Introduction to Colors Symbolism

Colors symbolism affects nearly every area of life: clothing, interior design, graphic design, computer interface design, fine art, consumer product development and packaging, food choices and corporate identity. The significance of some colors is universal. The gold, silver and bronze of the Olympic games are recognized as first, second and third place around the world. The blue of the sky is also a global phenomenon. Other colors, however, have meanings that shift in various cultures.

In the east, orange signifies happiness and spirituality while in the west it is used to indicate delays, road hazards and inexpensive items like fast food. Major color associations for different parts of the world are explored below. For more information on this topic, see Global Graphics: Color by L.K. Peterson and Cheryl Dangel Cullen.

Colors Symbolism in North America

Americans and Canadians prefer traditional, more subdued colors for expensive items and those that will be used a long time. Items that will quickly be replaced can venture further into trendy colors and loud hues. Black and gold indicate luxury while bright, multi-colored packages connote fun, such as snack foods or candy.

Red is the signature color of Canada, most prominently exhibited in the red and white Canadian flag. The color yellow has contradictory associations in both America and Canada, meaning caution and spontaneity. The color blue is a color of respect, honesty and reliability. Green is the color of nature, now receiving worldwide attention as the need for environmental awareness becomes acute. Purple, originally the sign of nobility, has been downgraded in North America over the centuries, often viewed as an overly dramatic color.

Colors Symbolism in Western Europe

The influence of American color choices on western Europe is unmistakable. However, there is a marked respect for "non-colors" or variations on black, white and earth tones. Black is taken seriously as a color of mourning as well as a color of respect and dignity. Gray is multifaceted, reflecting both the stone of ancient monuments and modern steel. Gray is fog and ambiguity. Gray is wisdom and experience. White is cleanliness and purity, but it can also stand for emptiness or meaninglessness.

Silver and brown are both masculine colors. Silver can reflect fine craftsmanship. Brown is the color of wood, the earth and the power to build. Variations in wood tones are a science unto themselves, involving the symbolism of trees. (See The Deep-Rooted Symbolism of Trees for more information.)

Colors Symbolism in South America

The bright colors of many South American cultures come from the intense hues in nature in this often tropical region. Brilliant hues of fiery orange and yellow are taken from the birds of the Brazilian rainforest. Red is used as a cheerful color with less negative associations than elsewhere in the world.

Bright green is the predominant color of the jungle, seen as the color of life and the wealth of the Colombian emeralds. In central America and along the coasts, blue is connected to the ocean--a source of travel, food, ambitions and the hope for greatness.

Colors Symbolism in the Middle East

The Middle East is home to Christians, Muslims and Jews. The influence of these three religions is significant in color choices and preferences. Turquoise is a common color on mosques, as well as gold, green and red. The color of the Israeli flag is blue. Blue also symbolizes glory in the Koran.

The Bedouins use black for everyday clothing. Other Bedouin goods are the natural color of the wool of sheep or goats used to make tents. Accents of bright colors including red, indigos, green, orange and mustard are included in pillows and wall hangings. Red and white Bedouin rugs can be found throughout Egypt. Red is associated with Shu, the ancient god who separated the earth from the sky. Red is a color of protection and good fortune.

Colors Symbolism in Africa

Deep blues and reds are the most popular colors for intricate designs in South Africa, with outlines created in black and white. Red is usually reserved for ceremonies and worn by chiefs in Nigeria. Different shades of red denote different tribes. In East Africa, blue beads are thought to enhance fertility.

The complexity of tribes across Africa makes color associations a more local phenomena. In many countries and areas, however, black implies age and wisdom; gold indicates long life; earth tones have positive associations with the grassy savanna; and yellow is reserved for those of high rank.

Colors Symbolism in Asia

Red is the primary color influence in Chinese culture, forming the basis of the flags for both China and Taiwan. Traditional Chinese color symbolism is known and respected, but this does not interfere with the commercial need to sell products to the entire world.

In addition to red, yellow is clearly associated with China. The royal family used yellow. Yellow is a color of joy, happiness, high spirits and sunshine. Yellow is considered to be masculine while blue is feminine. Blue is water and the sky, changeable and adaptable. Green is closely tied to jade, a stone of value and desirability. White is the color of death while weddings and good fortune are represented by red.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Color Symbolism and Bead Bracelets

Hi, Kathleen,

I was wondering if I might be able to obtain permission to use your article entitled Colors Meanings and Specific Colors (with full credit of course)? I am working on revising a depression prevention program manual and we have a section on making bracelets for a friend. I think that your article is something I would like to highlight as a guide to the colours of the beads being used.... The manual will be made available free of charge to communities wanting to run this program with young women in their community.

Please let me know if you are okay with giving us permission to create a handout for the girls with this information. Also, please let me know how I should reference you and your work.

Thanks,
C.T.

Dear C.T.,

Yes, I'd be happy for you to use the article. Full credit would include name, copyright and the website address in the printed manual/hand out and full name and a live link to my website in the online version.

If you could send me a copy of the final handout, I'd love to print one out for my own records. Best of everything with your program. It sounds like a wonderful service and I am honored to be a part of your efforts.

Sincerely, Kathleen

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©2007-2009 Living Arts Enterprises, LLC

RESOURCES:

Books
Peterson, L.K. and Cheryl Dangel Cullen. Global Graphics: Color, Designing with Color for an International Market. Couscester, Massachusetts:Rockport Publishers, Inc, 2000.

Andrews, Ted. How to Heal with Color. Woodbury, MN: Llewellyn Publications, 2006.

Chiazzari, Suzy. The Complete Book of Color. New York: Barnes and Noble Books, 1998.

Sloane, Patricia. The Visual Nature of Color. Blue Ridge Summit, PA: TAB Books, 1989.

Chevreul, M.E. The Principles of Harmony and Contrast of Colors and Their Applications to the Arts. New York: Reinhold Puyblishing Corporation, 1967.

Websites
http://www.colorassociation.com
http://www.colormarketing.org
http://www.colorpuncture.com
http://www.colourenergy.com

Kathleen Karlsen, MA is a professional artist and freelance writer. She is an expert in symbolism, personal growth, design psychology, natural living, and holistic parenting. Kathleen's writing experience includes web content development, article syndication, scriptwriting, books and marketing communications. See Kathleen's art at www.kathleenkarlsenart.com. Contact Kathleen at kathleenkarlsen@msn.com.

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