Symbolism of colors: latent but strong means for dialogue between peoples and cultures

Color symbolism refers to the use of colors to represent ideas and situations in society. Interestingly, the philosophical meanings of colors also share striking similarities or commonalities among the various cultures of the world. When used wisely, they will help promote understanding among various people and cultural affiliations. It’s a great source of enlightenment to catch up on the powerful messages drawn from the symbolic use of colors.

Black: It is the color of the night, and of “evil”. Black can also be a color of elegance or class, such as a black tie event and black evening dresses. Black can also represent ideas like power, sexuality, sophistication, formality, wealth, mystery, fear, evil, unhappiness, depth, style, sadness, remorse, anger, and mourning. Black can also represent lack of color, primordial emptiness, or emptiness. It can also mean sorrow or mourning, in the Christian tradition of dressing in black at funerals. Black is the color of mystery and solemnity; The color of the night. Black expresses the depths of the unknown and encourages the imagination of a world different from that of daytime realities. Used alone, black can represent bad luck or misfortune.

Black/White: represent mourning and sad occasions. For example, the traditional dress for a funeral is black and white. The black represents the loss and the white color its passage to heaven.

Blue: It is the color of the Virgin Mary, and is associated with girls who have similar pure qualities. In addition, it is the color of water and the sea, with all the symbolic references already mentioned for that element, that is, blue usually indicates femininity, life, purity, etc., just like water. Blue can also symbolize peace, calm, stability, security, loyalty, sky, water, cold, technology, and depression. Indigo blue reflects the color of the vast ocean that surrounds the Japanese islands. This shade of blue is very commonly seen in Japanese art and clothing.

Brown: Represents the ideas of earth, home, hearth, outdoors, resistance, simplicity and comfort.

Gold: Also associated with royalty. It represents the color of the skies.

Green: This color can also represent nature, the environment, good luck, youth, vigor, jealousy, envy and misfortune. It is considered the color of eternal life, as seen in evergreen trees that never change color from season to season. It represents both trees and vegetation.

Orange: Represents energy, balance, warmth, enthusiasm, extravagant and demanding attention.

Pink: The color pink usually has two purposes. It can be used to show childish innocence or childish personality character. It can also be used to show a more flirtatious personality. Pink is normally a color associated with girls and femininity. Pink is considered a color of good health and life – we are talking about people who are “into the pink” or the “freshness” of a newborn baby. Pink is associated with sexuality and purity. That is to say, a virgin girl of heart and body. Pink is a symbol of pure love. It is also the color used for sexual advertisements and such, to indicate the purity of the girls.

Purple/Violet: Represents royalty, spirituality, nobility, ceremony, mystery, wisdom, enlightenment, cruelty, arrogance, and mourning.

Red: Symbolizes many things; of blood, to love, to falling in love. Basically, red symbolizes strong emotions, or strong emotional things rather than intellectual ideas. For example, red can symbolize emotion, energy, speed, strength, danger, passion, and aggression. Red, the color of blood and fire, represents life and vitality. Red also signifies the color of the sun: a symbol of energy, radiating its vitalizing life force towards human beings. Red is also considered a sensual color and can be associated with a man’s deepest needs and drives. Ironically, red cats symbolize bad luck.

Red and White: Using them together immediately means happiness and celebration. The combination of red and white in the decorative trim used in wedding or engagement gifts has a compelling quality that suggests man’s need to create a link between his own life and that of the gods.

Silver/Grey: Silver/Grey symbolizes security, reliability, intelligence, modesty, maturity, conservative, old age, sadness, and boredom.

White: It is a sacred and pure color. It is the color of the angels and the gods, since the color reflects what is sacred and pure. It is also the color of doctors, nurses, and others in the healthcare profession, as well as housekeeping. White can also represent reverence, purity, simplicity, humility, youth, winter and snow, good, cold, clinical and sterile.

Yellow: Yellow symbolizes joy, happiness, optimism, idealism, gold, dishonesty, cowardice, deceit, disease, and danger.

Understanding the philosophical meanings of colors beyond their physical qualities and attributes can contribute to understanding and friendship among various ethnic and cultural affiliations. Artists and designers who implement colors in their creations should strive to consider their symbolic implications when making product creation decisions.