Colors

When we talk about classifying colors, we encounter our first problem already. You see, the transition from one color to the next is fluent. We may see red as red and blue as blue and where they mingle, there they turn to purple. However, there is the more reddish purple and the more blueish purple, and while we give them names, such as bordeaux and indigo, how do we call the one in between indigo and blue? Indigo-blue? And between indigo and indigo-blue?

You already see the problem we face here. Of course there is the hex code and the additive RGB (or CMYK) system where we have colors such as #e46034, which turns out to be a kinda darkened Peach. But what is with the color between #e46034 and #e46134?

Probably all humans perceive colors in the same, or at least a similar way. There are cultural differences however. A Russian for example might tell you that there are more words for blue than just blue. And that makes me wonder: How much does our language, our culture and the environment we were brought up in - actually influence the way we perceive color?
There are interesting studies on how our primary language influences the way we think and the way we handle a situation. Myself I am bilingual and I experience differences whether I tackle a problem with my mind set on English or on German. My daughter will be an even more interesting object of study in this case, since she is naturally multilingual. Another interesting point is my wife and me, who originate from two vastly different cultures, may end up arguing whether a certain color is actually green or blue or what shade of teal.
So let us assume, that our language has an influence on how we actually experience colors around us.
More of that at a later stage.

In our current situation the most important factor is how we classify colors, or let's say color families. Bordeaux and Crimson, both belong to the family of red for example.

Another way of managing colors is the difference between the additive color scheme and the subtractive color scheme. Additive means the colors of light which - all mixed together create white. In contrast to the additive color scheme stands the subtractive color scheme that we experience in pigments and painted objects. If we mix all primary subtractive colors together, we end up with black. Here as well, I will talk about that later.

For now let us stick with the most prominent color families, their meanings, effects and so on.

Color Families

Red is the dynamic color, that symbolizes passion, love and lust, but also blood, war and anger.

• ► about the color red

Blue is the color of the far away, dreams and wanderlust.

• ► about the color blue

Green is the color of thriving nature and all the fresh, new things.

• ► about the color green

Yellow is the color of the sun, golden, bright and prosperous.

• ► about the color yellow

Orange is the color of happiness, freedom and joy, as well as enlightenment.

• ► about the color orange

Pink is the color of the young love, sensitive and tender. The more intense it gets, the more... intense it gets.

• ► about the color pink

Brown is the color of trustworthiness, like the fertile soil. It is also simple and uncomplicated.

• ► about the color brown

Purple is the color of creativity and extravagance - and it´s got a mystic touch.

• ► about the color purple

Black is the color of the hidden, the unknown, death and sorrow. But it's also powerful and solid.

• ► about the color black

White is the color of innocence, untouched and clean.

• ► about the color white

Grey is the color of reliability, plain and boring. But also the hidden one behind the scenes.

• ► about the color grey

Hey, wanna bring some of the most vibrant colors of Vietnam to your home? Check out our lovely Hoi An lanterns at our shop!

More about colors

• The RGB color model
• Proverbs for the color black
• Expressions including yellow
• Proverbial use of the color red
• Phrases using the color green
• The color yellow in fashion design
• The color blue: phrases and expressions

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