Color Psychology - The Perceptions and the Realities

In 1666, Sir Isaac Newton discovered that when aoverpowering if it is overused. In the Middle Ages
beam of White light passes through a Prism, ithowever, it was believed that Yellow reflects the
scatters into a Spectrum of seven colors, whichdevil. It was the color of mourning in Egypt.o Brown.
cannot be further sub-divided. This Spectrum gave usThis is the color of Earth. It reflects reliability and
colors, which are a riot among artists.genuineness. It is abundant in nature and can be
Every color has its own effect and universal meaningwistful and sad.o Purple. Purple signifies wealth, luxury,
on the minds of different individuals. This exploratoryroyalty, and romance. It was the favorite color of
aspect of colors vis-à-vis our emotional statethe Queen Cleopatra of Egypt. Purple is however,
is called Color Psychology. In the Color Spectrum, theconsidered to be the color of mourning in Thailand.o
colors in the Red Zone are called Warm Colors, forWhite. White is a simmer color and reflects purity,
example, Yellow, Red, and Orange. The Warm Colorspeace, freedom, and innocence. It symbolizes sterility
reflect emotions such as, the feelings of comfortand is therefore, used in hospitals. In India, White
warmth, & affection, to the feelings of hostilitysymbolizes death and mourning.o Black. This is the
and anger. The colors in the Blue Zone of thecolor of power and authority and is the most
Spectrum are on the other hand, described as Coolcommon color. It symbolizes submission and is used
Colors. This side of spectrum includes colors such as,by priests. Black can also however be overpowering
Blue, Green, and Purple. They evoke the feelings ofand implies evil.
calmness and even indifference & sadness.Color Psychology has such strong presence that
Cultures also affect human psychology, which in turncolors are used for alluded treatment as well, a field
devise their own connotation vis-à-vis colors.called Chromotherapy. Chromotherapy, referred to as
Different colors have different meanings in differentColorology or Light Therapy, was practiced by
cultures. Over the years however, with changingvarious ancient cultures especially, Chinese, Egyptians,
values and beliefs, the meaning of colors changed.and Indians. The civilizations of these countries used
The researchers developed some standard meaningsthis Therapy through various colors to heal the body.
of colors, and the following seem to be the mostSome key colors used in this treatment are:o Red.
accurate:o Red. It is the most intense color thatIncreases Blood Circulation, thereby stimulating Mind
stimulates breathing, and increases heartbeat. Thisand Body.o Yellow. Used as Blood Purifier and
color always attracts attention and is therefore,stimulates Nerves.o Orange. It helps increase energy
mostly used in decorations. Red however may notand heals Lungs.o Blue. Reduces pain and soothes
represent confrontations and negotiations.o Green.illness.o Indigo. It helps treat Skin problems.
The human eye can distinguish Green color veryAs mentioned above, Color Psychology often varies
easily. Green symbolizes nature. It helps in relaxingwith place, time, culture, and mentality. For instance,
& refreshing the mind, and the body. This in turnWhite, in India is considered as a color of mourning
improves eyesight and calms down the mind. Forand death, while Red symbolizes fertility. In China
instance, hospitals use Green color often, as it as ithowever, Red color is used for luck and prosperity.
relaxes patients. Offices have greenery as an integralWhatever be the case, studies suggest that the
part of their interiors to keep the employees chargedcolors mostly have a positive effect on Psychology,
up. Artists generally relax in 'Green Rooms' beforerather than negative.
their performance.o Blue. Blue is one of the mostControversies however always surrounded Arts and
popular colors. It is peaceful and produces calmingthey continue to do so here too. According to many
chemicals in the human body. It symbolizes loyalty, soPsychologists, Chromotherapy was exaggerated.
it is recommended to wear a Blue dress for anyThey believed that there is no solid scientific proof of
interview. People in Blue Rooms are more productive.the effects of different colors on human Psychology.
For instance, it has been proven that weightliftersMany more Theorists gave their thoughts on the
can handle more weights than the usual in gyms withsubject, but mostly contradicted each other. It is
Blue walls. Higher or deeper tones of it however,however, overall seen that a particular color may
may also be depressing and cold. Blue reflectshave different effects on the people of different
truthfulness, unity, and harmony.o Yellow. This colorage groups, even if they are of same culture. All said
grabs attention easily. It speeds up Metabolism.and done, the field of Color Psychology is still
Yellow improves concentration, but can beimmature and there is a lot left to explore in it.