Color theory is the science behind how colors interact, how they’re used in design, the meanings they convey, and how they can affect your mood. Check out our deep dive into color theory if you want to learn more, but today’s blog is all about the meaning behind purple.
Purple is a secondary cool color that’s created by mixing red and blue. This unique mixture makes purple a balance between the bold and passionate qualities of red and the tranquil traits of blue, and it also makes purple a color that can both stimulate and calm the senses. Because of this dual nature, purple can energize the mind while creating a peaceful sense of focus making it a color that promotes creativity and insightfulness as well as balance and harmony.
In ancient times, purple was one of the most expensive dyes to make and was only worn by the wealthiest people, specifically those who held court, creating purple’s association with royalty. Today, this royal connotation gives purple an air of power, but its relationship to balance makes it the democratic kind. Because of this, purple is often used to symbolize civility in politics.
More modern meanings of purple include mystery and magic, lending to its link with spirituality and fantasy. Its mysterious nature comes from the fact that purple is one of the more rare colors to occur in nature, and its relationship with magic and fantasy is influenced by its ability to stimulate the imagination.
Wear purple when you want to:
- Invoke a subtle sense of power
- Promote harmony and insightfulness
- Encourage focused creativity
- Create a playful and imaginative mood
- Aid in spiritual practices