What Is Color?
In 1666, English scientist Sir Isaac Newton discovered that
when pure white light is passed through a prism, it separates
into all of the visible colors. Newton also found that each color
is comprised of a single wavelength and cannot be separated
any further into other colors.
Further experiments demonstrated that light could be
combined to form other colors. For example, red light
mixed with yellow light creates an orange color. A color
resulting from a mix of two other colors is known as a
metamer. Some colors, such as yellow and purple,
cancel each other out when mixed and result in a white
light. These competing colors are known as complements.
Color Psychology - The Psychological Effects of ColorWhile perceptions of color are somewhat subjective,
there are some color effects that have universal meaning.
Colors in the red area of the color spectrum
are known as warm colors and include red, orange, and yellow.
These warm colors evoke emotions ranging
from feelings of warmth and comfort to feelings of anger and hostility.
Colors on the blue side of the spectrum are known as cool colors and include
Blue
Purple
&
Green
These colors are often described as calm, but can also call to mind feelings of sadness or
indifference.
Color Psychology as Therapy
Several ancient cultures, including the Egyptians and Chinese, practiced
chromotherapy, or
using colors to heal. Chromotherapy is sometimes referred to as light therapy or
colourology and is still used today as a holistic or alternative treatment.
In this treatment:
||| Red was used to stimulate the body & mind & to increase circulation.
||| Yellow was thought to stimulate the nerves and purify the body.
||| Orange was used to heal the lungs and to increase energy levels.
||| Blue was believed to soothe illnesses and treat pain.
||| Indigo shades were thought to alleviate skin problems.
Most psychologists view color therapy with skepticism and point out that the supposed
effects of color have been exaggerated. Colors also have have different meanings in different
cultures. Research has demonstrated in many cases that the mood-altering effects of color
may only be temporary. A blue room may initially cause feelings of calm, but the effect will
be dissipate after a short period of time.
#The Color Psychology of Green
Green is a cool color that symbolizes nature and the natural world.
Grean also represents tranquility, good luck, health, and jealousy.
Researchers have also found that green can improve reading ability. Some students may find
that laying a transparent sheet of green paper over reading material increases reading speed
and comprehension.
Green has long been a symbol of fertility and was once the preferred color choice for wedding
gowns in the 15th-century. Even today, green M & M's (an American chocolate candy) are
said to send a sexual message.
Green is often used in decorating for its calming effect. For example, guests waiting to appear
on television programs often wait in a “green room” to relax.
Green is thought to relieve stress and help heal. Those who have a green work environment
experience fewer stomachaches.
Consider how green is used in language: green thumb, green with envy, greenhorn.
#The Color Psychology of Blue
Blue is described as a favorite color by many people and is the color most preferred by men.
Blue calls to mind feelings of calmness or serenity. It is often described as peaceful, tranquil,
secure, and orderly.
Blue can also create feelings of sadness or aloofness.
Blue is often used to decorate offices because research has shown that people are more
productive in blue rooms.
Blue is one of the most popular colors, but it is one of the least appetizing. Some weight loss
plans even recommend eating your food off of a blue plate. Blue rarely occurs naturally in food
aside from blueberries and some plums. Also, humans are geared to avoid foods that are
poisonous and blue coloring in food is often a sign of spoilage or poison.
Blue can also lower the pulse rate and body temperature.
Consider how blue is used in language: blue moon, blue Monday, blue blood, the blues, and
blue ribbon.
#The Color Psychology of Purple
Purple is the symbol of royalty and wealth.
Purple also represents wisdom and spirituality.
Purple does not often occur in nature, it can sometimes appear exotic or artificial.
#The Color Psychology of Yellow
Yellow is a bright that is often described as cheery and warm.
Yellow is also the most fatiguing to the eye due to the high amount of light that is reflected.
Using yellow as a background on paper or computer monitors can lead to eyestrain or vision
loss in extreme cases.
Yellow can also create feelings of frustration and anger. While it is considered a cheerful
color, people are more likely to lose their tempers in yellow rooms and babies tend to cry
more in yellow rooms.
Yellow can also increase the metabolism.
Since yellow is the most visible color, it is also the most attention-getting color. Yellow can
be used in small amount to draw notice, such as on traffic sign or advertisements.
#The Color Psychology of Black
Black absorbs all light in the color spectrum.
Black is often used as a symbol of menace or evil, but it is also popular as an indicator of
power. It is used to represent treacherous characters such as Dracula and is often associated
with witchcraft.
Black is associated with death and mourning in many cultures. It is also associated with
unhappiness, sexuality, formality, and sophistication.
In ancient Egypt, black represented life and rebirth.
Black is often used in fashion because of its slimming quality.
Consider how black is used in language: Black Death, blackout, black cat, black list, black
market, black tie, black belt.
and WhAt is Your CoLoR ??
