What does the color red mean in psychology?

It is the color of blood and guts, of fire and strength. The meaning of the color red is far from soft and faint adjectives.

That colors influence feelings, ideas and even decisions is a fact. Although these are largely unconscious relationships, the connection between the mind and the visible color spectrum has been widely studied and today is a variable to control.

The physics of the color red

Red is the color perceived when the light that reaches the retina has a wavelength between 618 and 780 nanometers. It is a warm color that covers more than 100 recognized shades.

According to the subtractive color synthesis system, used to obtain pigments, red is not a primary color, but rather a secondary one, since it is obtained by mixing yellow and magenta. The same does not happen with the additive system, where lights are used instead of pigments: here red is one of the three primary colors, along with green and blue (RGB system).

Meaning of the color red

Its similarity to arterial blood and certain tones of fire make red a color strongly associated with heat, violence and pain. It generates rejection when what is sought is peace and serenity, as well as when it is combined with colors such as black, as it evokes different forms of violence.

On the other hand, It also has positive connotations. One of the best known is passionate and energetic love., as well as sensuality. The meaning of the color red is also linked to heat, energy and physical strength.

The color red and personality

Although each person is different and there is an individual interpretation for each color, in the social sphere there are several correspondences between personality and colors. In the case of red, this It is associated with those who are extraverted, daring, violent and spontaneous.

When it comes to temperament, red not only refers to the intensity of feelings, but also their volatility. In this way, it also becomes the symbol of hatred, lack of self-control and emotional lability.

Most common uses

As you have seen, the symbology of red is clearly dichotomous and it is a color that generates an intense emotional response. Therefore, it is usually avoided in places where it is necessary to create a quiet and calm atmosphere..

Nevertheless, It is a good choice when you want to invite dynamism and activity. Red can be found in food products, as it stimulates hunger, as well as in fashion and logos that want to convey a dynamic and young image.

In the world of marketing, Various brands use this color to give products an aura of power and activity.. It has been proven to encourage thoughtless behavior and consumerism, especially in products related to love.

Along with orange and yellow, it is one of the colors that is best seen from a distance. This makes it ideal for objects such as traffic signs, lifesaving floats, reflective vests and other items that indicate danger or need to be seen quickly.

Meaning in different cultures

In the previous paragraphs you have learned what red inspires within the framework of Western culture, but in other regions of the globe it is different. Here are some illustrative examples:

China: Red is a color associated with good luck and long life. It is often used in celebrations as a way to call fortune.India: In this country the color in question is linked to marriage, fertility, purity and power. In Hinduism, the goddess Lakshmi dresses in red or pink, as she represents wealth and abundance.South Africa: It is the color associated with mourning par excellence.Russia: In countries where the climate is cold, red is strongly associated with life and warmth.Ancient Egypt: The color red represented the cycle of life and destruction.Nahua villages: Red is the color of the east and the dawn, as well as that of Xipe Tótec, the deity of life, death and resurrection.

Red appears at various times in human history: the rise of communism, red-haired women burning at the stake, red carpets unrolling for celebrities, and much more.

If you are interested in the topic of color psychology, red can be a good starting point, since the sensations it transmits are intense and easy to identify.

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