What does the color black mean in psychology?

Colors are an invention of the brain: they are nothing more than a subjective representation of the wavelengths that our eye captures. In the case of the color black, although we call it as such, it is not, but rather it is the absence of light.

In psychology, however, it has a meaning. This cognitive representation of colors, although arbitrary, has effects on the emotions and abstractions of the individual. The black, specifically, has always identified with dark feelings, since the fear of the dark is primitive and adaptive.

The absence of light

A color, as said above, is nothing more than the drawing that the brain paints in our mind depending on how far the light it is capturing through the eyes reaches. In this way, long wavelengths will give rise to warm colors, such as yellow, orange and red. On the contrary, light reflected from a closer distance will have colder tones, such as blue.

In the case of black, it has been considered the total absence of color and as opposed to white, which would imply the mixture of all colors. But, In reality, rather than absence of color, it is more correct to say absence of light. When an object is black, it is perceived that way because it is absorbing most of the wavelengths that reach it.

It is paradoxical to talk about the perception of the color black, since in reality it is the partial inability to perceive. As the amount of light reflected to our eyes decreases, vision darkens.

The meaning of the color black

The most basic symbolic connection of the color black is with darkness and night.. As a result of this, the semantics of this color have become pejorative throughout the development of collective thought. This is because of its association with the dangers of the night.

In this sense, We link the color black with the unknown, the terrifying and the evil. This relationship with what cannot be known with the naked eye constitutes the basis for associating it with danger and even death. Likewise, it has been connected with loneliness, suffering, sadness and longing. For this reason, in many cultures the color black is used for funeral rituals.

When it comes to personal attributes, Black is associated with cruelty, lies, manipulation, betrayal and concealment.. It has also been related to the individualism and introversion of withdrawn and mysterious people.

However, not all connotations of black are pejorative in psychology. In fact, it is a color that is widely used to suggest mystery, elegance, seriousness, power and self-sufficiency. It is a symbol of simplicity, order and rest.

According to Eva Heller, author of the famous book The psychology of color (2004), black is associated with youth and fairness. Its practical use usually generates confidence in others due to its sobriety and formality, although it can also be intimidating.

Positive and negative connotations of black

As we have seen, this color has different interpretations that we can classify as negative or positive. Here we present a division according to these connotations.

The positive side

Power and authority: connotes strength and control. It can be interpreted as imposing and dominant.Elegance and sophistication: It is linked to formality and is considered an elegant color in the world of fashion.Mystery: The mystery of black can be a positive thing because it adds an aura of intrigue that can make people curious.Protection: This color also symbolizes a protective barrier, warning those who see it of danger.Force: Due to its association with power, black represents strength and resilience.

The negative side

Death and mute: In different cultures around the world, black is the traditional color of mourning and is associated with death and sadness.Negativity or pessimism: In addition to the previous point, this color is assumed to represent pessimism and evil.Isolation: Likewise, it can be interpreted as a symbol of loneliness, isolation and disconnection from others.Empty: since black is the absence of color, it is sometimes associated with emptiness, a lack of life and energy.Secret: Just as mystery can be positive, it can also have a negative connotation that warns that something is being deliberately hidden.

It is necessary to remember that the interpretation of the color black in psychology, like all colors, may vary depending on cultural, contextual and personal factors.

The color black in different areas

With the development of culture and psychology, color symbology has expanded and diversified across different areas of life. Therefore, to give more specific information about the meaning of the color black, here are different areas where it is used to achieve specific psychological effects.

The color black in marketing

In it marketing nothing is random. Everything is measured to control as much as possible the impression that the product makes on the consumer. It is very difficult for a company to launch a product on the market without having studied its color.

In this field, black evokes mystery and the need for discovery. He is usually associated with luxury and technology products. When it comes to the color of logos, neutrals (black, gray) are associated with the psychological dimensions of sincerity, uniqueness and sophistication.

Meaning of black in architecture and design

The impact of the environment and decoration on mood is also one of the most studied areas, especially in commercial facilities and other customer-facing services. In this sense, color perception plays a determining role in architecture and in the relationship that the individual establishes with the environment.

In interiors, black is used to highlight other colors as it makes them appear brighter. By itself, This color generates a sensation of abstraction and strangeness. In addition, it greatly increases the perception of depth of spaces.

The color black in the psychology of everyday life

The use of black at funerals is common in Western cultures. It is thought that this has a certain adaptive meaning: camouflage to bury corpses at night. However, with the passage of time, it became established as part of the mourning ritual.

At traditional weddings, on the other hand, the man wears black due to the color’s association with strength, security and formality. In general, In fashion, this color is used to give the impression of elegance, rebellion, mystery and professionalism.depending on the area.

Black in the field of fashion

Throughout the history of fashion, Black has been fundamental for its versatility and symbolic depth. It is usually associated with elegance and sophistication. Its style makes it a tone that can adapt to various situations.

Elegance aside, It is also used as a symbol of power and authority. Therefore, it is common to find it in clothing items, such as uniforms and suits, which seek to convey seriousness and respect. Likewise, it has been used as an emblem of rebellion and counterculture.

Currently, it has stood out in minimalist trends, where simplicity and neutrality prevail. Through it you can reduce distractions and expose the essence of the clothes you wear.

The black in different cultures

Although the color black has a primitive component related to the dangers of darkness, in the collective psychology of each culture it has developed its own meaning. Here are some examples:

Ancient Egypt: black was a symbol of growth and fertility.Tribes of the African savannah: The Masai, for example, associate black with life and prosperity, since it is linked to the darkening of the sky with the clouds that bring rain.Japan: black is linked to the mysteries of femininity.Traditional China: black is the color of chi either qi, the energy that gives us life. It was a symbol of beauty; so much so that it was considered beautiful to dye your teeth black.Christian, Judaic and Islamic religions: It is in these cultures where black is associated with pain and death. In Islam, for example, it is considered that Mecca was white, but was dyed black with the sin of men.India: The color black is a bad omen, associated with nothingness and evil. This same color is also used to protect against evil.

The list of meanings of black in psychology could be extended much further than what you have read in this article. Furthermore, it has applications in the social field, since the study of color has been relevant when explaining the origins of racism and other historical phenomena of conflict and repression. If you are interested in color psychology, we encourage you to continue researching.

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