Color: Meaning, Symbolism and Psychology

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Color Has an Impact on the Choices You Make

Our reaction to color is instantaneous and this lens is a quick look at general responses based on research, historical significance of color and word association studies.

In addition to what is below on my site Sensational Color there are four sections that expand upon this information:



Meaning, symbolism, and psychology of color or colourColor Meaning, Symbolism & Psychology

Meaning, symbolism, and psychology of color or colourColorful Phrases & Their Meaning

Meaning, symbolism, and psychology of color or colourColor Around the World

Meaning, symbolism, and psychology of color or colourOrigins of Color Words

Meaning of the Color Blue

The meaning, symbolism and psychology of the colour blueBlue 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.


How the color blue affects us physically and mentally
* Calming and sedate
* Cooling
* Aids intuition


Meaning, symbolism, and psychology of the color blueFor more information see "All About the Color Blue"

What is Your Favorite Color?

Eleven (11) Most Common Colors
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Meaning of the Color Green

The meaning, symbolism and psychology of the color greenGreen 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.

The natural greens, from forest to lime, are seen as tranquil and refreshing, with a natural balance of cool and warm (blue and yellow) undertones. Green is considered the color of peace and ecology. However, there is an "institutional" side to green, associated with illness or Government-issued that conjure up negative emotions as do the "slimy" or bilious greens.


How the color green affects us physically and mentally
* Soothing
* Relaxing mentally as well as physically
* Helps alleviate depression, nervousness and anxiety
* Offers a sense of renewal, self-control and harmony


Meaning, symbolism, and psychology of the color greenFor more information see "All About the Color Green"

Meaning of the Color Yellow

The meaning, symbolism and psychology of the colour yellowYellow 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

Meaning, symbolism, and psychology of the color yellowFor more information see "All About the Color Yellow"

Meaning of the Color Orange

The meaning, symbolism and psychology of the colour orangeOrange, 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


Meaning, symbolism, and psychology of the color orangeFor more information see "All About the Color Orange"

How Do You Feel About Orange?

The color orange

There is usually strong positive or negative association to orange and a true orange color generally elicits a stronger "love it" or "hate it" response than any other color.

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Meaning of the Color Red

The meaning, symbolism and psychology of the colour redRed 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


Meaning, symbolism, and psychology of the color redFor more information see "All About the Color Red"

What Does The Color Red Mean To You?

The color red

The color red is strongly linked with two emotions--
1. Love- red roses, rosy red lips, red hearts, sexy red dress...
2. Aggression-seeing red, red in the face, fast red sports car, red power tie...

These emotions are quite opposite each other. I'm curious as to which of these emotions you most associate with the color red.

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Meaning of the Color Purple

The meaning, symbolsim and psychology of the colour purplePurple 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


Meaning, symbolism, and psychology of the color purpleFor more information see "All About the Color Purple"

Meaning of the Color Brown

The meaning, symbolism and psychology of the colour brownBrown says stability, reliability, and approachability. It is the color of our earth and is associated with all things natural or organic.



How the color brown affects us physically and mentally
* Feeling of wholesomeness
* Stability
* Connection with the earth
* Offers a sense orderliness


Meaning, symbolism, and psychology of the color brownFor more information see "All About the Color Brown"

Meaning of the Color White

The meaning, symbolism and psychology of the colour whiteWhite 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


Meaning, symbolism, and psychology of the color whiteFor more information see "All About the Color White"

Meaning of the Color Gray

The meaning, symbolism and psychology of the colour grayGray is timeless, practical, and solid. A longstanding favorite suit color, gray can mix well with any color. Although well like and often worn, people rarely name gray as a favorite color possibly because Gray also is associated with loss or depression.


How the color gray affects us physically and mentally
* unsettling
* expectant


Meaning, symbolism, and psychology of the color grayFor more information see "All About the Color Gray"

Meaning of the Color Black

The meaning, symbolism and psychology of the colour blackBlack 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.


Meaning, symbolism, and psychology of the color blackFor more information see "All About the Color Black"

Color Fun: M & M Color Meaning

M&M Color WheelFor years, there has been a myth about green M&M's. See how M&M's played up on this myth and then I took it a step further by giving meaning to some M&M color combinations.

What Is It About the Green Ones

Books About Color Meaning, Symbolism and Psychology

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Did You Enjoy Getting a Glimpse Into The Meaning & Symbolism of Color?

  • picnicideas May 28, 2012 @ 3:32 pm | delete
    There have been so many studies done on how people react to various colors. This lens is perfect for condensing all that information into one easy to read piece. Thanks for this great lens!
  • Psychologist May 24, 2012 @ 10:33 am | delete
    super lens, thank you!
  • Nicola B May 22, 2012 @ 7:19 am | delete
    I'm a green girl myself but color generally is a powerful thing. I found this really lovely video about color which makes me smile. Enjoy! http://www.pocketstock.com/academy/video/19
  • wadsworc May 21, 2012 @ 2:20 pm | delete
    This is a fantastic lens! I'm so glad I found it. Thank you!
  • CameronPoe May 20, 2012 @ 1:41 am | delete
    My favorite color is blue. Seems to be very popular among the readers.
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Color_Expert

Color is my passion. Helping you to enjoy it--understand it--have fun with it--go wild with it--and use color confidently is my purpose.

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From Color Expert Leatrice Eiseman 

Color - Messages & Meanings: A PANTONE Color Resource

Amazon Price: $9.46 (as of 05/30/2012)Buy Now

This book is a great resource for easy to understand explanations and examples of how color messages and meaning come into play when when we make choices.