The color red undoubtedly attracts the attention of society, as do all its shades. Most people associate it with passion, love, fire and blood. At the same time, the color red in psychology has special meanings that are diverse. For some, scarlet tones carry only positive characteristics, but others see them as a great danger. Let's look at the issue in more detail.
What does red mean?
In many languages of the world, red means “beautiful” or “beautiful.” For example, the Polynesians used this word to denote not only the color red, but also the word “beloved.” The Chinese can use one word to describe both the color red and the characteristic “frank, truthful” (they call a sincere person a “scarlet heart”).
The symbolism of the color red in the psychology and perception of many people has many contradictions. There are both positive meanings (love, greatness, joy, beauty) and “dangerous” ones (power, blood, struggle, flame).
In clothes
Once upon a time, red was considered a “royal” color, prevailing in the attire of rulers and other high-ranking persons. In Byzantium, such luxury as red boots was available only to the empress.
In the modern world, numerous studies show that among men, red is preferred by those who are prone to dominance and are very confident in their own abilities. Such a person wants to be a leader and loves to be the center of attention.
Most men, seeing a woman in red clothes, perceive her appearance as a call to action. Lovers of the color red who are not interested in dating should take this circumstance into account. In general, this choice is often made by women who want to attract attention and feel liberated and free.
In the interior
Designers determine the character of color in the interior using color-carrying materials. When mentioning the activating color red, we mean bright fabrics, oil paints, alkyd enamels, and plastics. The mentioned shades presented in the interior by these materials are considered active. There is another group - clay engobe, red brick, red clay shard. Although they are carriers of scarlet, these shades are more complex and restrained.
Using dark red sheer draperies or bright pillows, you can create a romantic atmosphere in India or China. Terracotta tiles on the floor and khaki furniture will create an Italian atmosphere in the house. Whatever style you choose, remember that red can visually reduce the space and “drown out” other colors in the interior. If you decide to use it in the bedroom, then do it in a limited way - over time, its strong energy can tire you.
In jewelry
Jewelry with scarlet stones can effectively complement any simple outfit, becoming a bright and memorable accent of the image. Psychologists believe that such shades influence sexual relationships between people, pushing them towards closer relationships - this is important to take into account when choosing jewelry. When wearing a ruby necklace, remember to choose a dramatic flame color that enhances emotion.
If red is your favorite color
Lovers of the color red do not like to beat around the bush, and immediately declare their desires and intentions. They are prone to impulsive actions, rarely thinking about the consequences. They are active in many areas of life and often see things through to completion. They strive for leadership and victory, and are not afraid to go against the odds. They are not satisfied with injustice, they strive for clarity and certainty. They are prone to selfishness, take criticism hard, and cannot come to terms with someone else's primacy. They love to attract attention and often behave demonstratively.
Interpretation depending on shade
The color red has many shades, although most people distinguish no more than 4-5. Each shade has a different meaning. You can tell a lot about a person from it. Different shades of red have different effects on the psyche.
- Scarlet stimulates sensuality and calls for action. This is the most fiery shade; it can push a person to a rash act. May provoke aggression or hysteria.
- Burgundy combines the features of red and brown colors. Lovers of this color have a strong will and a tendency to think. But a large amount of burgundy is depressing.
- Raspberry symbolizes love of life and determination. People who prefer this color strive for success, they are optimistic and active. But under the influence of raspberry, they can make impulsive decisions.
- Dark red color does not excite, but on the contrary, makes a person inert. Under its influence, people become skeletal, condescending, even cruel.
The meaning of red in psychology
The color red has several meanings in psychology. You can hear opposite options: lust - passion, creation - destruction, joy - war. In some cases, the color red is interpreted as confidence in oneself and the chosen path. Scarlet lovers are ready for active action and openly demonstrate their capabilities. If a weak personality begins to get carried away with the color red, it can have the opposite effect - result in nervous exhaustion and anxiety.
Scarlet has an active effect, increasing the rate of breathing and pulse. According to psychologists, its main characteristic is very rude energy, which is not recommended for individuals with an unstable psyche, as this can provoke them into an explosion of inappropriate emotions. For the same reason, it is better to avoid such bright colors when choosing wallpaper for a child's room.
Do you love red? Undoubtedly, you have leadership inclinations, you are prone to perseverance, are ready to go towards your goal, and are persistent. You are a true fighter for rights, and nothing will take you away from your true desires. In addition to positive characteristics, psychology notes that red is characterized by tendencies to violence, cruelty, and lust. As you can see, there are two extremes, and you can determine which one is closer to you.
Red lovers
Your favorite color can tell a lot about your character traits when building a psychological portrait of your personality. It is important to pay attention to a person’s preferences in choosing shades. The color red can express a wide range of feelings. Warm shades represent romance, passion and rebellion, while cool and dark shades represent maturity, authority, power.
Positive traits
- Willpower and self-confidence. Such people are able to overcome life's difficulties without losing composure. They know how to do it better than others.
- Determination and leadership. Red fans are able to achieve goals and lead others to them.
- Energy and sustainability. Bright red colors are chosen by people full of energy. And they love to share their energy with others, giving them a boost of energy.
- Sexual activity. Lovers of the color red wish for an energetic and varied sex life. In extreme manifestations, this turns into promiscuity and promiscuity.
Negative qualities
- Stubbornness. The desire for a goal often turns into a desire to insist on one’s own.
- Intolerance to someone else's point of view, unwillingness to compromise. Reds fans tend to defend their opinions even to the detriment of the result.
- Aggressiveness. The desire to insist on one’s own, regardless of means, leads to verbal, psychological, and physical violence.
- Cruelty. The color red symbolizes power and strength. Certain types of people realize their inclinations through cruelty towards the weak and dependent.
- Their self-confidence can easily turn into complacency. At the same time, they are charismatic leaders capable of implementing large-scale projects. Both men and women of this type are attractive to the opposite sex. Red is the color of choice for sensual souls.
How does the color red and its shades affect a person?
Modern medicine has been using color therapy for some time now, in which different shades can influence the physical, emotional and mental health of the patient. The method is based on the wavelength of each color. Red and its shades are very rich - they increase tone, give a surge of strength, a charge of vigor.
Can't make the right choice? Exposure to red will eliminate doubts. You will quickly place the right emphasis and assess the situation and priorities more transparently. Red color will provide you with the strength to defend your own opinion and point of view. If you feel a loss of strength and apathy, scarlet will return your enthusiasm and former vigor.
The red chakra is believed to give people more strength and stamina to perform extraordinary abilities, regardless of their original physical parameters. People around them notice this and are less likely to enter into arguments with such people and do not provoke conflict situations, feeling that they have a leader in front of them. There is another extreme. Excessive influence of the red chakra can bring negative colors to behavior. Temper and excessive aggression appear. The person shows intolerance, jealousy, and irritation. Increased activity affects other energy centers, and the individual fails to reach the desired goal. This is logical, because on the path to what you want, only the red chakra is not enough; other incentives are also important. Use red in moderation. Experts believe that in the morning its influence is most fruitful and gives energy for the whole day. He works successfully in situations where it is necessary to gain determination and cheer up.
Rainbow psychology
As children, we all rejoiced at the appearance of a rainbow in the sky after the rain. Everyone tried to memorize the number and sequence of colors of the rainbow. Who among us does not remember such funny phrases as:
- Every
Hunter
Wants
to
Know
Where
the
Pheasant
Goes . _ _ _ _ - How
once
Jak
- Zanar
Head
broke
the
Lantern
. _ _
_ _ - And other options.
Where the first letters of the words mean the corresponding color name:
- Each
one is red; - O
hunter - orange; - Wants
- yellow; - Know
- green; - Gde
- blue; - S
goes - blue; - Azan
- purple.
But we didn’t even think at that time that each color influences us, our character and our life to one degree or another. And now, having already become adults, we can trace the psychological connection of a certain color we prefer with one or another trait of our character.
Symbolism of red in love
Why is it so common that red is considered the color of passion and love? For a long time, Russian peasants dressed the bride not in snow-white, expressing innocence and purity, but in red. This outfit was chosen for various reasons, but the association remained stable.
Before Christianity in Rus', red was considered the color of death, and warriors wore red shirts when going to battle. The bride's clothing became part of a ritual indicating that the girl said goodbye to her family of origin, becoming part of another family. Her loved ones mourned her as if she were dead, releasing her into the world where she transformed from a child into a wife and mother. The epithet “fair maiden” is also known - initially it characterized girls of marriageable age, and then simply beauties who attracted men’s gaze and enchanted them with themselves.
In the Middle Ages, red was considered a symbol of passionate love in many European countries. Only wealthy people could afford clothes of this color, and merchants of scarlet dye could get rich in a fairly quick time.
The meaning of the color scarlet, associated with love, could be found in the ancient world. For example, a red rose is a symbol of the goddess of love and beauty, the beautiful Aphrodite. The scarlet flower also has a love meaning - as a symbol of the anticipation of a love relationship.
The color red carries the meaning of both platonic love and excitement, sexuality, free love and passion (just remember the famous Red Light District). Shades of scarlet symbolize flame, an uncontrollable and powerful element that is often associated with excitement, passion and danger. As a result: not a single holiday of love (Valentine's Day) is complete without red paraphernalia - balloons, flowers, desserts, dresses and much more.
Positive, negative influence on men and women
The influence of the color red on the psyche of men and women can be used. It can invigorate and increase self-confidence. This shade helps you make the right decision, stimulates activity and increases your desire to achieve your own goals. It has a sexually stimulating effect on men.
But red also has a negative effect. It can excite so much that it will lead to aggression, irritability, and temper. Too much red drains a person, exhausting and tiring. Psychologists do not recommend wearing clothes of this color when depressed or during stress.
Combination of blue with other colors
Blue color in its pure form, without combination with other colors, can have an adverse effect on the human psyche. Therefore, we suggest considering options for combining this color with other colors.
- Blue with red. Quite a bold color combination that many people consider inappropriate. Despite the fact that not every person decides to combine such colors, such a tandem can exist. Moreover, you can combine blue with bright red, as well as with burgundy, garnet, and scarlet.
With red
- Blue with pink. It is also quite a contrasting combination, to which the pink color brings tenderness and brightness. To combine with blue, we recommend using delicate pink, lilac, and crimson colors.
With pink
- Blue with orange. This combination is no less striking than the two previously described. It is best to combine blue with pale orange, peach and sea buckthorn, since this color will look too provocative with bright and flashy orange shades.
With orange
- Blue with yellow. The combination of these colors is very bright and beautiful. Together, these colors create a warm and sunny combination. You can combine blue with light yellow, apricot, and rich yellow.
With yellow
- Blue with green. Blue is best combined with pale and light shades of green, for example, olive, pistachio.
With green
- Blue with different shades. By combining blue with your own shades you can create a light, delicate and airy look. You can combine blue with light blue, black-blue, turquoise.
- It is also appropriate to combine blue with gray, beige, coffee, white and brown. Such combinations can be considered classic and universal; they look quite stylish and beautiful.
Mood color blue: different aspects of color
Yes, undoubtedly, blue is the color of nobility and wealth, however, it is still wrong to consider it only from the positive side. Therefore, we invite you to evaluate different aspects of the color being analyzed:
- The positive aspect lies in the spirituality of blue, in its peace, calmness and wisdom. This color is not liked by mercantile, spiritually poor people. Few people understand him because he is discreet and not flashy.
This color can put a person’s psycho-emotional state in order, calm him down, give him confidence, drive away negative thoughts, reconfigure a person’s subconscious, giving him new correct attitudes.
- The negative aspect lies in the coldness and insensitivity of this color. Many people note that the blue color depresses them, dulls their feelings and emotions, and makes them rude and withdrawn. Also, this color is often associated with such qualities as rancor and arrogance. It can put a person into a trance, take him away from real life, and give imaginary confidence.
Reviews:
Karina, 23 years old, Sevastopol
I've always loved the color purple. I just loved it. I didn’t know where to go after school, I didn’t like any profession. I read that people who are in love with the color purple are creative people. I trusted it. I have been a successful artist for 5 years now. I draw portraits, the demand is huge. Thanks to those people who collected all the knowledge about color. Indeed, it helped me a lot.
Valentina, 34 years old, Moscow
An incident once happened to me: I was on the subway, and a decent-looking man sat down next to me. He starts looking at me sideways. I’m nervous, and he blurts out: “Girl, what’s your favorite color?” “Well, orange,” I say. And then he was delighted and asked me to go on a date without even asking my name. Married for 3 years, everything is great. As it turned out, he was a psychologist and at that moment was studying the psychology of color. For a long time he was looking for a girl who corresponded to his ideal (she had to love yellow or orange). And he found me. This is such an interesting orange love story.
What does it symbolize
Since ancient times, blue tones have symbolized greatness and imparted magical powers. Gods and great rulers were depicted in blue clothes. In different nations, blue symbolized the following phenomena:
- In Christian traditions it means Divine power, fidelity, faith and justice;
- in antiquity it symbolized fertility and natural growth, was the color of Zeus and Venus;
- in China, blue denotes a successful marriage, blue is considered an unlucky and mourning shade;
- in Central America symbolizes victory;
- in North America it means calm and tranquility;
- in Egypt symbolizes honesty and loyalty;
- in India it means mourning;
- in Europe it was the color of fidelity and trust; in Poland there was a tradition of painting brides’ houses blue. Blue shades symbolize nobility, hence the phrase “blue blood”;
- in Jewish traditions, blue means gratitude, blue shades - equanimity and calmness;
- in Buddhism it means reason, strength and freedom.
The symbolism of color dates back to ancient times; in myths and religious teachings, each color had a deep meaning. By color preferences you can “read” a person and understand his character. Blue is one of the three primary colors, along with red and yellow. Preferring it in clothes and accessories, a person subconsciously strives for calm and stability and has high intelligence.
