It is said that red was the first of the colors to receive a name. This tone is part of the so-called primary colors and we can find it in many elements that are found in our daily lives, such as nature, clothing, advertising, etc. Throughout history, it has acquired different meanings and connotations. The color red has been a sign of power and nobility, anger, aggression, love, passion and even, in some eastern cultures, happiness.
From color psychology studies, it has been shown that red captures our attention in a very notable way and greatly stimulates the sense of sight. In this Psychology-Online article, we will explain in detail what does the color red mean in psychology and how this meaning affects our daily lives.
What is the psychology of colors
The psychology of color It has gained notable significance since its usefulness was discovered in the world of sales, marketing and communication. Furthermore, the importance of knowing to be able to complement many psychological therapies with color-oriented treatments (chromotherapy) was found.
The psychology of colors is therefore defined as the field of study aimed at investigating the effect that the spectrum of tones and colors has on emotions, the decisions and behavior of human beings. While it is true that it is a sector that still has a lot of research to do, it is investing a lot in it so that, over time, it becomes an important field in scientific and psychological research. It is undeniable that colors affect the brain. Now we must find out how they do it, specifically, the color red.
Psychological meaning of the color red
The psychological meaning of the color red is one of the broadest. It has many connotations and some of them vary depending on the culture. For many, it is not only a mental effect, but a spiritual meaning. Below we will explain in detail the meaning of the color red in psychology.
Passion
Red is a very strident and visually striking color, it even has effects on our heart rate and usually produces a noticeable neuronal activation. For that same reason, the color red in psychology is usually related to passionate and energetic feelings, whether they are positive passions, such as loveor negative, like the gonna. In this article, we tell you.
Danger
Since the beginning of history, human beings have observed this color emerge from the inside of their bodies and emerge from the flames that devastated their lands. Therefore, one of the meanings of the color red in psychology is danger or sign that something alarming is happening. For that reason, our body activates them when we see that color. Furthermore, this psychological effect of the color red has been taken advantage of for prohibition and alarm signs.
Warmth
What does the color red represent? It produces excitement, activation and alarm, but it can also make us feel welcomed. The psychological influences of red are very numerous. In this case, we feel warmth when the tone of this color is not too strident. In Western culture, it is also associated to love and sensuality. This is why certain red clothes tend to have sexual connotations.
Happiness
It is curious to comment that in certain cultures red symbolizes happiness. In China, for example, red is used as an adjective to define a business that is prospering or a person who has good fortune. Thus, the color red in eastern cultures means good luck and happiness. It is also said to connect with nature as it is associated with the most earthly chakra.
Do you want to know what the psychologist thinks Eva Heller about the color red? You can consult a summary of his book in this article about .
Meaning of the color red in advertising
Although it can be quite tiring to the eyes, the color red is widely used in advertising to convey warmthusing less saturated shades of red, or dynamism through more strident reds. If we think about it, more than one brand that uses that color in its logo will surely come to mind. Red is also used to denote urgency and alarm. Many times they create the need for us to buy or use a product by using this color in their advertisements.
On a physical level, the color red increases our heart rate, increases appetite and evokes strong emotions. For this reason, in the world of marketing they also use this color to attract compulsive buyers. If you are interested in knowing more, we recommend this article about .
In addition, the meaning of the color red in advertising is also associated with trends socialist policies. This association comes from a tradition of these parties to use the same color, paying tribute to the struggle and the origin of socialism.
Spiritual meaning of the color red
Colors are also associated with various symbolism and spirituality. It is said that this association is due to the effect of the vibratory energy of colors on our soul, however, there is not much confirmation of this.
In this case, the spiritual meaning of the color red is related to the healing rituals from hundreds of years ago and with the representation of fire in our culture. Next, we will show you different examples of this:
- For alchemists of the Middle Ages, the color red symbolized prosperity and implied that his experiments were progressing adequately.
- Centuries ago, doctors used red blankets and curtains to help heal measles patients. They believed that in this way they would be cured sooner.
- The emperors and great nobles dressed in red accessories to demonstrate your purchasing power. This was because the dye of that color was the most expensive to obtain.
For these reasons, under a more mystical interpretation, it is said that red is a symbol of life, health, strength, attraction and power.
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
- Brusatin, M. (1987). History of colors. Barcelona: Paidós Editions.
- Graves, M. (1952). fundamental color. New York: McGraw-Hill Publishing.
- Heller, E. (2004). Color psychology: How colors act on feelings and reason. Barcelona: Gustavo Gili Editorial.