“Life is Better in Color” is Tepper Jackson’s motto. We live, breathe and favor all things beautiful and colorful; so for this post we wanted to discuss the different meanings of colors, their cross cultural interpretations and how best to convey a message or mood by wearing a suitable color.
Is the need for color embedded in our DNA? This is a question that extends beyond the scope of this blog, but suffice to say we use color on a daily basis and have somewhat become experts on the matter. Think about the long term commitment we make when we choose a color for our home? As casual practitioners of the ancient, yet popular practice of Feng Shui, some colors are credited with creating a balance in the energy of our homes and lives (Blue = Tranquility, Black = Success, Purple = Spiritual Awareness, White = Purity). Another Eastern philosophy, the Hindu practice of Chakras or “Force Centers”, believes that the human body is a recipient of positive and negative energy. There are seven main Chakras symbolized by colored crystals; each located throughout the body’s nervous system, from the skull to the bottom of the spine. This practice was revisited by Western medicine in the 1940’s and is now applied as an alternative/holistic treatment. It is suggested that the energy released from the colored stone to the corresponding body part can be therapeutic. For example, a Blue stone placed on the throat can heal a sore throat.
Here is a brief over view of how the three primary colors relate to certain cultures and how they can be used as spiritual remedies.
Red is known to be a stimulating and empowering color. It is also the color of Passion, often used by both genders to seduce or draw attention. A 2008 study by the Rochester University psychologists concluded that Red enhances men’s attraction to women. Men were tested by being exposed to pictures of women and asked to describe how attracted they were to them. The results were convincingly clear: Women wearing red garments were said to be significantly more attractive and sexually desirable than the one’s wearing other colors. Spiritually, Red is the color of the root Chakra, the base of the spine, which is thought to stimulate courage and energy, help with stability, and more importantly guarantee physical health.
According to a survey conducted by webcenters.com, Blue is the world’s favorite color. It is considered to be a soothing color; it is the color of trust and commitment. However darker shades of Blue are often associated with depression and sadness. The term “feeling Blue” comes from an old nautical custom whereby a ship’s crew would honor their dead captain with a Blue flag at the mast and a Blue band painted along the ship’s hull. Conversely, “Blue light therapy” is a remedy against both depression and insomnia. The exposure to blue light can help compensate for the absence of sunlight during the long winter and prevent the “winter Blues”. Spiritually, Blue is the throat Chakra. It is linked to our neck, arms and hands; it is the essence of speech and hearing.
Yellow is considered to be the color of Optimism and Enlightenment. Indeed shades of golden Yellow are believed to bring a positive future; and let’s not forget that “Gold” itself is a precious and valuable material. Coincidence? Although, according to colormatters.com, lemon bright yellow is the color that is most irritating to our eyes. For example, babies will cry more in a yellow painted bedroom and couples are subject to more fights if they are surrounded by yellow. So if you’re fan, we advise you to reconsider and minimize the usage of Yellow in your living and working environment. Spiritually, Yellow is the color of the solar plexus Chakra which includes the stomach, the liver, skin and the whole muscular system; it is known to empower a person, promote personal strength, vitality and will.
Consciously or unconsciously, garments and more specifically the colors we choose to wear influence the way people perceive us. Sometimes whole personas are created around colors. Want to look mysterious? Well, black is your color (think of Zorro, Ninjas, and Darth Vader). Want to look sexy and passionate? Red is the go to color (Jessica Rabbit, Marilyn Monroe in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes). Want to convey a natural/ healthy look? Then any shade of green will do the trick (most logos trying to convey their eco friendliness will have green in them).
It is important that we acknowledge the benefits and pitfalls of colors in our lives. Although we may not pay attention to it, colors do influence our physical, mental and spiritual well being. We should not underestimate their ill effect which can be harmful or negative. So the next time you decide to treat yourself to a Blue necklace or pair of earrings, you might not only be making a fashion statement, but you might also enhance your speech or become a better listener.
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