Influence of Colors -Welcome to the fascinating world of colour psychology and an inspirational journey of self-discovery through an understanding of colour meanings. Knowledge of how colour affects your conscious and subconscious mind can change your life. It can inspire you to discover more about yourself and to embrace who you really are.
Colour surrounds us physically and psychologically every minute of the day, impacting our lives in so many ways, although we are largely unaware of the impact it has on us. There are visual, symbolic, synesthetic, emotional, physiological and psychological effects of colour. For example, there are biological reactions to colour that ensure survival like knowing when food is ripe enough to eat or recognizing the changing of the seasons. There is also a collective unconscious reaction to colour that we have inherited from our ancestors — formed through the development of our species. In this way, colours have a primal significance.
Another aspect of colour psychology is the conscious symbolism of colours. For example, blue represents the sky. Gold represents the sun. What may be less known about colour psychology is that colour influences your brain waves, your automatic nervous system, and hormonal activity. For instance, if you sat in an entirely red room, your pulse and blood pressure would increase. Conversely, your blood pressure and pulse would decline in an entirely blue room.
Colours often have different meanings in various cultures. And even in Western societies, the meanings of various colours have changed over the years. But today in the U.S., researchers have generally found the following to be accurate.
Black
Black is the colour of authority and power. It is popular in fashion because it makes people appear thinner. It is also stylish and timeless. Black also implies submission. Priests wear black to signify submission to God. Some fashion experts say a woman wearing black implies submission to men. Black outfits can also be overpowering or make the wearer seem aloof or evil. Villains, such as Dracula, often wear black.
White
Brides wear white to symbolize innocence and purity. White reflects light and is considered a summer colour. White is popular in decorating and in fashion because it is light, neutral, and goes with everything. However, white shows dirt and is, therefore, more difficult to keep clean than other colours. Doctors and nurses wear white to imply sterility.
Red
The most emotionally intense colour, red stimulates a faster heartbeat and breathing. It is also the colour of love. Red clothing gets noticed and makes the wearer appear heavier. Since it is an extreme colour, red clothing might not help people in negotiations or confrontations. Red cars are popular targets for thieves. In decorating, red is usually used as an accent. Decorators say that red furniture should be perfect since it will attract attention. The most romantic colour, pink, is more tranquillizing. Sports teams sometimes paint the locker rooms used by opposing teams bright pink so their opponents will lose energy.
Blue
The colour of the sky and the ocean, blue is one of the most popular colours. It causes the opposite reaction as red. Peaceful, tranquil blue causes the body to produce calming chemicals, so it is often used in bedrooms. Blue can also be cold and depressing. Fashion consultants recommend wearing blue to job interviews because it symbolizes loyalty. People are more productive in blue rooms. Studies show weightlifters are able to handle heavier weights in blue gyms.
Green
Currently the most popular decorating colour, green symbolizes nature. It is the easiest colour on the eye and can improve vision. It is a calming, refreshing colour. People waiting to appear on TV sit in “green rooms” to relax. Hospitals often use green because it relaxes patients. Brides in the Middle Ages wore green to symbolize fertility. Dark green is masculine, conservative, and implies wealth. However, seamstresses often refuse to use green thread on the eve of a fashion show for fear it will bring bad luck.
Yellow
Cheerful sunny yellow is an attention-getter. While it is considered an optimistic colour, people lose their tempers more often in yellow rooms, and babies will cry more. It is the most difficult colour for the eye to take in, so it can be overpowering if overused. Yellow enhances concentration, hence its use for legal pads. It also speeds metabolism.
Purple
The colour of royalty, purple connotes luxury, wealth, and sophistication. It is also feminine and romantic. However, because it is rare in nature, purple can appear artificial.
Brown
Solid, reliable brown is the colour of earth and is abundant in nature. Light brown implies genuineness while dark brown is similar to wood or leather. Brown can also be sad and wistful. Men are more apt to say brown is one of their favourite colours.