Blue color: symbolism, meaning and effects on the mind
The theory of colors fascinates more and more because it shows how different shades can have hidden meanings and prove to be real allies for our mood. In general, three primary colors are identified, with the exception of black and white, that is, magenta, yellow and blue. The latter is the "cold" color par excellence, which in the chromatic scale is at the crossroads between Cyan and Violet. Throughout history, blue has been associated with various meanings that have led it to have a rich symbolism . However, it is also famous for its relaxation and inner balance effects that it performs on a mental level, along with those of a "placebo" for some body aches. In addition, those who particularly appreciate it show certain character aspects.
As well as on our mind, we can say that there are colors that are really our friends, thanks to the theory of "armocromia". We recommend that you watch this short video to find out if blue is your friendly color!
Symbology and meaning of blue
«Perhaps there was no end to the blue, perhaps the sky and the sea continued to mirror each other forever, without ever joining. It was something too big to even be thought of, it was infinity. "
Over time, blue has taken on more than one meaning, thus creating a varied and interesting symbolism that is found above all in art. The main meanings and references of this color are:
- Sky, night, infinity: according to their different shades, azure and blue are associated with all the nuances that the sky manifests in the course of a day. This is because the gas molecules that make up the atmosphere retract only the light blue.
- Water, sea, ocean: given the reflection of the sky in the waters of rivers and seas, blue has also become the color that identifies them. All this confirms its main meaning of infinity, as well as adding that sense of protection and welcome that water, especially that of the sea, can give.
See also Purple color: symbolism, meaning and effects on the mind Red color: meaning and properties on the mind Meaning of colors: symbology and properties on the mind © Unsplash
- Spirituality: in many cultures, especially oriental ones, blue is the shade that recalls the whole world of divinities, with the meaning of sacred and pure. For example, for Buddhism, this is the color of immortality, while for the ancient Egyptian religion, mother Nut, was represented in the art entirely in blue and azure. This symbolized life and rebirth, to indicate the infinite cycle of existence. Finally, even in Christianity, every image of the Virgin Mary sees a blue element, which is often the veil covering her shoulders or her robe. that particular shade called "madonna blue".
- Magic: not for blue, but especially in its darker shades, blue often takes on the meaning of a magical color, which recalls intriguing and mysterious rites and legends. It appears in the representations of magical objects and characters, becoming the color that connects the human world with the divine, otherworldly one.
- Nobility: finally, sayings such as "having blue blood" date back to when this color was officially the symbol of the "aristocracy and nobility. All this because for centuries it was difficult to dye the clothes blue, a privilege reserved only for nobles.
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The effects of the color blue on the mind
In addition to the symbolism that distinguishes it, it is now known how blue is able to have certain effects on our psyche, as well as on the body, and to determine some character characteristics of those who particularly appreciate it. First of all, it is a color that relaxes the mind of the observer and is "surrounded" by it. It helps to create an "atmosphere where peace and quiet reign, and for this reason a soft blue light is recommended for those suffering from insomnia, stress and even inflammation. In fact, the hypothesis that being" surrounded "by blue may have beneficial effects on our body, such as, for example, the placebo effect in the case of swollen joints or soothing in the case of fever and cough. In addition, it is used to "sedate" the nervous system, thus immediately giving a feeling of inner and outer calm and contentment.
All these benefits from the point of view of relaxation and mental relaxation, however, become negative if, to come into contact with the blue, there is a person who suffers from a "black" moment, of intense nostalgia and bad mood. in this case, warm colors such as yellow and red or light green are suitable, because blue can only "worsen" the sense of discomfort due to the state of melancholy and profound despair of the soul.
Anyone who particularly loves this color is an individual with deep feelings. In contact with others, he appears to be a calm person, with remarkable moderating skills and capable of always establishing a balance around himself. Lovers of blue are generally attached to family, traditions and "home" values: everything that can give them further stability. This is why they face the changes with meditation and with the necessary calm so as not to be overwhelmed. Finally, those who love blue avoid confusing and chaotic people and environments, preferring company and places where harmony, well-being and relaxation can be created.
The history of blue
Michel Pastoureau, essayist and expert on the theme and theory of colors, has written a book entirely dedicated to blue in history and its characterization. The current name derives from the French "blue". Appreciated and used frequently in some pre-Christian cultures, such as by the Egyptians and the Sumerians, because it is always connected to the world of divinities, to the female figure and to water, this color was, however, little considered by the Greeks and Romans. because associated with the barbarians. The blue it was then re-evaluated during the Middle Ages, when it became the tonality par excellence in art for the personal representation and clothing of sacred characters, among which that of the Madonna stands out.
If until the seventeenth century, blue was associated with the nobility and used only by it, from the eighteenth century, however, it became a color for "everyone", thanks to the "invention of the Prussian blue shade, with which many garments were colored for also the lower social strata of the population. Finally, its connotation relative to nostalgia and melancholy led it to give its name to a musical genre that exorcised these moods, namely the blues.
Nowadays, although blue is still too often linked to the male world, it is also popular in the female world and not only for clothes and accessories. Precisely for its meaning of calm, relaxation and well-being it is one of the most popular colors, most used in chromotherapy and to create a "relaxing atmosphere" inside the home.