Color Symbolism of Purple: Defining Royalty and Abundance Ideally
Since the beginning of the human civilization, colors have been used to depict certain elements and thought processes. ‘Color Symbolism’ can be found in the earliest forms of art like ‘Cave Paintings.’ Mostly, the meanings and the linkages of colors have been derived out of their occurrence in nature. Purple color and its shades naturally exist in the form of some most revered and precious flowers, such as violets, lavender, lilac, and orchids. Therefore, it is regarded as the color of royalty and abundance. Purple is an amalgamation of two characteristically opposite forces and this earns it the reputation of the ‘ideal’ color.
Red color is associated with fire, energy, action, and zeal. Blue is symbolic of tranquility, dreaminess, peace, and relaxation. Blended together, these two colors form purple, which carries the underlying qualities of both. One range of qualities it symbolizes, include fiery passion, pride, flamboyance, pelf, and so on. On the other hand, it also stands for romance, mysticism, knowledge, wisdom, spirituality etc. Medieval art with royal themes was dominated by this color, often to depict the robes and the garments of kings and the other members of royal descent.
Fresco paintings by the legendary Leonardo da Vinci and other artistes of that era predominantly featured deep purple. It was more so because this common color could be used for nobility, sacredness, and mysticism alike. Purple has been used in various combinations to bring out different qualities in a scene. Use of this color with earthy tones, such as beige or muddy was often used to emphasize its ‘Symbolism.’ In combination with more vibrant colors or greens, it was used to depict spring season and life. Purple, in its lighter versions, defines delicate love and romanticism. Pink and light purple make up the choicest color scheme in amorous subjects.
Like other significant colors, purple also carries different connotation in different parts of the world – some even negative. Thai people associate it with death and lamentation. Widows in Thailand don this color to portray mourning and sadness. Opposite is true in other cultures. Egyptian Queen Cleopatra’s favorite color, purple, is associated with kingdoms and dynasties. The Americans treat it as a representative of patriotism and valor. Its ‘Purple Heart’ is a high level of military honor bestowed upon brave soldiers. Precious stone Amethyst is deep purple in color and is believed to have therapeutic properties. Therefore, the Native Americans also treat it as a color healing. In all its forms and variants, purple is one of those colors that find the greatest presence globally.
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