How many colors can you name? Maybe you can rattle off the seven colors of the rainbow, or maybe you’re a fashionista who can differentiate between ten shades of white. No matter how many colors you find in your proverbial paint box, the human ability to communicate “in color” is limited.
Did you know that the human eye can see more than seven million colors? Try coming up with a name for each!
With such a variety, it is easy to see how color has inspired some of the most vivid imagery in writing. Here is a quick look at the meaning behind some of the most common hues.
Red
You might call red the king of color. It is one of the most used and loved colors in the world, perhaps because of its association with extremes. Red is the color of life and love, passion, romance, strength, and vitality. However, it also calls to mind danger, warning, and strife. Here are some fun facts about red:
- More than three-fourths of the world’s nations use red in their flags
- Red symbolizes good luck in Asia
- Brides in India and Nepal wear red, not white, for their weddings
- There are two main categories of red: berry red and tomato red; berry reds have a blue base, while tomato reds have a yellow base
Yellow and Orange
These two vibrant hues are among the most visible colors. They both symbolize caution, and people often relate yellow to fear. However, yellow and orange have their positive qualities, too. Orange is fresh and invigorating; it can even increase oxygen flow to the brain. Yellow is youthful. It is the color of sunshine, happiness, and friendship.
A unique trait of yellow is that it doesn’t have as many appealing shades as other colors. Many people feel that dark yellows are dirty and unattractive.
Green
Green is everywhere, even if it isn’t St. Patrick’s Day. Green is a relaxing color that helps people feel connected to nature. It can even help to alleviate depression. Also, green is a superhero. Countless “green” initiatives strive to implement environmentally friendly processes designed to make the planet a cleaner, healthier place. Can’t get enough green? Here are some cool things to know about this awesome color:
- In Iran, green is one of the colors that symbolizes paradise
- People in Portugal associate green with hope
- George Washington’s favorite color was green
Blue
While blues music is all about feeling low, this color isn’t totally sad. Blue is tranquil and calming, and it can even make people more productive. It calls to mind things like the ocean, the sky, baby boys, blueberries, bluebells, and a myriad of other things that bring a smile to the face.
One of blue’s best characteristics is that it symbolizes loyalty. That is why many experts recommend that job candidates wear blue to a job interview. Blue also has a connection to air mail and the navy.
Purple
Feeling royal? Wear purple. In ancient times, purple dye was special because it came from a tiny mollusk and workers could only harvest a few drops of precious purple at a time; only rulers could afford to wear purple garments.
Of course, purple is commonplace now, but it retains its dignified nature. Purple calls to mind things like the prestigious Purple Heart award, and Catholics use purple as a symbol of pride.
Black and White
Technically, black and white are not colors. With pigments, black is the combination of all colors, and white is the absence of all colors. Still, the classic combo deserves a mention because both “colors” come with profound meaning. In many cultures, black symbolizes death and evil. In other places, however, the opposite is true; Hindus wear white to funerals. White also has associations with cleanness, purity, and innocence.
Every kid wants to lay claim to the biggest box of crayons, and that’s understandable; color enhances life. Do you know any fun facts about colors and the imagery they’re connected to? How do you use these colors in your writing?
from www.grammarly.com/blog
http://www.grammarly.com/blog/2015/what-kinds-of-imagery-come-from-certain-colors/
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