Like death and taxes, there is no escaping color. It is
ubiquitous. Yet what does it all mean? Why are people more relaxed in green
rooms? Why do weightlifters do their best in blue gyms?
Colors often have different meanings in various cultures.
And even in Western societies, the meanings of various colors have changed over
the years. But today in the U.S., researchers have generally found the
following to be accurate.
Black
Black is the color 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 color. 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
colors. Doctors and nurses wear white to imply sterility.
Red
The most emotionally intense color, red stimulates a faster
heartbeat and breathing. It is also the color of love. Red clothing gets
noticed and makes the wearer appear heavier. Since it is an extreme color, 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 color, pink, is more tranquilizing. Sports
teams sometimes paint the locker rooms used by opposing teams bright pink so
their opponents will lose energy.
Blue
The color of the sky and the ocean, blue is one of the most
popular colors. 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 color, green
symbolizes nature. It is the easiest color on the eye and can improve vision.
It is a calming, refreshing color. 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 color, people lose their tempers more often in yellow
rooms, and babies will cry more. It is the most difficult color 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 color 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 color 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 favorite colors.
Colors of the Flag
In the U.S.
Flag, white stands for purity and innocence. Red represents valor and
hardiness, while blue signifies justice, perseverance, and vigilance. The stars
represent the heavens and all the good that people strive for, while the
stripes emulate the sun's rays.
Food for Thought
While blue is one of the most popular colors it is one of
the least appetizing. Blue food is rare in nature. Food researchers say that
when humans searched for food, they learned to avoid toxic or spoiled objects,
which were often blue, black, or purple. When food dyed blue is served to study
subjects, they lose appetite.
Green, brown, and red are the most popular food colors. Red
is often used in restaurant decorating schemes because it is an appetite
stimulant.
