The History of Colours – with Hands of an Angel

As one of Psychic Today’s Colour Therapists, I have been always been fascinated with the origin of colours and their subsequent associations in life today!

The history of colours goes far back to over 2000 years. For instance, did you actually know that the primary colours are red, yellow, and blue? Let’s find out more!

Earliest Colour Studies

One of the earliest studies and theories about colours was done by Aristotle. He discovered that combining two colours leads to the creation of a third colour.

The Greeks use colours as a scientific aspect of their lives. The Chinese use colour and practice colour healing. Known as the Nei/ching, this text dates back over 2000 years.

Colours and Their Meanings

Blue

This colour is for art, military, business and nature. In Egypt, blue pigment is derived from azurite, a mineral found in minerals.

Likewise, the sky (on a clear day, if you‘re lucky!) and sea are also associated with this colour, especially with uniforms for the Royal Navy and the Metropolitan Police.

In fact, there are many different shades for this colour. Hues of Blue include Cyan, which is midway between blue and green.

Red

Yellow

Yellow is the sunshine of gold. Initially, this historic and bright colour comes from the pigment of clay.

This is known as the first colour ever used in cave paintings and is used by artists such as Vincent van Gogh, who loved the vibrant colour with warmth, happiness and joy.

In certain countries, it represents cowardice, betrayal, illness. In Japan, yellow represents courage. The colour was also found in toxins. In fact, in Mexico, certain shades can mean death.

Green

Green originates from the Anglo-Saxon word grene. The meaning of grass, green is a natural colour and environment.

Western countries like Ireland have a green shamrock, four-leaf clover, and it is a lucky colour.

In fact, this colour can bring jealousy and greed and balance emotions to promote clarity and zen energies.

Orange

The Ancient Egyptians and mediaeval artists liked this colour. Under the reign of William III it was a political colour in Britain. The impression artists Cezanne and Renoir also used this colour.

In contrast, orange is a mixed colour. Light peach tones offer sweet and affordable intense, vibrant energy and encouragement. Companies that favour this colour include Amazon, Harley Davidson and Nickelodeon.

Purple

Purple is the colour that our Royal Family uses. As well as being the colour of the Holy Roman Empire and later of Roman Catholic bishops, it is traditionally associated with the imperial family in Japan.

It‘s hard not to think of Cadbury’s chocolate when it comes to this colour! Lavender and Deep Purple again have different meanings, including communication, femininity and romance.

Pink

Pink has been fashioned primarily in art and design. It is used to promote breast cancer awareness and to make ladies products. Most women love to wear this colour as it gives innocent, girlhood love and gentleness.

There are many shades of pink as the meanings of passion and romance and sensuality and creativity. Adele, in fact, used pink on one of her albums. Companies include Victoria’s Secret and Cosmopolitan.

White

The lightest colour is also the purest. History tells us it was in use in art, sculpture, and was around before any other colour. It was originally coloured with chalk made of calcite.

Moreover, white can also mean grief and loss, spirituality, purity and sacredness. The Romans wore white togas as symbols of citizenship. A prism can use the white light to refract light, which shows the rainbow colours!

Brown

Brown is native, organic and natural. In the business world, it is used by UGG boots and cotton companies. It is the minor favourite colour of a poll by the public.

A variety of autumnal colours are seen in nature, wood, soil and culture. Earlier, this pigment was as early as prehistoric times. Brown is the colour of dark wood and rich soil.

Black