What does green mean? The meaning of green in psychology Dark green color characteristic.

What does green mean?  The meaning of green in psychology Dark green color characteristic.

Color is very important in home design. It can set the tone, focus on something specific and give energy to a space. Interestingly, it has more shades than any other. It is also the most common color in nature and is the second most popular and favorite color after blue.

Let's take a closer look at the color green, and define its meaning and implications in a living space.

Definition of green

At its core, green is the color between yellow and blue on the color spectrum. Interestingly, the color green has physical effects on our body, including stimulating the pituitary gland, relaxing muscles, and dilating blood vessels. In other words, green is great for calming down and de-stressing.


Everywhere in the world, green symbolizes different things to different people. For example, it is a sacred color in Iran (along with blue) and symbolizes paradise. It is the emblem of Ireland.

Green is the color eternal life in Japan and a symbol of hope in Portugal. This is a symbol of infidelity in China or bad news for Israel in general. In the United States, it is the color of currency and good luck.

Meanings and effects of green

Many people know that green is obtained by mixing yellow and blue. Therefore, it incorporates the best qualities of both primary colors: from yellow - the properties of clarity and optimism, from blue - a special charm. Below we will show the different meanings of green based on psychology.

Growth and renewal

Compared with the birth of fresh leaves on trees every spring, green is associated with growth and renewal. Green helps to restore and rejuvenate the missing energy in nature and in human beings (physically, mentally and emotionally) and symbolizes vitality and freshness, although this color is also ironically associated with morbidity.

Emotional positive

Green gives us the ability to love and nurture both ourselves and those around us. In addition, green is the color of the heart chakra, which is essentially the center of the human energy system and includes the entire chest, lungs, and heart.

The heart chakra is believed to bridge the gap between the physical and spiritual worlds. As a representative color, green enhances people's ability to love, empathize and be compassionate.

Balance and harmony

There is a lot of green in the natural world, it symbolizes healing and vitality. This color is also used to balance the intellect with the emotions by creating a balance between the head and the heart. Green encourages us to educate ourselves and others and not depend on anything.

Sanctuary

Green is a refuge from the stresses of busy city life and modern life. It restores in us a sense of natural well-being and inner stability.

It is interesting that green is used for night vision devices because the human eye is the most sensitive and is able to distinguish most shades of this color. This is why green effects are so popular for home decoration.

Hope and change

Green can be used in association with anticipation of the future. And this is not surprising, since change and transformation are necessary for growth in nature.

Interestingly, the ability to sustain these changes through growth is also part of green energy.

Wealth and generosity

Along with representing natural change, green can mean expansion or expansion, which is associated with prosperity and abundance. Green is generous in nature. It is also associated with progress, not without reason there is an expression “give the green light”.

And vice versa, the green color is a reflection of the selfish and materialistic essence of a person, they say about this “green with envy”.

Creativity and Productivity

For interior design, where productivity and creativity are in harmony, green is often chosen. In fact, green is used to reduce distraction, nervousness, and rudeness.

In addition, green is considered ideal to improve reading ability. This perhaps explains why shades of green are used in offices and schools.

Friendly and diplomatic

Green color is pleasant, full of love for nature, family, friends, home, garden. As a natural peacemaker, this color is suitable for negotiations and consultations. There is an opportunity to assess the situation from several angles and a sense of justice, objectivity with green, although these traits can produce the effect of excessive softness and / or excessive caution.

Variations of green and their meanings

As already discussed, green has more shades than any other color. Although they are all green in appearance, these shades do not carry the same meaning and aesthetic impact.
green is a traditional color that symbolizes peace (like an olive branch, even if it's not green per se), but an olive hue can also suggest deceit and betrayal.

Greenish yellow or historically associated with cowardice and fear; however, this color can look beautiful in interior design, especially with natural light.


Neon, or, positive, playful and naive, brings to the interior a sense of anticipation of something new and interesting, youthful enthusiasm.


Aquamarine (green-blue or blue-green) is the color of the tropical ocean. It calms the spirit and heals the emotions.

Green is the color of grass and money. Natural, confident and healthy.


inspiring and believed to be associated with well-being and wealth.

green is a little bluer than emerald green, so it shifts emotions towards trust, tact, and diplomacy, not to mention generosity.


Teal is a rich tone of green, combining its maturity and depth with serenity, wholeness and sophistication.


Dark green is like the brooding older brother of the other greens - gloomy and dark - it exudes a bit of greed, selfishness and resentment.

Surely now you will know what the green color means, and share your impressions in the comments.

Everything around us is like a rainbow. There are blue, white and green colors. They keep secrets in themselves: in philosophy, in clothes and in every person.

Green is the color of peace

I often had to think about what green means. I read a lot of literature, which gave me an extremely simple answer. Green is the color of vegetation. It is associated with the spring revival of nature, the expectation of a good harvest and youth.

Different countries - different meanings

Each country has its own symbol and customs. In Japan, green is a symbol of agricultural rituals. In Europe - a sign eternal love and hope. In India, it is a symbol of the Buddha, representing the karmic type of a person. In Christianity, this symbol is associated with the earthly life of Christ and the saints.

Clothes in green

Since ancient times, the color in clothes had a certain character. In ancient Rome, clothes in green tones meant effeminacy and unnatural inclinations.

V modern society this color speaks of inner harmony and self-control. Most often green is preferred open people with whom you can talk on any topic. However, such people are very cautious and prefer to observe rather than act.

This is the color of education and culture, it saturates with energy and helps to get rid of fears and complexes.

The magical power of the green stone

Stones have always been given special importance. Academician A.E. Fersman wrote that the emerald has been valued more than other stones since ancient times and was called the “stone of radiance”. Its deep green color was considered an expression of life, purity and youth. People claimed that he had a mysterious power and could heal illnesses as well as bring happiness. Georgians believe that the secrets of the future and the present are reflected in the emerald.

eye color magic

It is definitely difficult to say what the green color of the eyes means, since in ancient times the owners of this color were considered witches and were associated with madness and the devil.

At the present time, they say that these people are very vulnerable, tender. Love in their view is something sacred. They cherish it and keep it like the apple of their eye. Green-eyed people are kind and generous, but they never forgive an offense, even to the closest person. If the trust of such people is shaken, they can turn from knights into a devil, principled and firm in their decisions.

Green eyes remain a mystery to this day. Maybe someday we will be able to know the truth of our eyes. In the meantime, we can only learn, study and fight with our poor quality, while remaining a knight, a man with reason and the fullness of the soul, which is able to overcome any adversity.

Green is life itself. First of all, it is the abundant greenery of the planet. Its absence is oppressive, like winter, a desert, an ocean where spring is vital, an oasis, an earthly shore. Therefore, it is mundane, ordinary, but at the same time fundamental, participating in all spheres of life: religious, social, political, military, economic.

The green spectrum is best perceived by our eyes. Therefore, looking at it, the eye relaxes, and after it the nervous system comes to calm, allowing the body to focus on the activity being performed (after getting used to the green, the working capacity increases by 10% and the quality of the result by 20%).
As a sprout breaks through the thickness of the earth, sprouting in the spring, so our self-consciousness grows stronger, passing from youth to maturity. Green is the color of respectability and reliability. This is the tone of traditions, culture as such. As an accomplished businessman, he does not seek to develop, but as a real Englishman, he sees constancy and strengthening of his positions in routine everyday life.

V Ancient Egypt he was the color of the god Osiris (the god of rebirth), in Greece - Dionysus (the god of winemaking and the productive forces of nature), as a male creative principle. The greenery of Islam is like an oasis in the middle of the desert, where patriarchy has reached its limit. Many holidays dedicated to fertility, resurrection, and hope are associated with it. Green is the color of money, gaming cloth, banking tables.
Anyone who has flown in an airplane can tell that this tint is missing from the picture above. This is also evidenced by satellite images. Perhaps this tone is a phenomenon of our planet.

Shades of green

They can be divided into the following groups:
pale warm or warm pastels- it is pale green, pistachio, light green ...;
with yellow undertone: chartreuse, yellow-green, light green...;
olive (with an admixture of red): olive green, royal olive, marsh...;
khaki (with an admixture of red and gray): khaki, protective, brown, green...;
rich grassy green: herbal, moss, greenery...;
bright green: bright green, acid green, love toad...;
grey-green: light gray-green, faint frog, wormwood...;
cold pastel (pale shades with a predominance of blue in the composition): water color, neon green, menthol...;
cool green tones (with a blue undertone): mint, emerald green, patina...;
dark green (with black added): coniferous, malachite, dark green...;

A more detailed overview of each shade in the heading, and a wide range (375 photos) with names - will expand your understanding of this tone.

The use of green in the interior

1 Good for decorating children's classrooms, auditoriums. In such rooms it will be good for the teacher and students. It promotes attention to the topic under discussion, the number right decisions tasks will be increased by 20%, and fuss, conversations will be reduced.
2 Decorate in green tones offices, workrooms. In such premises, people are more responsible for their tasks, their behavior becomes more predictable, and therefore manageable.
3 Greenery is perfect for living rooms, bedrooms. After a hard day's work, the psyche is looking for relaxation, recuperation, and green is the best way to achieve the desired result.
4 Green is the best choice for bathrooms. This is a place where a person relaxes, enjoys the water. We enter this room regularly, and our exercise is accompanied by constancy, stability.
5 This tone is a good choice for catering establishments. It promotes leisurely assimilation and pleasant conversation. In this case, both sides of the described tone will play: a relaxing effect and an increase in concentration. However, for noisy companies, the tone will be too passive.
6 It is not necessary to decorate places of active recreation in green colors. Green slows down the psyche, slowing down breathing, pulse, physical actions under its influence become unattractive. It is more suitable for massage, relaxation rooms.

The use of green in clothes

The great rulers Catherine de Medici and Elizaveta Petrovna loved green tones, and this speaks of the masculinity of their nature.
1 This tone is universal. It will suit any type of appearance, and, in addition to poisonous options (bright options should be especially avoided), it will look strictly, restrained. The shade is more for weekdays than for holidays.
2 Pure green visually expands the object. If you want to mask the seeming fullness to you, then it is better to turn your attention to dark green tones.
3 Those who choose green in their wardrobe can boast of self-confidence. But you can and vice versa: gain self-confidence through this color.

Green color matches

Green is a comfortable tone to pair with. Bright, and at the same time not annoying, it can decorate restrained shades or make a colorful pair with warm colors.

For you 9 palettes:

Color combination: green and pink - a soft, life-affirming couple, which in nature is most often manifested by floral shades with greenery and thereby reinforces the feeling of youth, elegance. The palette is composed with the participation of pale pink, cloudy pink, sunset pink, Barbie, fuchsia.

Combination of green and red - based on the additional contrast of these shades, which leads to excessive sharpness, so red tones should be selected muted, for example, such as alizarin, red chicory, ruby, maroon, wine.

Combination of green and orange - one of the most pleasant, rich, natural combinations. The harmony of this pair consists not only in the presence of the same color (yellow) in both, but in the presence of red in the latter (which is additional to the main one). Gamma consists of light peach, orange coral, pumpkin, dark orange, red.

combination of green and yellow - harmonious, light, warm due to kinship: yellow is part of green. The bright unobtrusiveness of this combination is expressed in many variations. For example, couples with pale yellow, sunny, corn, amber, bright gold will attract.

Green is combined with warm shades of its range. , forming a pattern of sun glare and shadow. Perhaps nothing looks so juicy as a combination of green shades: their multifaceted interweaving is a wonderful fairy tale about forest miracles. The composition includes tones of chartreuse, moss, greens, needles, dark green.

Green is combined with cold shades of its range , as in the previous version - an advantageous interweaving of light-shadow, only in this case thermal contrast enters. The palette is built with water color, neon green, kelly, emerald, malachite tones.

Color combination: green and blue - a related pair, where the unifying color will be blue. This is a moderate cold contrast, as well as light. Such a color scheme can become a background or be an independent element. You can build it using aquamarine, bright blue, turquoise, Prussian blue, thunderstorm.

The combination of green and purple - rich, mysterious, also built on the relationship of shades. Purple, like green, has blue in its composition, as well as red, which is additional to the main one. Consider combinations with pale lilac, lavender, amethyst, purple, charoite.

Combination of green and brown - natural, discreet, warm couple. Trees are one of the most peaceful sights, which is why the green-brown pair is one of the most pleasant and unobtrusive combinations. For example, take the colors oak, cocoa, tan, light chestnut, mahogany.


Green is the color of life

Green is the color of life, the color of wildlife. Green color means calmness, good luck, renewal, health, freshness, vitality, it is also a symbol environment. Green color is the personification of naturalness and freshness, which is why dairy products are often sold in green packages. On the other hand, green is the color of jealousy, envy and immaturity (“turned green with envy”, “you are still green”, etc.).

Green is the natural color for the vast majority of people. Therefore, it is perceived as neutral, calm, not annoying.
As a symbol of spring and vegetation, it has become a symbol of the victory of life over death.

Green, being the color of vegetation, spring and new growth, signifies continuity and even immortality when the word "evergreen" is used.
Green is also interpreted as a symbol of fertility. Among the Incas of ancient peru, it was a symbol of maize and food in general. And according to the superstitions of Irish farmers, if you hang a green branch of a tree on the wall of the house on the first of May, it will bring a lot of milk.

Green is a symbol of youth and hope in Catholic art. It is in this sense that it is used as the color of the angel's clothes in the pictures of chrismation.
Green also symbolizes the negative aspects of youth, such as immaturity, inexperience, as well as immaturity and naivety. The negative values ​​of green in this case come from its associations with the unripeness of green fruits.

Green is the color of the world, born in the bosom of primeval waters. Green personifies the first stage of initiation - water. As a mixture of yellow and blue, green in a mystical sense symbolizes the connection between the natural and the supernatural.
The planetary correspondence of green color is Venus.

Green color - as the color of life has acquired additional meaning, as a symbol of prosperity, prosperity and stability.
No wonder many states have chosen green as the color for banknotes.
But at the same time, green also has the exact opposite meaning - so in European countries bankrupts were forced to wear green hats.
In ancient Egypt, it was considered a symbol of decay and mold, and was the color of the dying and resurrecting god Osiris.

According to Chinese folk traditions, seeing "green" in a dream is good. However, an excess of green, according to Eppley, means a glut of negative natural drives.
On state flags, green is usually placed to emphasize the abundance of forests or the role of agriculture.

Green in folklore is the color of the elves, and hence the color of disobedience and mischief. And to those who wear green clothes, the "little people" should give strength. At the same time, it was believed that fairies might take offense at those who appropriated their color.

According to English beliefs, if the bride's wedding attire includes at least one thing of green color, then this will bring misfortune.
Similarly, in England there is a belief that any greenery on the stage will bring bad luck to the production and actors.
S. Baring-Gould wrote that once he had to hear serious arguments on the topic that all the misfortunes that happened in England before 1914 were due to the fact that green postage stamps worth half a penny were issued ...
In China and the Far East, green has become a symbol of greed, stubbornness and rapacity.
A green flag at sea is a sign of a shipwreck.

Green as a symbol of nature, plants and herbal infusion itself, became a symbol of natural poisons, and then poisons in general.
The green serpent is an allegory of alcoholic beverages.

Green color in Freemasonry is a symbol of overcoming and victory.

In Greece, based on the traditional interpretations of green (life, development, freedom), it became the party color of PASOK (Panhellenic Socialist Movement).
"Green Line" in Cyprus and Beirut in the 60-90s. XX century meant a neutral line, as it divided the opposing territories and was considered inviolable. The Iranians associate the green color both with rapid growth and freshness, and with misfortune, sadness, sorrow, therefore they say about the ill-fated person “green leg”, and about the cemetery - “green house”. In Germany, in the past, cards were used in fortune-telling, each suit of which had its own color and corresponding symbolic meaning, and the green suit meant sadness, grief, annoyance, red - love, betrothal, wedding, etc.
In Germany and Northern Europe, representatives of environmental movements call themselves green.

During the Third Crusade, green crosses were the hallmark of the Netherlands.
Green in national folklore is called Ireland, and green is a symbol of the Irish liberation movement.
Russian empire most often depicted on maps as green.

Green color - innocence, liveliness.
The most delicate face of natural power.
Holy hint of rebirth
Spring color native and cute.
Imagine: thaw, spring.
The chicks are ringing, not hearing themselves,
The cat stalks on the wet roof,
And the cold is fading...
Around, hissing with coolness,
Streams flow the remnants of snow,
And the morning bliss of the sun
Gently warms the city.
You feel happy:
You better take off your coat!
To flutter like a bird, and then
Swim in the rays like in the bay.
Already the smell of flowers
Like butterflies fluttering in the sky
Love is back in new light,
Hearts are open to her.
And somewhere quietly, very timidly
On a damp, melting trunk
Under the layer of the kidney, so deep
The sprout ripens a new life.
This is everyone's favorite color
It certainly includes
I described frankly
Warm in my soul.

Green color - Earth flowering,
Green color - and life is full.
Green color - calmness,
Green is the color of spring.
And our life continues
Enclosed in green.
And that moment ripens
When the white light rejoices.
Green is everywhere
All-conquering evil.
And let it be so much.
For everything to live and bloom.

Green swaying foliage
In thick clothes of maples by the river,
In birch capes with whiteness
And the word of mouth awe of the alder.
A carpet of grass lies behind a quiet garden,
Lost by the edge in the distance of the meadow,
Endless landscape joy
Studya heavenly and spiritual heat.
The color of malachite splashes in the oak forests,
Where the nightingales found their shelter;
And the curly willows are empty
Silent long overgrown pond.
That color keeps pearly dewdrops,
Worried during storms and thunderstorms,
And in the evenings it flies in a gray haze,
To appear again in the morning in all its glory.
Washed by a flying brisk downpour,
Not conquered the persistent heat,
It shakes the article poplar
In the July dance, a grove in the wind.
It will fade with a sad autumn color,
Where every leaf is like a yellow tear
And only always by its radiant light
Attractive green eyes.

Beautiful blue sky
Woven from the waters by the creator.
Spacious, shining tent
It is stretched out above the earth.
It's like that! But I love
Fields green.
Lovely cashmere rose!
In the spring, in the silence of the nights,
The nightingale sings love to her
With a quiet wind of marshmallows.
It's like that! But I love
Fields green.
Lovely pale blue water!
In their crystal - and the vault of heaven,
And the forest slumbering in the cool,
And the splendor of spring nature.
It's like that! But I love
Fields green.
Beautiful lily of the valley!
In the clothes of a married couple,
Like a gentle angel of beauty,
Blooms in the deserts of Palestine.
It's like that! But I love
Fields green.
Delightful are the harvests of the field!
In bright sunshine
They worry in the fields
As if the waves are golden.
It's like that! But I love
Fields green.

Where are we going with you
at such an early hour?
Taxi green light
lit up and went out.

Look how green this world is
How green are the seas!
Let's celebrate this color
in the beginning of September.

The vine is still so green
so green grapes.
Let us be green
award from awards.

And in a glass of green wine,
and green eyes
and they are already swinging
green storm.

And now we hear this sound
moment later -
green ringing, green noise
autumn rain.

But this moisture is not about us,
and at this late hour
taxi green breeze
picks us up.

And it smells of rotten leaves,
and light as smoke
soaring green star
over the golden forest.

Green color caresses at noon with a shadow,
He gives peace to the soul and vision.
And the grasses are green, and the darkness in the forests,
Green light fluctuates in the eyes.
Green is the dress of any garden,
And for the jasmine, the stem is like a reward

Green is the best, as long as it looks like it
on a mountain emerald with its deep color.
From Indian shores it is brought to us,
green and gold. To ruined eyes
and the patient's liver - there is nothing more useful;
Shortness of breath, nausea, heart disease
he heals - and also he alone
guardian of marriage bonds for women and men.
He drives away laziness, he returns a friend,
before him, the arrogant enemy is timid with fear ...

In Japan, green is a symbol of spring agricultural rites (May ivy is a bed for participants in spring orgies), in
To Europe, this is a sign of earthly love and hope: “Green clothe yourself, that is, the clothes of lovers,” writes the Sicilian Herald, author of a book about color. A knight-errant who professes the cult of a beautiful lady must dress in green.
“And with the onset of May, I don’t want to see any other colors than green,” Gerold concludes.

In ancient Rome, green in men's clothing denoted effeminacy and unnatural inclinations; in modern times in Europe - irony, buffoonery, bourgeoisness (as a condemned property).

Best of all, the magical effect of green is manifested in an emerald. Academician A.E. Fersman writes about this in the book “Stories about gems”: “It is difficult to find another gem that would be valued more in ancient times than the emerald, the “stone of radiance” of the Greeks. ... The juicy green color of the emerald was deeply valued as an expression of life, youth and purity. He was credited with the possession of a mysterious power to heal ailments and bestow happiness.

This stone is sung by poets of all countries of the world. The color of the emerald, according to Indian legends, "imitates the color of the neck of a young parrot, young grass, water mud, iron and feather designs from the tail of a peacock."
“Zmuri,” the Georgians called this stone, believing that it, like in a mirror, reflects all the secrets of the present and future.
The Roman scientist Pliny wrote that "this stone of nature is above all earthly blessings, that its beauty is more beautiful than the fragrance of a spring flower, and that it should not be allowed to touch the virgin features of the artist's chisel."

Negative symbols: decay, decay, demonism, disgust, anger, envy, longing, madness, horror of death.
These meanings come from the color of mold, rotting organic matter, evil mythological animals (serpents, dragons), mysterious inhabitants of the forests (goblin, Green Tsar), eyes of predatory nocturnal animals and birds, bitter poisonous herbs, as well as some human discharges, indicating illness.

S. Eisenstein writes about the symbolism of green: The color of the rebirth of the soul and wisdom, it simultaneously meant moral decline and madness.
The Swedish theosophist Swedenborg describes the eyes of madmen languishing in hell as green.

One of the stained glass windows of Chartres Cathedral represents the temptation of Christ; on it, Satan has green skin and huge green eyes ... The eye in symbolism means intelligence. A person can direct it to good or evil. Both Satan and Minerva - both madness and wisdom - were both portrayed with green eyes...
As A. Perrusho writes, the French artist Toulouse-Lautrec "saw something demonic in all shades of green."

In Indian poetics, green means disgust. You can read about this in D. Salinger's story "And Those Lips and Eyes Are Green."

In modern Russian science fiction literature, there is a noticeable tendency towards the negative semantization of green. In the stories of V. Pelevin, for example, the gates to the otherworldly "Workshop No. 1" are painted green, where the death of the worlds, including the Earth, takes place.
The stories also feature the monster "Green Khidr" - an evil werewolf, a green chair of the director of the plant, in which the director turns into a skeleton; the narrator, who is mentally ill, has a green armchair and a greenish-yellow curtain at home.

The preference for green means: self-respect, firmness, stability, naturalness and truthfulness in relation to oneself. Nobility of character, justice, willpower, constancy.

The green forest makes noise, worries,
Spring in a green dress.
Admire the snowdrop flower
Centennial, mossy pine.
Green, bright paint
Sparkling spicy May.
Our planet affectionately
Warm up the sun!

In this bright color definitely
Summer nature is all dressed up.
Since childhood, everyone knows the color green,
The greenery is warmed by the warm sun!
The leaves are painted in this color,
Grass, cucumber, bunch of grapes,
Sour gooseberry bushes...
And the cabbage is happy for him.
Nature rewarded with greenery
caterpillar, lizard, frog,
And toothy crocodiles,
That from the rivers come out to dry.
A grasshopper is hiding in the grass somewhere...
Good green planet!

Green is the color of the grass
Your emerald eyes
Blossoming foliage
And young shoots.

Green is the color of good luck
And an open path.
If the light is green, then
Can you go ahead.

Color green - fairy tale color,
Christmas tree.
The forest is dressed in green
Pine needles.

The color green is the color of goodness,
Young and loud.
Bright green game
The sincerity of a child...


Color symbolism. Color and character. Color and functionality.

The symbolism of color has a long history. Since time immemorial, people have attached particular importance to reading the "language of colors", which is reflected in ancient myths, folk tales, fairy tales, various religious and mystical teachings. So, in astrology, the rays of the Sun, decomposed into a spectrum and giving 7 colors, corresponded to 7 main planets: red is the color of Mars, blue is the color of Venus, yellow is the color of Mercury, green is the color of Saturn, purple is the color of Jupiter, orange is the color of the Sun, purple is the color of the moon. At the same time, the colors symbolized not only the planets and their influence, but also the social status of people, their various psychological states. This was manifested in the selection of clothes of certain colors, folk sayings, rituals, etc. At different peoples there was a certain symbolism of colors that has survived to this day.

So, people from ancient times showed a special interest in red. In many languages, the same word denotes the color red and, in general, everything beautiful, beautiful. Among the Polynesians, the word "red" is synonymous with the word "beloved » . In China, a sincere, frank person is called a "red heart", while the heart of an evil, treacherous person is black.

Red color primarily associated with blood and fire. Its symbolic meanings are very diverse and, at times, contradictory. Red symbolizes joy, beauty, love and fullness of life, and on the other hand - enmity, revenge, war. Red has been associated with aggressiveness and sexual desire since ancient times.

Red is the main heraldic color. On the banner, he symbolizes rebellion, revolution, struggle. It is interesting that among many tribes of Africa, America and Australia, warriors, preparing for a fight, painted their bodies and faces red. Carthaginians and Spartans wore red clothes during the war. V ancient China the rebels called themselves "red warriors", "red spears", "red eyebrows" ..

Red also means power, greatness. In Byzantium, only the empress had the right to wear red boots. The Emperor signed in purple ink and sat on a purple throne. For many peoples, red symbolizes the south, flame and heat.

White color symbolizes purity, spotlessness, innocence, virtue, joy. It is associated with daylight and also with the generative force that is embodied in milk and eggs. Whiteness is associated with the idea of ​​the obvious, generally accepted, legal, true.

In ancient Rome, the vestals wore white dresses and white veils. Ever since antiquity, the white color has meant detachment from the worldly, striving for spiritual simplicity. In the Christian tradition, white denotes kinship with the divine light. Angels, saints and righteous people are depicted in white. In some nations, kings and priests wore white clothes, which symbolized solemnity and greatness.

However, white can also have the opposite meaning. By its nature, it seems to absorb, neutralize all other colors and correlates with emptiness, incorporeality, icy silence and, ultimately, with death. The Slavs dressed the dead in white clothes and covered them with a white shroud. It is customary for some tribes in Africa and Australia to paint the body with white paint after the death of someone close to them. In China and some other countries in Asia and Africa, white is the color of mourning. In the old days, white mourning was also used by the Slavs.

Black color, as a rule, symbolizes misfortune, grief, mourning, death. So, in ancient Mexico, during the ritual sacrifice of a person, the face and hands of the priests were painted black. Black eyes are still considered dangerous, envious. Sinister characters are dressed in black, the appearance of which portends death.

It is also believed that there is a connection between the color black and sexual attractiveness. In some African tribes, women with very black skin are highly valued as lovers, but not as wives. Love passion is shrouded in darkness and mystery; therefore, black can symbolize something secret and passionately desired. Among the Arabs, the expression "blackness of the eyes" means beloved, "blackness of the heart" - love.

Thus, black can also have a favorable meaning. It is perceived as such, for example, in the arid regions of Africa, where there is little water and black clouds promise fertility and abundance. Black bulls, goats or birds are sacrificed to the guardian spirits who send rain, while the priests also dress in black.

Yellow- the color of gold, which since ancient times was perceived as a frozen color of the sun. This is the color of autumn, the color of ripe ears and withering leaves, but also the color of illness, death, the other world.

In many nations, women preferred yellow clothes. Often, yellow color served as a hallmark of noble people and upper classes. For example, Mongolian lamas wear yellow clothing with a red sash.

On the other hand, among some peoples of Asia, yellow is the color of mourning, sorrow, sadness. In Europe, a yellow or yellow-black flag meant quarantine, and a yellow cross meant plague. Among the Slavic peoples, yellow is considered the color of jealousy, betrayal, and in Tibet, jealousy is literally called “yellow eye”. Let's also remember the "yellow press" and the "yellow house"

Blue color in many nations it symbolizes heaven and eternity. It can also symbolize kindness, fidelity, constancy, location, and in heraldry it means chastity, honesty, good fame and fidelity. "Blue blood" speaks of noble birth; the English call a true Protestant "blue".

In addition, the color blue is close to black and receives similar symbolic meanings. It was considered mourning in ancient Egypt and among some peoples of South Africa. The French call horror "blue fear" (recall the tale of the "blue beard". Among the Slavic peoples, blue served as the color of sadness, grief, was associated with the demonic world. Ancient legends describe black and blue demons.

Green is the color of grass and leaves. For many nations, it symbolizes youth, hope, fun, although sometimes it is also immaturity, insufficient perfection. The green color is extremely material and has a calming effect, but it can also produce a depressing impression (it is no coincidence that longing is called “green”, and the person himself “turns green” with anger).

The Iranians associate the green color both with rapid growth and freshness, and with misfortune, sadness, sorrow, therefore they say about the ill-fated person “green leg”, and about the cemetery - “green house”. In medieval Europe, jesters wore green and yellow clothes, and bankrupts in Germany had to wear green hats.

The ancient symbolism of colors and their interpretation in various cultures is confirmed in modern theories the relationship of color and emotional-volitional states not only of an individual, but also of entire communities. The correspondence between color and the dominant psychological state was studied by M. Luscher, I. Goethe and other psychologists.

Today, the symbolism of flowers is widely used in business advertising. Psychologists have found that blue, gold, white, black, red are colors that can be used to identify a product with an elite segment, since these are “expensive” colors that have been identified with the elite of society for centuries. Indeed, in the goods of the upper price range, the combination of blue or black with gold is very common. Black color allows you to effectively highlight the logo (made, for example, in gold) or the image of the product itself. This is done in order to focus the consumer's attention not on the packaging, but on the product itself, to show its significance and prestige. For example, this technique is used by many producers of expensive alcoholic beverages, in particular, Johnny Walker and Black Label whiskey, Comus or Martell cognac. Thus, the name of the product stands out and it is emphasized that in front of you is an elite drink. The same approach is practiced when creating expensive perfumes and colognes for men.

If the colors of the premium segment should be associated with confidence, solidity, then the combination of red and yellow, on the contrary, is associated with a feeling of joy, warmth, fun. It is no coincidence that these two colors are used by "folk" McDonald's restaurants and Lipton tea. Green and blue, which are considered the colors of the May morning, have their own associations. They are usually used to show the freshness of the product.

There are also colors that are strictly forbidden to combine with each other, because they cause negative emotions at the consumer. For example, the combination of purple and orange speaks of hopelessness, suicide. The same effect is caused by an inscription written, for example, in white letters on a dull black background.

Color and character

Each person has a preference for one color, according to at least, no more than two or three (depending on where these colors are used - in clothes, furnishings, car color, etc.). The pleasant or unpleasant feeling that a particular color evokes can change over time. But in any case, the color you prefer can tell a lot about your character and emotional makeup. Psychologists in such cases use a color test developed by the Swiss psychologist Max Lüscher in the late 1940s. The Luscher test, used by professional psychologists, requires special training for its application. The “lightweight” version of the Luscher test can be easily tested by anyone, using the usual setting of a modern color TV.

Psychologists say : if at the same time red color prevails, then the owner of the TV is trusting, but overly emotional and aggressive. If yellow stands out clearly, then such a person inspires confidence in others, is an optimist and expresses friendliness. But the constant smile on his face is most often a mask behind which lies a strong internal tension. The predominant blue-green color indicates that a person is timid and weak, but dangerous if someone gets in his way. And, finally, those who prefer light blue are accommodating, lazy and do not know the limits in food and drink.

An experienced observer can also provide additional information about a person by their preferred color of the car. As proof of this, we can cite the data of the American psychologist Berthold Schwartz, who claims that the color of the car can be used to judge some psychological characteristics its owner. So, the owners of red and yellow cars are optimists, love of life and consider themselves happy. Nature lovers and realists ride in green. Blue is chosen by people with a balanced character. The owners of white cars hold conservative views, while business people drive in black ones. Gray and silver are to the taste of proud people, and brown is preferred by respectable spouses and fathers of large families.

Below is a description of the primary colors. Based on the preference for one color or another, everyone can independently draw a conclusion about their psychological characteristics.

  • White- the synthesis of all colors, so it is the "ideal" color. It has a significant meaning, since it simultaneously conveys both the brilliance of light and the coldness of ice. This color can be preferred by a person with any character, he does not repel anyone;
  • black- the color of uncertainty, symbolizing a gloomy perception of life. The one who prefers to dress in black often perceives life in dark colors, is insecure, unhappy, prone to depression, because he has no doubt that his ideals in life are unattainable. The frequent change of a black suit or dress to another, brighter, catchy one, indicates that pessimistic moods are often dispelled. The constant choice of black indicates the presence of a certain crisis state and characterizes an aggressive rejection of the world or oneself (recall the black banners of anarchists). Children who are acutely experiencing the lack of care and love often use black shading in the drawing. Normally, black is generally rejected;
  • grey- the favorite color of reasonable and distrustful natures who think for a long time before making any decision. It is also a neutral color that is preferred by those who are afraid to make themselves known too loudly. If you don’t like this color, then this is an indicator of an impulsive, frivolous character. Often the gray color is also preferred in case of severe overwork as a barrier to irritants. outside world. In situations of psychological testing, this color is used as a means of protection from the penetration of another into inner world subject. A study of about two thousand young men in a situation of competitive examinations for filling vacant positions showed that gray was put in the first place by 27% of the subjects instead of the usual 5% in a normal situation;
  • Red- the color of passion. If this is a favorite color, then such a person is bold, this is a strong-willed, imperious type, quick-tempered and sociable. Plus, he's an altruist. People who are annoyed by this color have an inferiority complex, fear of quarrels, a tendency to solitude, stability in relationships. Red color symbolizes excitement, energy. This color is also a symbol of eroticism. Disgust, ignoring red reflects organic weakness, physical or mental exhaustion. Prisoners of war, forced to live in life-threatening conditions for years, rejected him especially often. Red is the color most preferred by teenagers;
  • Brown- choose those who firmly and confidently stood on their feet. People who have a weakness for him appreciate traditions, family. The preference for brown reflects, first of all, the desire for simple instinctive experiences, primitive sensual joys. However, the choice of this color as the most preferred also indicates a certain physical exhaustion. Normally, along with black, brown is most often rejected;
  • yellow- symbolizes calmness, ease in relations with people, intelligence. When he is loved, it means sociability, curiosity, courage, easy adaptability and enjoyment of the opportunity to please and attract people to him. When he is unpleasant, then we are talking about a person who is concentrated, pessimistic, with whom it is difficult to make acquaintance. Yellow is obtained by mixing green and red and is the color of energy. The greatest preference for yellow is given by pregnant women who are expecting a successful outcome of childbirth, as well as people prone to changing places. Yellow is also interpreted as the color of illumination (halo of Christ or Buddha);
  • blue- the color of the sky, peace, relaxation. If you like him, then this speaks of modesty and melancholy; such a person often needs to rest, he quickly gets tired, it is extremely important for him to have a sense of confidence, the benevolence of others. In the rejection of this color, a person is revealed who wants to give the impression that he can do everything in the world. But, in essence, he is a model of uncertainty and isolation. Indifference to this color speaks of a well-known frivolity in the field of feelings, although hidden under the mask of courtesy. In short, the choice of blue as the most preferred color reflects the physiological and psychological need of a person for peace, and the rejection of it means that a person avoids relaxation. With illness or overwork, the need for blue increases;
  • green- the color of nature, nature, life itself, spring. The one who prefers it is afraid of someone else's influence, looking for a way of self-assertion, since this is vitally important for him. Anyone who does not love him is afraid of everyday problems, the vicissitudes of fate, in general, all difficulties. The green color contains hidden potential energy, reflects the degree of volitional tension, so people who prefer green color strive for self-confidence and confidence in general. Eccentric people, who achieve their goals not with purposeful volitional activity, but through emotions, reject the green color as unsympathetic. Along with them, the green color is rejected by people who are on the verge of mental and physical exhaustion.

Other colors can also tell about the psychological characteristics of a person's condition. So, Orange- the favorite color of people with intuition and passionate dreamers. In heraldry, this color also means hypocrisy and pretense. Pink is the color of life, of all living things. He talks about the need to love and be kinder. Those who like him can get excited about the most insignificant thing. In people who are overly pragmatic, this color causes irritation. Purple symbolizes human infantilism and suggestibility, the need for support, support. In this sense, the choice or denial of the purple color acts as a kind of indicator of mental and sexual maturity.

Research conducted by Russian psychologists V.F. Petrenko and V.V. Kucherenko, confirm the existing relationship between the emotional states of a person and his choice of certain colors as preferred. So, in situations of joy, fun, energy-saturated colors (yellow and red) are especially preferred, colors of peace and relaxation (blue and brown), as well as the color of non-existence (black) are simultaneously denied. For situations where a person feels guilty for various actions, it is typical, on the contrary, to deny the energy-rich red and yellow and prefer gray and blue colors. Blue, therefore, reflects not only serene peace and relaxation, but in combination with gray corresponds to a state of passive depression. In situations that pose any danger to a person, a preference is given to green, associated with volitional tension, and yellow, as energy-saturated, associated with the need for a quick discharge of tension. Moreover, if fear is characterized by the predominance of green and gray colors while rejecting yellow, red and purple, then aggressive excitement in response to danger is characterized by a combination of yellow and green while rejecting black and brown.

Color and functionality.

Currently, scientists are making active attempts to use the influence of color on human psychophysiology for commercial and domestic purposes. At the same time, as already noted, each person perceives color in his own way. Therefore, decorators and designers, designing the interior of premises, should always take into account socio-demographic features - gender, age, profession, etc. However, there are also some General characteristics the effects of colors on humans. The predominance of any color (or combination of colors) in the design of the room creates a certain emotional business environment. Few businessmen know that the color scheme of the interior affects the subconscious of a person. And not only on the performance of employees, but also on the results of business negotiations.

Thus, the blue color contributes to better assimilation of information and the establishment of friendly relations, so it is recommended to use it in negotiation rooms. And, it would seem, blue, close to it, on the contrary, scatters attention and reduces the efficiency of staff. So many managers do not even realize that the reason for a sharp decline in the commercial profit of their company may well be ... a chic renovation in the office, made in the now very fashionable "sky blue" style.

Green color has a calming effect on nervous system, relieves headache, fatigue, irritability, lowers blood pressure. Red increases the content of adrenaline in the blood, increases efficiency and is therefore especially recommended for slow, lethargic people. However, an excess of red and green at the subconscious level awakens a thirst for profit in a person, and red, among other things, increases aggressiveness (it is no coincidence that the red jacket has become the symbol of the “new Russians”). Violet color improves the functioning of the heart and lungs, increases the endurance of the body. Nevertheless, they should not be abused: this color is a sub-threshold catalyst for fatigue. So if you want to buy a purple blouse, then it's time to go on vacation.

The transition in the room from yellow to blue is soothing. They walk on the pink floor with caution, on the brown floor - confidently. The white luminescent color irritates the nervous system, and the yellow-orange light of the lamps contributes to creative thinking and good mood.

It has also been observed that in public places where coloration is limited to white, black and grey, people do not linger unnecessarily. Colors can visually expand rooms (for example, yellow and yellow-green) or narrow them (red-orange). At the same time, in a red room it seems 3-4 degrees warmer than in an orange one, and in an orange room it seems 3-4 degrees warmer than in a blue-green one.

Each of the colors carries its own emotional load, which must be taken into account when stimulating labor activity. So, the combination of red and blue-green color stimulates overall performance. Yellow or yellow-green with orange relieve mental fatigue, and yellow separately promotes mental activity. Blue is recommended for child labor rooms, pink for the welding shop, and blue for the lathe. In general, during work, yellow-green tones in various combinations and shades are the most optimal. During meals, orange-red tones are preferred, and during rest hours, it is not so much the tone that matters as the dynamics of colors.

So what colors are recommended to give preference to when decorating an office? It is better to use yellow tones, but in small quantities. Large doses of yellow give rise to excessive greed (who needs employees who are always dissatisfied with their salary or partners who make excessive financial demands?), And small doses stimulate brain activity and increase the efficiency of mental work. Moderate doses of yellow contribute to the success of negotiations, as they stimulate the desire to find compromises.

Literature.

  1. Color personality test. - Minsk, 2000.
  2. Petrenko V.F., Kucherenko V.V. Relationship between emotion and color. - Vestn. Moscow un-ta - ser 14. - 1988. - No. 3.
  3. Know yourself. - Moscow, 1990.
  4. Shchekin G.V. Visual psychodiagnostics and its methods. - Kiev., 1990.

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