Based on my study
regarding onto the topic of colour, there are some important sites and facts
were referred (experimentation/ research). There are some important facts that
squeezed out some important facts that were are relevant to my topic.
Color in History
In
ancient history, color was appreciated not for its abstract beauty or aesthetic
appeal, but for the divine symbolism ascribed to it by various ancient
religions. For example, ancient Egyptian magicians wore blue breastplates to
represent the sacredness of their wisdom, and in ancient Greek poetry colors
such as scarlet and purple were worn to represent the violent encounter
in The Iliad and Ulysses wanderings in The Odyssey. Color and colored
light has even been used in some cultures to heal various physical and mental
ailments.
Color, Mind, and Body
Today,
colors are not imbued with quite as much meaning. People choose colors for
their clothes and homes based on their personal preference, rather than the
meaning behind the colors. However, different colors have different effects on
both the body and mind.
Red, Pink, Orange, and
Yellow
In
China, red is a color of celebration and luck, and it features largely in many
important ceremonies. In India, red is used in wedding clothes to symbolize the
purity of the people being married. Despite the significance and widespread use
of red in cultural events around the globe, scientists have found that looking
at the color red can actually initiate the body's fight-or-flight response,
speeding up the heart rate and raising blood pressure. Red's stimulant
properties make it a poor choice for relaxation, but it is great for a burst of
energy and passion.
The
color pink shares the stimulating properties of red and also inspires increased
motivation and confidence. Interestingly, some holding cells in prisons are
pink, which is supposed to reduce the inmates' erratic behaviour. Orange is
also a stimulating color that increases social behaviour and stimulates both
appetite and activity level. Yellow has been shown to increase communication
and heighten memory while stimulating the mind.
These
warm shades may be great for a party setting, but they do not lend themselves
well to tranquillity or peaceful contemplation, so they are not the best colors
for relaxation.
Blue
Perhaps
it's no coincidence that the color of both the sky and the ocean has proven to
be a calming color. Humans have long enjoyed the blissfulness of cloudless blue
days by visiting the beach and staring at the seemingly endless ocean. Blue has
a calming, sedative effect, and can actually cause the body to become cooler.
Some also say that the color blue aids intuition. Blue rooms are generally very
relaxing, and the same peacefulness can be evoked by looking at a painting or
photograph with a lot of blue. In a pinch, even a piece of blue paper can
provide instant stress relief.
Green
Green
is said to lessen depression, anxiety, and nervousness. It relaxes both body
and mind, and is both soothing and refreshing. The cool green of a summer
forest is the perfect place for a relaxing walk, and the sight of a leafy tree
dripping rain can be the highlight of a rainy day. Green is a great color for
walls or clothing, and green wall art or room accessories can add a tranquil
note to any room.
Purple
Purple
is unique in that it is a mix of both red and blue. It can either be
stimulating like red or soothing like blue, depending on the shade and
undertone. Purple has traditionally been the color of royalty, as it used to be
very expensive to buy purple fabric. Lavender and periwinkle are both relaxing colors,
but deep purples tend to be more stimulating than soothing.
The Best Colors for
Relaxation
Warm
colors are usually stimulating and not the best for a calm and relaxing
environment. Blues, greens, and purples are the most relaxing colors, and they
have a soothing effect on both the mind and the body. That makes these the best
colors for stress-relieving environments, and the best choice for peaceful and
quiet décor and clothing……
(Myrrh
Hector)
According
to statement from a study from Mr.Myrrh Hector, I understand that colors are a
factor that can stimulate multi feelings and thoughts for a human. Other than
just that, it shows that different type of color plays different type of role
in changing mind and mood.
Relating
this to my topic, I would like to see how colors can be used as therapy in our
daily life.
Reference:
