Brown abounds in nature. In fact, it is the color of the land, the tree trunks, etc. The term “brown” was coined in the 18th century and derives from the name of a fruit, a large chestnut that symbolizes the joy of living, understood in a physiological sense, as the absence of suffering in a body that feels good and healthy.
The excessive prevalence of brown, however, could also derive from an internal discomfort that influences physical well-being, such as a detachment from the city of origin, from the family and from one’s own roots, changing schools/work and group of friends. suddenly and situations that create momentary maladjustment. In this Psychology-Online article, we will delve deeper into the meaning of the color brown in psychology.
What is the meaning of the color brown
Brown is given by the excitement of red and yellow, to which black is added to dampen the impulse and vital force. The color obtained then takes on another energy and is proposed as a passive stimulus that has different meanings. Let’s see what the color brown symbolizes:
- The physiological meaning corresponds to the relaxation and to gratifying abandonment of one’s own bodily demands.
- From a psychological point of view, the color brown refers to the welfare, in particular with the attitude that the person has towards his body and his ability to fully live the bodily needs. The shape of the brown is a light sinusoid on a dark field evoking, with its rounded and concentric shapes, adaptable softness.
- Lüscher emphasizes that many times the search for the color brown among the preferred colors also indicates the need to anesthetize unpleasant sensations coming from the body, to rediscover a state of well-being and relaxation lost even through bodily daze, sexuality, physical satisfactions or the comforts of life.
If brown is rejected, then the vital conditions of the body are ignored. Often this situation turns out to be temporary when the person is making an effort to achieve important goals. Rejected brown may therefore indicate a attitude of renunciation of living fully corporeality to favor interests considered more important at that moment, overlooking the vital condition of the body, sensuality and even .
If this situation manifests itself absolutely and repeatedly, the dissatisfaction and repression of bodily needs is strongly reflected in one’s own well-being, predisposing to psychosomatic tensions. In this article, you will find information about .
Spiritual meaning of the color brown
Depending on the religion or beliefs of different parts of the world, the meaning of the color brown is different. Let’s see it:
- Christianity: associated with the renunciation of material goods. In fact, it is used by many orders of monks and priests.
- Negative biblical meaning: is related to the smoke of the fire of Sodom and Gomorrah and, therefore, also to the devil.
- In Ethiopia: represents mourning.
- In China: symbolizes the past.
- esoteric symbolism: the life that springs forth in its warm womb, similar to that of the color black, but with a more serene and calming connotation. It also symbolizes the wait for a new harvest season.
Meaning of the color brown in marketing
In brown it symbolizes authenticity, quality, naturalness and simplicity. It is used, above all, in the packaging of food products or antiques because it is a more “appetizing” color but with the same qualities of black. Next, we will see more meanings of the color brown in marketing.
- Coffee and chocolate manufacturers also often use it in their packaging because it is the color of your product. Color is intentional and tells the story of the product, service or brand.
- Brown evokes associations with wood, which contributes to a sense of comfort and of tranquillity. Natural wood, on walls or furniture, is recommended in restaurants because it stimulates the appetite and suggests high quality and authenticity of the dishes.
- It is used in kitchen decoration, since stimulates the desire to cook. In addition, it is suggested to paint the walls of antique stores, shoe stores and grocery stores with this color, especially chocolates, as it evokes the color of chocolate.
It is not advisable to use it as a wall dye in toilets, bathrooms and kitchens, as it would cause a dirty feeling. It seems that in Asia the use of brown on the walls of rooms is not very pleasant and is only tolerated if it is very light.
This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
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Bibliography
- Cesarini Argiroffo, G. (2019). The meaning of the color: the brown. Retrieved from: https://www.giornaledipsicologia.it/il-significato-dei-colori-il-marrone/
- Codici Colori (2021). Meaning of brown. Retrieved from: https://codicicolori.com/significato-dei-colori/significato-del-marrone
- Del Longo, N. (2013). Lüscher’s color test. Diagnostic manual for adult age. Milan: Franco Angeli.
- Federici, P. (1999). Il tuo bambino says it with i colori. Guide to the gioco-test and all the fiabe colors for children, educators and parents. Milan: Franco Angeli.