Colours have long been believed to influence human emotions, behaviours, and even spiritual well-being. Across cultures and time, people have attached deep significance to different colours, viewing them as more than just visual stimuli. Whether through traditional beliefs or contemporary perspectives, the way colours affect the human psyche is a fascinating blend of psychology, symbolism, and spirituality.

Traditional Beliefs Around Colour

Historically, many cultures have attributed spiritual and psychological meanings to colours. These beliefs often stem from a connection to nature, the elements, and the human body’s energy centres or "chakras."

  1. Ancient Egyptian and Greek Traditions: In ancient Egypt, colours were closely tied to the natural world and deities. For example, green was associated with fertility and rebirth, often linked to the Nile’s life-giving floods, while blue symbolised the heavens and protection. The Greeks, too, considered colours in terms of their impact on the body and spirit. They believed that colours had healing properties—red could invigorate the spirit, while blue could calm and soothe.

  2. Indian Chakra System: Traditional Indian beliefs, particularly those related to the chakra system, assign specific colours to energy centres in the body. Each of the seven chakras is believed to vibrate at a frequency that corresponds to a particular colour:

    • Red (Root Chakra): Stability, grounding, and survival.
    • Orange (Sacral Chakra): Creativity and emotional balance.
    • Yellow (Solar Plexus Chakra): Power, confidence, and self-esteem.
    • Green (Heart Chakra): Love and compassion.
    • Blue (Throat Chakra): Communication and self-expression.
    • Indigo (Third Eye Chakra): Intuition and wisdom.
    • Violet (Crown Chakra): Spiritual connection and enlightenment.

    These colours are thought to influence not just physical health but emotional and spiritual states, with imbalances manifesting in both the body and mind.

  3. Chinese and Feng Shui: Traditional Chinese beliefs, particularly those of feng shui, also emphasise the importance of colour. Different colours are thought to attract or repel certain energies. For example, red is associated with luck and prosperity, while white represents purity and is often used in mourning rituals. The five elements of wood, fire, earth, metal, and water correspond to different colours (green, red, yellow, white, and black/blue), each influencing various aspects of life and spirituality.

Contemporary Beliefs About Colour and Psychology

In modern times, while colour continues to hold symbolic significance, contemporary psychology has expanded on the idea that colours can deeply influence mood and behaviour.

  1. Colour Psychology: Colour psychology is the study of how colours affect human behaviour and emotional states. Although many theories of colour psychology overlap with traditional beliefs, contemporary perspectives tend to focus more on the subconscious impact of colours rather than their spiritual connotations.

    • Red: Often associated with intensity, passion, and urgency. It is believed to increase heart rate and create a sense of excitement or alertness.
    • Blue: Calming and serene, blue is linked to feelings of peace, trust, and stability. It’s often used in environments where a sense of calm is needed.
    • Yellow: Known as the colour of happiness and energy, yellow is believed to uplift the mood but can also lead to feelings of frustration or anxiety when overused.
    • Green: Associated with nature, balance, and harmony, green is thought to be one of the most restful colours for the eye and has a soothing effect on emotions.
    • Purple: Traditionally linked to royalty, creativity, and mystery, purple can inspire imagination and spiritual thought.
    • White: Modern interpretations see white as representing cleanliness, simplicity, and freshness. It can evoke a sense of space and clarity but may also feel sterile if overdone.

  2. Colour Therapy (Chromotherapy): Colour therapy, or chromotherapy, is a modern healing practice that revives ancient beliefs about the spiritual and psychological effects of colour. Practitioners of colour therapy believe that exposure to specific colours can restore balance to the body’s energy fields. For example:

    • Blue light is used to calm and soothe stress or anxiety.
    • Red light is thought to stimulate energy and increase circulation.
    • Green light is believed to promote healing and balance.

    Though chromotherapy is not universally accepted within mainstream medicine, it is still used in holistic practices, drawing from the idea that different colours can have tangible effects on a person’s mental and physical well-being.

The Influence of Colour in Everyday Life:

Even in contemporary design, fashion, and marketing, colour is utilised to evoke specific emotions and reactions. The way we choose colours in our homes, clothing, and workplaces is often subconscious but reflects a deeper understanding of how they make us feel.

  • Interior Design: The choice of colours in a space can influence energy levels and mood. Soft blues and greens are often used in bedrooms to promote restfulness, while bright yellows and oranges may be used in creative spaces to inspire action and enthusiasm.

  • Branding and Advertising: Companies carefully select colours in their logos and marketing materials to trigger specific emotional responses. For instance, fast-food chains frequently use red and yellow to stimulate hunger and excitement, while blue is often used by banks and tech companies to build trust.

The impact of colour on the human psyche goes far beyond aesthetics. Whether rooted in ancient beliefs or modern psychology, colours carry powerful associations that can influence our mood, energy, and emotional well-being on a spiritual and subconscious level. From the calming effects of blue to the energising power of red, our relationship with colour continues to shape the way we perceive and interact with the world.

 

Photo by Magda Ehlers: https://www.pexels.com/photo/color-text-1279813/