What does blue and red mean. The psychology of color: what each color means and how it affects our lives

Color is something that surrounds each person every day, causes special emotions and sensations. The choice of clothes, interior items, improvised means and much more according to shades and palettes directly speaks about the preferences of a person, his state of mind and inner feelings. Preferences in colors also characterize the temperament and mood regarding the upcoming event.

The meaning of colors in psychology

Choosing the right tone contributes to various effects and can even guarantee success in various endeavors (at work, dating, dating important people And so on).
Understanding what certain shades and combinations carry in themselves, it will be easier for each person to navigate and even direct the course of events in the right direction. You can understand your condition, see changes in your friends and acquaintances, help improve your mood and much more by choosing and combining certain colors in your style and environment (objects on the desktop, home interior and so on.).

Experts have proven that certain events or memories are directly related to a particular color. Almost everyone associates various holidays and events with bright colors, such as red, orange, green, pink, yellow, etc. Sad events always blow in black or gray tones.
Subconsciously, people similarly perceive and react to colors. Since childhood, a person gets used to perceive red as an alarming sign, prohibition and anxiety. Green, on the contrary, allows you to perform the desired actions, confidently move forward without feeling danger. Each of them has its own characteristics, differently affect the perception and psychological condition person.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF RED IN PSYCHOLOGY

Since ancient times, people have shown a special interest in the color red. In many languages, the same word denotes the color red and, in general, everything beautiful, beautiful. Among the Polynesians, the word "red" is synonymous with the word "beloved." In China, a sincere, frank person is said to have a "red heart", while the heart of a bad, treacherous person is black.
Red - exciting, hot, activating, association with danger and aggression. Red is easy to draw attention to any advertisement. The pulse and blood pressure may increase if you look at red for a long time. Red gets tired quickly.
People who prefer red love to be leaders. Almost all of their senses are at their maximum. They are persistent, do not like to put things off. It often happens that those who prefer red are demonstrative and selfish, intolerant, stubborn and cruel. A woman in red, most often, tends to flirt with guys.
Red color also means power, greatness. In Byzantium, only the empress had the right to wear red boots. The Emperor signed in purple ink and sat on a purple throne. For many peoples, red symbolizes the south, flame and heat.

Orange color in psychology

Orange is pretty close to yellow. It has similar features and properties. cheerfulness, positive attitude, passion, willingness to solve complex problems, joy and spontaneity - all this carries this version of the palette. Orange has a positive effect on a person and takes him out of a depressive state after heavy losses and disappointments. Included in the list of the best colors for psychotherapy.

Lovers of this color have forgiving, easy-going, bright character traits. It is worth considering that their feature is inconstancy and arrogance.

Purple color in psychology

Combining red and Blue colour turns purple. Deciphering this shade has certain difficulties and several nuances. Most artists in antiquity painted pregnant girls using this palette shade. This phenomenon is explained by consonance with sensuality.
IN modern world experts argue about its negative and even depressive effects on a person. Most self-critical, gloomy, dissatisfied personalities prefer to surround themselves with purple objects and clothing. Using it in small amounts can be beneficial, because purple overestimates self-esteem. It should be noted that this color is not used when working with the elderly and young children.

SIGNIFICANCE OF PINK

Pink is a soft color that dulls the emotions of anger and aggression. In places where children with antisocial behavior are corrected, pink walls or furniture are often used. If after a hard day you come home angry and aggressive, look at something pink and your aggression will disappear.
Pink can mean goodness, passion, romance, love. Those who prefer pink want to live full life, wish new experiences, are hardworking and do not like to rest. But sometimes people who prefer pink can be frivolous, childish, who love to show off in front of everyone.
Pink is the color of life, of all living things. He talks about the need to love and be kinder. Those who like him can get excited about the most insignificant thing. In people who are overly pragmatic, this color causes irritation.

Blue color

This shade in psychology symbolizes calmness and contentment. It balances mood swings and other aspects of the human psyche, evens out well-being throughout the day. It is recommended for the design of work areas and offices, when it is necessary to develop discipline, diligence, organization, and leadership qualities among employees.
Blue color develops the ability to find profitable compromises, make cold, balanced decisions. It disposes to the stable functioning of all systems of the human body, including mental processes.
It is used as a balancing lever, which returns the mind and contributes to the rapid rehabilitation of people with neuroses and other mental conditions. The whole psychology of the color of the sea is based on this.

Green color

It is a completely natural and maximally adapted color, which causes only positive feelings in a person's life.
Naturally, many shades of green can cause some discomfort, such as neon. Over time, they irritate the visual analyzer, contributing to fatigue, and worsen well-being. But, besides this, neon shades improve appetite, causing a feeling of hunger. It is often used in rooms that are intended for eating.
Other shades of green are more calm and peaceful. Favorably affect the vision and well-being of a person. A return to the primitive beginning of a person associates green with something natural and native, so it is perceived very easily in any interiors, clothes and household trifles.

Black color - meaning in psychology

Many people believe that everything connected with black has a negative meaning, but in fact it is not.
It embodies authoritarianism, it has been proven that people in black clothes become more weighty, so it is not for long surprising that rich people prefer it.
In some cases, the color value indicates a serious psychological imbalance. If black prevails in the drawings of children, then it is urgent to contact a specialist.
A person who prefers this color is a mystery and, choosing such clothes, he unconsciously tries to attract the attention of others. If dark tones prevail in the wardrobe, then this indicates that such and such important things are missing in life.
Black color in psychology has a connection with sexual attractiveness. People who love him agree to experiments in bed.

The meaning of white in psychology

The brightest representative colors is the personification of purity, innocence, joy and fidelity.
It means freedom of opportunity and the removal of all existing barriers. White color in psychology is a symbol of equality, because it combines other shades.
A person who prefers white is completely given to any business, wanting to bring it to perfection. He is open to the world and easily senses deceit.
Understanding what colors mean, it is worth noting that this light shade also has an opposite meaning, which is due to the fact that it is able to neutralize other colors, personifying emptiness.

The meaning of gray in psychology

The average neutral value between black and white is grey colour, so it does not distract from important matters. According to surveys, there are very few people who prefer it in their wardrobe and life in general.
Gray color in psychology means that the person who likes it puts the mind in the first place, not emotions. For insecure people, clothes of this color give strength.
Consider a mixture of black and white a shade of calm, balance, realism and order.
Doctors and psychologists are sure that people who love gray are on the verge of nervous and emotional exhaustion.

Yellow

The color of gold, which since ancient times was perceived as a frozen color of the sun. This is the color of autumn, the color of ripe ears and withering leaves, but also the color of illness, death, the other world.
In many nations, women preferred yellow clothes. Often yellow served hallmark nobles and upper classes. For example, Mongolian lamas wear yellow clothing with a red sash.
On the other hand, among some peoples of Asia, yellow is the color of mourning, sorrow, sadness. In Europe, a yellow or yellow-black flag meant quarantine, and a yellow cross meant plague. Among the Slavic peoples, yellow is considered the color of jealousy, betrayal, and in Tibet, jealousy is literally called “yellow eye”. Let's also remember the "yellow press" and the "yellow house"

Blue color - meaning in psychology

If you want to calm down and inspire confidence in another person, it is recommended to use blue. With it, you can earn respect and emphasize your social status.
Blue color in psychology is a symbol of stability. It stimulates and motivates well, so it is recommended to paint the walls in the office with it.
Blue is a symbol of straightness and stability.
In the design of the hospital, this shade is used, since it has been proven that it gives strength to seriously ill people, helping them fight ailments. Athletes, training in the hall with blue walls, achieve the best results in competitions.

The meaning of brown in psychology

If a person prefers things with such a shade in his life, then this indicates his self-confidence. Psychologists recommend that you always use brown in moments of life when many problems arise. He inspires hope in a person that everything will turn out well.
Brown in psychology means that the people who choose it love to work and always tell the truth. When going to an interview, it is recommended to wear brown clothes.
He is associated with common sense, reliability and resilience, but it is also associated with frustration and depression.
Brown combines red, which contains aggression and activity, and yellow, which extinguishes these qualities.
Finding out the meaning of colors, it is worth pointing out that brown fans love life in all its manifestations, but at the same time they are reasonable. In critical situations, they can show composure and rationalism.
As for the sex life, the “brown” person prefers conservatism and traditionalism. For him, in the first place is the emotional state, and then, already physiology.

Burgundy color - meaning in psychology

To form this shade, red and brown are used, so the characteristics inherent in them are transferred to burgundy. In life, he is preferred by the strong business people who are conservative, confident and solid.

Burgundy color in psychology personifies power and strength. If you often use it in clothes, you can develop assertiveness, stamina and determination.

It is important to bear in mind that in large quantities, Bordeaux begins to negatively affect the psyche and can cause depression, so psychologists recommend using color in doses.

When analyzing the meaning of colors, it is worth pointing out that people who wear burgundy things are energetic, and they have excellent organizational skills, but at the same time they are stingy with emotions.

Each person has a favorite color, each shade has a certain character. In a science such as psychology, each of them has its own characteristics.

Every color has character. People feel its strength on an intuitive level, therefore they strive to surround themselves with comfortable colors with which they associate themselves or with which they would like to compare themselves.

Now let's take a closer look at green. It is obtained by mixing two other colors, it looks something like this: blue + yellow = green. The psychology of color also turns out to be twofold. On the one hand, this great amount energy, on the other - absolute calmness. However, much depends on the proportions in which yellow and blue are mixed and which one prevails.

But how can such opposites be combined and not harm their owner? There is an explanation for this phenomenon in psychology: blue, as creating an anti-action to yellow, gradually slows it down, over time, the two colors neutralize each other's actions, and absolute calm appears, the symbol of which will be green.

If you imagine this shade, then first of all, trees, grass, bushes will appear in front of you. So subconsciously green is associated with growth, development, nature and harmony. For example, bright green grass pleases the eye, as it is presented as a life force, something that exudes energy.

What is the meaning of green in psychology?

Harmony, tranquility, balance, life and development are all generally accepted characteristics of this shade. In addition, the green color in psychology means safety. Remember, it is he who at the traffic light allows you to start moving.

If the favorite color is green, psychology ascribes to such a person kindness, openness, readiness to help. People who have this shade as a favorite, as a rule, are reliable friends, responsible workers and simply generous people.

Shades

The interpretation of color to some extent also depends on its shade. Dark green color in psychology means a person's desire for stability, reliability and confidence in everything that surrounds him. He tries to live up to his own standards.

On the contrary, a pale green color will be characterized as peace and tranquility. It is believed that it is this shade that improves vision.

blue green

Blue-green, or turquoise, is the coldest of the shades of green. Therefore, it is advisable to use it in rooms where it is necessary to create an atmosphere of coolness. For example, in hot countries or in production, in hot shops.

It also has a refreshing effect. This is used by manufacturers of toothpastes, chewing gums, refreshing sweets. Some people prefer turquoise-colored clothes, thereby emphasizing their coldness and loftiness above worldly passions.

yellow green

Yellow-green, or light green, color means overcoming all obstacles and liberation from the captivity of conservatism. He is the symbol of the sip fresh air, freedom and destruction of borders. Thanks to the excess of yellow, the color is energetic and dynamic.

Symbolically, it can be represented as blossoming buds on trees, which finally came to life and “hatched”, showing themselves to the outside world.

brown green

Brown-green, or olive, color means enjoyment of the senses. In this case, it is not yellow and blue that are mixed, but yellow and black. Black gives the color a certain passivity and inertness. This shade shows a connection with own body and sensibility. People who prefer brown-green want to spend as much time as possible in a state that positively affects the senses and promotes relaxation.

Symbolism

The symbol of this color is recognized as the first sprouts of wheat. Generally speaking, the green color is a symbol of softness, suppleness, and sometimes hypochondria. The psychology of color has also revealed a positive effect on overexcited people. He renders sedative effect and helps build trusting relationships.

In practice, psychologists recommend painting the walls of rooms green, where a person prone to neurosis and frequent anxiety happens most of his time. This is a fairly common technique, as green calms the mind of a person, and as a result, well-being improves.

Positive impact on people

Psychology endows such people who love green with the following character traits:

• obligation;
• perseverance;
• purposefulness;
• frankness;
• nobility, if not in everything, then in the main areas of life and to most people.

People who prefer green to other colors are distinguished by special prudence, common sense and objectivity. They calculate the steps ahead, soberly assessing their capabilities in achieving their goals. Such an approach always benefits them, and they not only achieve the implementation of their tasks, but also gain the authority of others.

These people act honestly and openly, which is why they are respected by others. And their willingness to help provides them with the support they need in the future. This common features those who like green.

The psychology of color means growth, so such people strive for constant development. And this applies not only to career growth but also for personal development. Connoisseurs of green are mostly decent and sympathetic people. They can often be found in charities, public organizations, they make understanding bosses, caring parents.

Negative influence

Like everything in this world, the green color has not only positive characteristics, but it also has negative properties. What is this negative impact which can render green?

The psychology of color notes that sometimes its calming effect becomes excessive. And a person staying in his “green world” becomes very withdrawn, which does not benefit him at all.

Due to this effect, the green color is used in the treatment of people suffering from claustrophobia. They are placed in a closed room, the walls of which are painted in this shade. Patients lose their inner panic and are calmed by the beneficial effects of the pale green color.

However, one must be extremely careful when applying this color to people suffering from depression or nervous exhaustion. In such cases, green can lead to a complete loss of strength.

The impact of green on people depends on whether blue prevails in it, or whether there is more yellow in percentage terms. In the case when there is more blue, the shade becomes colder, which means that it strains the eyes more and causes general tension and alertness in a person.

At the same time, yellow gives a light atmosphere of ease.

What can color in clothes say?

Preference in choice occurs on an intuitive level. When the task is to impress someone, we also subconsciously choose the most appropriate, as it seems to us, shade for this.

Psychology interprets the green color in clothes as an indicator of hardness, rigidity, certainty and constancy. It increases self-esteem and confidence in yourself and your abilities. Those people who prefer green clothes want to be liked, they strive for public recognition, they need attention. Such people do not like competition and are afraid to be influenced by a stronger personality. They are constantly looking for ways to assert themselves.

Green in a woman's life

Wise men in the East were of the opinion that the green color corresponds to higher vibrations, and therefore has a beneficial effect on a person's mental health.

The green color in the psychology of a woman means that she is afraid to solve everyday problems alone, not feeling the strength and confidence to do it. At the same time, she does not want to fall under someone's influence and lose her own will.

She seeks protection from someone who could solve her problems. In a positive sense, this will be a balanced, calm person, with ambition and open to people. In a negative way, a woman will become very withdrawn, focused solely on herself and her needs, to some extent melancholy.

If a woman prefers to wear green clothes, she seeks to attract attention, establish trusting relationship, most likely, she had long thought over the scenario of her actions.

Most people perceive women in green as calm and passive personalities.

Differences in color preferences between men and women

The color of everything that surrounds us greatly affects our psychological state, sometimes it is difficult to notice a pattern, but it is present.

This is used by marketers to increase the attractiveness of the product in the eyes of men and women.

A number of studies have been conducted that have shown that green is one of the three most attractive colors for women, along with blue and purple. But brown, gray and orange were considered unattractive by a quarter of the women surveyed.

Therefore, these color compositions are mainly used on women's sites.

Interestingly, green is in the top three among men as well. In addition to him, the stronger sex is partial to blue and black. But purple, orange and brown are not pleasant for them.

Green color is great for creating backgrounds (in magazines, websites, posters). This is especially true when the idea of ​​nature and naturalness is promoted. Green is often used on posters for construction or environmental activities. Thanks to him, a person has a feeling of lightness and purity.

And green color subconsciously causes a craving for action. You can often notice that the words "checkout", "order", "pay" are often highlighted in bright green.

In conclusion, we can say that the green color, the meaning of which in psychology is calmness, acts in some cases of mental disorders as an antidepressant. He is preferred calm people who are not alien to decency and nobility. They exude confidence and are respected by those around them.

On the other hand, such individuals can become very secretive and withdrawn, selfish and apathetic.

Green is well suited for decorating bedrooms, as the color has a calming effect on nervous system. Classic green - when blue and yellow are equally mixed - is a reference, it is believed that when a person peers into it, the mind and body rest, complete peace sets in. This color is used in meditation rooms or in those where spiritual practices are practiced.

We see different colors every day. They are present in clothes, the world around us. Each color has its own meaning. Let's talk about what the colors represent.

White color

White is a symbol of purity and perfection. He renders beneficial effect to human energy. People who like him are usually honest and accurate, but they have many enemies. As a rule, they have a calm temperament.

Red color

Red is a symbol of life energy. It activates, attracts the eye and warms. This color is liked by strong and courageous people, who often turn out to be very vengeful. Red clothes are worn by those who want to stand out from the crowd. It charges people with special energy, giving them activity and cheerfulness.

Orange color

Orange represents the color of creation. He is optimistic, encourages freedom and action. Orange color can activate the hidden possibilities of a person. With it, you can achieve any goal. Those people who prefer the color orange are strong in spirit, they are able to influence others and quickly gain popularity. They often become leaders.

Yellow

Yellow color symbolizes the love of life. It is able to bring joy and laughter, and also stimulates mental abilities. It is believed that yellow color is pleasant creative people who are distinguished by honesty and diligence. It is also chosen by those who want to become rich and succeed in life.

Turquoise

Turquoise color symbolizes harmony between heart and mind, experience and wisdom. It activates in humans hidden talents and allows them to develop to the maximum. This color is preferred by people who are eager to achieve not only success in life, but also enlightenment.

Green color

Green color symbolizes harmony. It reduces arousal and helps to get rid of negative emotions. This color has a beneficial effect on the nervous system. People who like him usually lead a quiet life, are compassionate and sentimental. They are trusting and constant, but they are often betrayed by the people around them.

Blue

The blue color represents not only wisdom, but also a calm disposition. It promotes relaxation and inspires to do good deeds. This color is chosen by people who strive for spiritual achievements. They are not selfish, can be spineless and passive.

Blue color

Blue color symbolizes inspiration, justice and devotion. It contributes to the fulfillment of desires, even those that at first glance seem unrealizable. People who like blue tend to be very organized and have good stamina. They are receptive and can obey others. They have excellent logical thinking.

Purple

Purple is a color that symbolizes kindness and wisdom. It is very powerful, which is why it is preferred by leaders. Violet color helps to balance spiritual and physical energy. People who give preference to him tend to put on airs, they have a well-expressed self-esteem and have oratory skills. But at the same time, they often do not notice their shortcomings and can be quite tough with others.

Pink color

Pink is the color of Venus, symbolizing love. It allows you to build relationships with people around you. With the help of pink, you can attract a soul mate into your life or fill an existing relationship with tenderness. It also helps to heal from emotional wounds, increase self-esteem and prevent the occurrence of troubles in life.

Brown color

Brown color symbolizes protection. It allows you to protect yourself and attracts only good events. Brown color attracts wealth, success and abundance. He likes people who are ready to do anything to achieve their goal.

Indigo

Indigo is a color symbolizing spiritual healing and enlightenment. It helps to learn about past lives and other worlds. It is preferred by people who like mysticism and the unknown.

Grey colour

Gray color represents protection from mental and physical attacks. It effectively neutralizes negative energy and allows you to quickly get rid of problems. People who choose this color are sensitive and have a good heart.

Black color

Black color symbolizes mystery and mystery. It is chosen by people with a calm character. Often they have the ability to foresee, but not everyone uses them.

Color... When I think about color, the brain immediately gives out a beautiful rainbow covering the whole sky. Seven colors and an infinite number of shades. A what do these colors mean? In this article I want to talk about the meaning of color. Without a doubt, the influence of color on many aspects of our lives is enormous. The study of color at one time was carried out by such prominent figures like Newton, Hegel and Plato...

Scientists believe that color is a sensation that occurs in the organs of vision when light of a certain wavelength hits them. Accordingly, color affects our emotional and physical state, as well as our behavior can be determined from color. In medicine, there is even such a direction as color therapy, and this trend is gaining increasing popularity.

Each person has his own “happy” colors that help him attract confidence, well-being, maintain good health and mood, and promote creativity. They can be determined by a feng shui master by date of birth.

Interestingly, in Feng Shui, the color scheme of the five primary elements is taken as the basis:

Green, primary element Tree- Stimulates development and growth. Awakens awareness of life, restores strength. This color is recommended for use in the treatment of the heart. Green also relieves headaches.

Red, primary element Fire- the color of blood. Symbolizes the flow life force, happiness, joy, passion. Mobilizes the whole body. Forms resourcefulness, speed of reaction. Raises blood pressure.

Yellow, primary element Earth- sunny optimism, strengthening hope, a feeling of warmth and comfort. trust and security. Affects gastrointestinal tract helps to cleanse the body of toxins.

White, primary element Metal- universal color. Reflects all other colors. Releases energy. Nothing can be hidden on a white background. Sincerity, clarity of thought, purity and purity.

Black, primary element Water- absorbs all other colors. Secret. Stimulates mental activity, but all black clothing indicates a lack of hope.

The remaining colors are considered mixed and correlate with one of the primary elements.

Fire collects around itself raspberry, cherry and all very bright tones, giving a feeling of joy. Promising burgundy is a sign of charm and strength.

Earth attracts the whole range of beige-brown, ocher, olive, terracotta, pink.

Metal Corresponds to all very light pastels, greys, silvers and golds.

Water picks up black (water is black at night when not in the sun), navy blue, and all other muted dark tones.

Color can be used to solve a wide variety of problems:

Looking for a job- dress in a green color scheme;

Want to be listened to carefully- dress in dark blue;

If depression or things are not going well- multi-colored bright clothes can significantly improve the situation.

In health care settings, the color of clothing and furnishings may be consistent with the disease profile.

• In cardiology, green will improve the functioning of the heart and respiratory organs;
• In the convalescent ward, the color red will be favorable;
• For nervous and mental patients best color- soothing blue, pink, yellow and blue;
• In infectious, where patients heat, cooling blue will be useful.
• Red color is good for reducing inflammation…

You can wear these colors at home if you are sick.

In addition to the primary colors discussed above, there are colors that are no less significant for a person. Let's not leave them unattended and see what the remaining colors mean.

Orange- the color of pleasure. It is obtained by mixing red (blood) and yellow (sun). orange color means health, improves the functioning of the whole organism, relieves feelings of loneliness, enhances the feeling of devotion, drives away fatigue.

Blue- symbolizes depth and coolness, adds peace and confidence. Helps with insomnia, stress, anxiety, lowers blood pressure. Visually expands the space.

Pink- the color of pleasure, love, tenderness, youth. quivering feelings. If you need love, light pink candles more often, “highlighting” this color.

Violet- a very powerful color in its effect. Combines strength and softness. The color of hidden opportunities, as well as the color of protection. Helps to balance emotional instability. Suppresses appetite. Candles purple soothes the nerves and does not let the appetite go wild.

Blue- Strengthens self-esteem, decision making. helps with diseases of the eyes, sinuses, has a positive effect on the spine. For successful delivery exams or before a long journey, light a blue candle.

Brown- useful in the house to stabilize the financial situation. if there is a question of relocation or financial problems, add this color to the interior design or buy a brown handbag / wallet.

Silver — secret dreams. delay in decisive action, waiting. If an important matter has stalled, light a silver candle.

Gold- action, large-scale plans, power. If you are running for president, the golden candles in your house should not be translated.

Now it's more clear what the colors mean. If you remember them and apply them in your life, you can influence many events, your condition, health, mood. Be attentive to the colors of clothing and interior. Your efforts will not be in vain, but will bring harmony and improvements to your daily life.

There is such an expression: "gray everyday life", meaning a dull, boring, colorless existence. Precisely colorless, devoid of the colors of life. Color is so important for a person that its long absence, for example, in a late, cloudy autumn, is perceived as an ordeal. In psychology, there is even a term “color hunger” - a painful, depression-like condition experienced by a person who is forced to stay in a colorless or monochrome world for a long time.

Color is of great importance in human life and has an impact not only on the psyche, but also on the body as a whole.

We are so accustomed to the diversity of the world that we do not perceive our color vision as a unique gift. Color for us is just an attribute of a thing, sometimes making it more attractive, and sometimes, on the contrary, causing rejection. And since ancient times, color has been associated precisely with objects; it is not without reason that many shades bear the names of specific objects:

• brown (tree bark or cinnamon);
• crimson;
• orange;
• green (zel - young shoots);
• cherry, etc.

But the objects themselves have no color, their surface only reflects the light of the wave. The reflected rays hit the retina of the eye, and then the nerve impulse enters the visual part of the brain, where the sensation of color occurs. And at dusk and at night there is not enough light, so the multicolor of the world disappears, drowns in darkness. It can be said that the world finds its colors only thanks to the work of our brain.

Different surfaces reflect light of a certain wavelength and absorb other rays. For example, young grass and leaves reflect light, mainly in the yellow-green part of the spectrum, and absorb red rays. Therefore, if you look at the crown of a tree through red glass, it will seem black, because glass does not transmit light from the green part of the spectrum.

The ability to perceive color in humans is innate, but it does not develop immediately:

• Studies have shown that the first ones are orange, yellow and red.
• An adult is able to distinguish more than 120 colors and almost 10 million shades.

Of course, color perception is best developed by professional artists, but ordinary person have something to brag about.

Our ability to distinguish an object from the surrounding background is also connected with color perception, it is called the distinction of color spaces. And when the color of the object and the background color match, then the effect of invisibility occurs.

Since the sensation of color is subjective, it is associated with a variety of mental processes, especially with emotions. The impact of colors on a person is studied by a special area of ​​\u200b\u200bpsychological science - the psychology of color perception.

Color and emotions

The connection of colors and emotional state a person has been seen for a long time. In the 19th century, the fundamental work “Teaching about Color” was published, dedicated to the emotional content various shades. Interestingly, the author of this work was the famous German poet I. Goethe, who considered the book on color to be his main achievement.

In the 20th century, Goethe's brilliant guesses were confirmed by serious psychophysiological studies, which proved that color affects not only emotions, but also the state of the body as a whole, for example, the functioning of the cardiovascular and digestive systems.

• increases the level of any excitement: joyful, aggressive, sexual. It is hot, tonic, and at the same time, red overloads our nervous system, so it quickly becomes annoying.
• , on the contrary, relieves excitation, causes lethargy and "cools the ardor." It is the color of peace, but it lacks joy, and the darker the blue, the darker it is.
• considered neutral or optimal. This color balances the processes of excitation and inhibition and only slightly increases the tone. Therefore, green, as Goethe said, not only gives rest to the soul, but also increases efficiency.
• - also hot, invigorating, but not as exciting as red, so it is not so annoying and well stimulates various physiological processes, for example, awakens appetite.
• - the most cheerful and cheerful of flowers. It even stimulates thinking. But, on the other hand, too bright and cheerful color can quickly tire not only the eyes, but also the psyche.
• causes a feeling of coldness and rest. It is he who most effectively lowers pressure and reduces excitation in the cerebral cortex. But in large quantities, this color causes a feeling of laziness and apathy.
• even more passive than blue and blue, and also gloomy. It not only reduces activity and performance, but can cause a feeling of anxiety and oppression, a tendency to mysticism and philosophical reflection.
• the most stable, conservative. It soothes without oppressing, it evokes a feeling of confidence in the immutability of being. Brown has a beneficial effect on people who are tired of the frantic pace of life and the diversity of the modern city.
• - the most unusual of flowers. On the one hand, it would seem that this is not a color at all, but its absence. On the other hand, physics tells us that White color obtained from a combination of all the colors of the spectrum. One way or another, this color is perceived by a person as a cold emptiness. It can create a feeling of cleanliness and freshness, but its abundance creates a strong need for paint.
• - a gloomy color, a symbol of denial and rejection of the beauty of the world, and sometimes life. Often this color awakens deep, irrational fears in people.
• Gray is the most dull and "colorless", it creates an atmosphere of boredom and hopelessness.

Despite the fact that the psycho-emotional component is the main one, it is not worth focusing only on it. Our color perception is influenced by many factors, including a variety of associations and cultural, religious and political symbols accepted in society.

Color associations

As already mentioned, colors in our minds are strongly associated with similarly colored objects, so they evoke associations with them:

• orange is associated with orange;
• yellow - with lemon;
• brown - with earth or bread;
• red - with blood, etc.

These strong, stable connections cause a very interesting effect, called synesthesia in psychology. It manifests itself when, under the influence of one stimulus, in our case color, another sensation arises. For example:

• lemon yellow color, associated with lemon, in many people gives the impression sour taste and even causes increased salivation;
• snow white causes a feeling of cold;
• red and orange appear hot due to their association with fire.

Cultural associations are even more diverse, which are sometimes even more significant for people than the psychophysiological effect of colors.

• Yes, black is European culture not only a symbol of darkness and death, but also a symbol of elegance and aristocracy. The formation of such a perception was influenced by the decades-long fashion for black tailcoats and frock coats among respectable men.
• Green symbolizes the rebirth of nature and life, as it is associated with young spring foliage.
• But the symbolism of yellow in the culture of Europe is completely sad, since for several centuries yellow flags were raised by ships infected with the plague.
• In Russia, before the revolution, the “yellow ticket” was issued to public women, and the “yellow house” was called a psychiatric hospital.
• The red color in Russian culture is not only the color of aggression and struggle, but also the color symbol of national identity, which has very ancient roots in Slavic paganism.

Of course, despite the vitality of traditions, the color symbolism is changing, but the fashion for it does not work. After all, the color code is an important part human culture.

How do we see colors, and how does our color perception differ from animals? Find out from the video.