The Colour Red: Symbolism & Associations
This is part one in a series of articles discussing colours and their various symbolic meanings and associations. We’re going to kick off with red.
(If you know nothing about colour therapy please use the link below to read a previous article I’ve written, providing a brief introduction to the system).
Red is the slowest colour on the spectrum. Paradoxically, it’s both energising and highly motivational. It’s also a sexual stimulant (why do you think men love red underwear?) and, therefore, the perfect colour to paint your bedroom if you want to spice up your love life! Red is associated with heat and a room painted red will feel warmer and more homely than a cool blue shade. If you study astrology you’ll know that Mars is, very appropriately, the planet associated with sex, war, and tremendous energy.
Image via Wikipedia
In Hindu belief red is the colour of the base chakra (meaning spinning wheel or disc) which is located at the perineum, midway between the penis/vagina and rectum. In Hindu belief there are seven major chakras located front and back, outside of the body, in alignment with the spine. These correlate to the seven colours of the rainbow and are considered to be similar to a central nervous system, but on a spiritual, rather then physical, level.
Image via Wikipedia
Red is the colour of blood so represents life force, energy and procreation (while red is a symbol of passion and lust it is not associated with playful sexuality, which would be classified under orange). Red also symbolises danger and urgency – think about traffic lights and stop/danger signs. Red is associated with self-consciousness, as it’s the colour we turn when we’re embarrassed.
In many countries red is considered a symbol for prosperity and wealth. In Aura-Soma colour therapy (the academy I trained with) it’s also symbolic of sacrifice, and therefore the colour chosen to represent Christ.
Image via Wikipedia
Red is grounding, energising, motivational, sexually stimulating and warming. While perfect for treating lethargy, it’s not a good colour for hyperactive children!
If you enjoyed this article you might also like to the following:
How Does Astrology Work? Why Don’t I Fit My Sign More Accurately?
What is The Occult? What Does an Occultist Actually Do?
A Powerful, Natural Aphrodisiac for Men & Women
The Amazing Health Benefits of Eating Hot Chili Peppers
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User Comments
SlyTresmarie
On August 27, 2009 at 4:06 pm
very informative!..now i\’m looking at red in a whole new perspective..thanks for sharing..
sandie
On August 27, 2009 at 5:21 pm
thanks for sharing this with us.
CaSundara
On August 28, 2009 at 6:03 am
Thank-you both for your comments, I’m glad you enjoyed it. Orange will follow later today…
alc
On August 28, 2009 at 11:52 am
Loved this article and looking forward to reading more of your work!
Aimee Larsen Stoddard
On August 28, 2009 at 8:18 pm
This was a great article. You have a wide breadth of knowledge. It seems the new trendy thing to do in Utah–not sure if it’s the case in other states as well–is to paint one wall in the home red–usually in the kitchen. I absolutely hate walls painted red. Perhaps I have repressed Freudian desires. Maybe my aversion to red is the very reason I need a red wall that will help me get over my “issues.” LOL
CaSundara
On August 28, 2009 at 10:14 pm
We have the same trend here, or we did a while back. Now it’s to have one wall wallpapered ith something really big, bold and bright, and the rest painted plain white or cream.
I’ve had red walls in the past but it closes the place in too much so I stick with cream now. Our houses are usually FAR smaller than yours…
Tracey Parece
On August 29, 2009 at 9:40 am
Hello, I enjoyed reading your article. Great idea to cover the significance of colors individually. I also liked the pics that you selected to accompany the article. Cheers. Tracey. PS If you’d like to check out some of my articles, I’d be happy to have you. : ) http://www.triond.com/users/Tracey+Parece
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