say it is the color of love, energy scientists feel this color boosts a sense of belongingness. This color is used widely during Valentines Day to symbolize the overpowering emotion of love and friendship. In India, red is considered a holy color and finds use in celebrations. Most brides in India wear the color red. Similarly in China, it is used in many ceremonies symbolizing luck and celebration. Excess of red can also make the person angry or aggressive.

Black: Is beautiful indeed, an irony because this shade is devoid of light and therefore has no color. Black has both a positive and negative connotation – on the positive side the color is associated with elegance, power, sexuality, wealth, and on the gloomy side, it is also used to portray fear, anger, mourning, and death. Many a time, it is used to signify evil.

White: This color stands for peace, innocence, purity, and cleanliness. There is a sense of balance and calmness about the color white; Doctors and nursing staff wear white to add to the calm ambience as they deal with patients.

Brown: This is an earthy shade which evokes a sense of strength and reliability. It implies elegance and sophistication to most people. It might lend an air of formality and reliability when worn during formal occasions. Brown is a favorite formal office wear, especially in combination with white and can boost confidence. The color is also popularly used by interior designers as part of the décor to give a sophisticated look.