Color Psychology: How a Color Affects our Mood
Our mind reacts according to the color infront of us. Here are some psychological aspects how a color affect our mood. Like death and taxes, there is no escaping color. It is ubiquitous. Yet what does it all mean? Why are people more relaxed in green rooms? Why do weightlifters do their best in blue gyms?
Our mind reacts according to the color infront of us. Here are some psychological aspects how a color affect our mood. Like death and taxes, there is no escaping color. It is ubiquitous. Yet what does it all mean? Why are people more relaxed in green rooms? Why do weightlifters do their best in blue gyms?
Colors often have different meanings in various cultures.
And even in Western societies, the meanings of various colors have changed over
the years. But today in the U.S., researchers have generally found the
following to be accurate.
White
Brides wear white to symbolize innocence and purity.
White reflects light and is considered a summer color. White is popular in
decorating and in fashion because it is light, neutral, and goes with
everything. However, white shows dirt and is therefore more difficult to keep
clean than other colors. Doctors and nurses wear white to imply sterility.
Red
The most emotionally intense color, red stimulates a
faster heartbeat and breathing. It is also the color of love. Red clothing gets
noticed and makes the wearer appear heavier. Since it is an extreme color, red
clothing might not help people in negotiations or confrontations. Red cars are
popular targets for thieves. In decorating, red is usually used as an accent.
Decorators say that red furniture should be perfect since it will attract
attention.
The most romantic color, pink, is more tranquilizing.
Sports teams sometimes paint the locker rooms used by opposing teams bright
pink so their opponents will lose energy.
Black
Black is the color of authority and power. It is popular
in fashion because it makes people appear thinner. It is also stylish and
timeless. Black also implies submission. Priests wear black to signify
submission to God. Some fashion experts say a woman wearing black implies
submission to men. Black outfits can also be overpowering, or make the wearer
seem aloof or evil. Villains, such as Dracula, often wear black.
Brown
Solid, reliable brown is the color of earth and is
abundant in nature. Light brown implies genuineness while dark brown is similar
to wood or leather. Brown can also be sad and wistful. Men are more apt to say
brown is one of their favorite colors.
Blue
The color of the sky and the ocean, blue is one of the
most popular colors. It causes the opposite reaction as red. Peaceful, tranquil
blue causes the body to produce calming chemicals, so it is often used in
bedrooms. Blue can also be cold and depressing. Fashion consultants recommend
wearing blue to job interviews because it symbolizes loyalty. People are more
productive in blue rooms. Studies show weightlifters are able to handle heavier
weights in blue gyms.
Green
Currently the most popular decorating color, green
symbolizes nature. It is the easiest color on the eye and can improve vision.
It is a calming, refreshing color. People waiting to appear on TV sit in
"green rooms" to relax. Hospitals often use green because it relaxes
patients. Brides in the Middle Ages wore green to symbolize fertility. Dark
green is masculine, conservative, and implies wealth. However, seamstresses often
refuse to use green thread on the eve of a fashion show for fear it will bring
bad luck.
Yellow
Cheerful sunny yellow is an attention getter. While it is
considered an optimistic color, people lose their tempers more often in yellow
rooms, and babies will cry more. It is the most difficult color for the eye to
take in, so it can be overpowering if overused. Yellow enhances concentration,
hence its use for legal pads. It also speeds metabolism.
Purple
The color of royalty, purple connotes luxury, wealth, and
sophistication. It is also feminine and romantic. However, because it is rare
in nature, purple can appear artificial.
Colors
of the Flag
In the U.S. flag, white stands for purity and innocence.
Red represents valor and hardiness, while blue signifies justice, perseverance,
and vigilance. The stars represent the heavens and all the good that people
strive for, while the stripes emulate the sun's rays.
Food
for Thought
While blue is one of the most popular colors it is one of
the least appetizing. Blue food is rare in nature. Food researchers say that
when humans searched for food, they learned to avoid toxic or spoiled objects,
which were often blue, black, or purple. When food dyed blue is served to study
subjects, they lose appetite.
Green, brown, and red are the most popular food colors.
Red is often used in restaurant decorating schemes because it is an appetite
stimulant.
Image Source: http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1418265
Image Source: http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1418265
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