Different colours represent different things.
Scientifically, it’s known that different colours tend to activate different reactions in the human mind. Mystically, however, cultures have developed a much deeper understanding of colours and their symbolic roles.
In this article, we’re going to talk about the colour green and its symbolic uses.
Green – the Colour of Life
Green is universally acknowledged as being the colour of life. It’s associated with nature, plant life, growth, sustainability, and fertility.
For as long as green paper money has existed, people have also associated green with finances. As such, it has adopted a more modern symbolic meaning that relates to financial wealth, greed, and currency.
Aside from that, green is understood by many people to be among the most relaxing colours. It is soothing and easy for the eye to gaze upon, which is perhaps one of the reasons that we tend to feel so comfortable in a lush green forest or walking in a sprawling field.
Green is one of the most dominant colours in nature. This isn’t necessarily because there is more green in the world – it’s because green takes up more space in the colour spectrum. This means that we’re simply capable of seeing more green than we are of seeing most other colours.
Green – Effects on the Human Being
Some cultures purport that green has a healing power. It is rejuvenating and associated with growth, so healing rituals would often make use of the colour green.
Because of its soothing nature, green is a helpful colour for helping people to relax. Living in a green room, for example, may make one less prone to anxiety or depression. It may also inspire people to grow more, and could help plants in the vicinity thrive.
Because of green’s association with rejuvenation and good health, it’s often used by various industries to indicate safety. A green light at a traffic intersection, for example, means that it’s safe to proceed forward. Green markings on a pharmaceutical package indicate that it’s safe to use.
Ireland, as you may know, associates green with good luck. Leprechauns and clovers (4-leafed or otherwise) are both green signs of good luck.
Too much green can lead to an adverse effect on an individual. Its normally rejuvenating and relaxing effects can ‘overload,’ leading to exhaustion, lethargy, irritation, and instability. A lack of green, on the other hand, can lead to stagnance, apathy, and rejection.
The nurturing, rejuvenating aspects of green are reflected in a number of phrases and idioms related to the colour, such as:
- If you have a green thumb, it means you’re good at taking care of plants and helping them grow
- If the grass is greener, then that means that it is better or more enjoyable
- A green state or a green company is one that keeps the environment in mind and reduces its ecological impact
Green is a wonderful colour, and one that carries with it the essence of nature. Be sure to invigorate your life by including a bit of green!
