The Meanings of Colors: Symbolism, Color Therapy and Psychological Effects of Colors

Color psychology studies the meanings of colors and how colors impact people’s moods, feelings, and behavior.

People have attempted to use colors for healing for centuries. Chromotherapy (sometimes referred to as color therapy or colorology) was used in Ancient Egypt and ancient China. For instance, the color red was believed to stimulate the body and mind. It was also thought to help increase blood circulation. The color yellow was thought to stimulate the nerves and help purify the body. The color orange was used for healing the lungs and increasing energy levels. The color blue was believed to relieve pain.

Chromotherapy is still used today as a form of alternative medicine. Its practitioners claim that therapists can use colors and light to balance energy.

Generally, psychologists are skeptical of color therapy. They argue that the effects of color have been exaggerated and that the meanings of colors can differ across cultures. Moreover, the mood-altering effects of color are only temporary.

While colors often do have different meanings in different cultures, the following associations are commonly described:

Black
The color black is often regarded as the color of authority and power. However, in many cultures, it is associated with death and mourning. It is also popular in fashion for its slimming quality.

Click here for the personality color black.

White
The color white represents purity or innocence; doctors and nurses wear it to imply sterility. The color white is bright and can give a sense of space or add highlights. It is also considered a summer color. Because of its neutrality, it is popular in fashion and decorating.

The personality color white is described here.

Red
The color red is a bright, warm color that evokes strong emotions. It is considered the color of love. It stimulates a faster heartbeat and breathing. The color red is often used as an accent color.

For the red personality type, click here.

Blue
The color blue is considered a calming color. It is also considered the color of peace and tranquility. Many people favor this color. The color blue can lower pulse rate and body temperature. People are more productive in blue rooms. It is also sometimes regarded as a cold or depressing color.

The blue color personality description is here.

Green
The color green is a symbol of nature. This calming and refreshing color is the easiest on the eye. It improves vision. In fact, research has shown that it can improve reading ability and comprehension. It is also a symbol of health.

Do you have the green personality type?

Yellow
The color yellow is the hardest color on the eye due to the amount of light it reflects. Yet, it is regarded as an optimistic and cheerful color. On the other hand, many people are more likely to lose their temper in yellow rooms, and babies cry more in yellow rooms. Aside from being a great attention-getter, it is also thought to increase metabolism.

Do you belong to the yellow personality type?

Now what’s your personality color?