colour symbolism

Colour & design surgery… why are Halloween colours orange and black?

This is part of the colour & design surgery series, answering questions from clients and readers. Question: “Why are Halloween colours orange and black?”– reader, Tamsin Fox-Davies.

Diwali… festival of lights and colour

Diwali is one of India’s most important cultural festivals, celebrated across the nation and worldwide by the Indian community. It’s where they light oil lamps or candles to symbolise the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. It has also become known as the Festival of Lights. The name “Diwali” is a actually…

Do You Dream in Colour?

Colour plays a powerful role in our everyday lives, influencing how we feel, what we do, and the choices we make, often without us even realising. Sometimes it’s down to learned associations, other times it’s an instinctive psychological response. But what about when we sleep? I found myself wondering… does colour hold meaning in our…

St Patrick’s Day – Why Green…?

If I asked you what’s the first colour that comes to mind when you think of Ireland, it’s likely to be green. On March 17th, the Irish the world over celebrate their patron saint. But how did the colour green become associated with St Patrick and become their good luck colour? There are many thoughts…

Holi – a glorious festival of colour

The festival of Holi became internationally famous for throwing of colour. It’s a glorious festival of colour, which is celebrated at the end of the winter season on the last full moon day of the lunar month, which this year began at sunset on Sunday 24 March, and continued until sunset on last night, Monday 25 March.…

valentine day going beyond red karen haller

Valentine’s Day: Going Beyond Red

Every year, an estimated 250 million roses are grown worldwide for Valentine’s Day. A staggering number that demonstrates just how significant this tradition has become. Unsurprisingly, red dominates, accounting for around 83% of those roses sold. But what does this mean beyond tradition? The overwhelming preference for red isn’t just about tradition, it reveals a…

foundation of colour summit karen haller

You’re invited to The Power of Colour Summit

Red is a colour we all react to, sometimes without even realising it. It can ignite passion, boost confidence, or signal danger. But have you ever wondered why? At the Foundation of Colours online Summit this March, I’ll be exploring exactly that in my talk: “The Power of Red: Discover Your Relationship with the Boldest…

Chinese New Year… the significance of red

Gong hei fat choy! It’s Chinese New Year, and red is everywhere! But have you ever wondered why this bold, fiery colour dominates the celebrations? Also known as the Spring Festival, Chinese New Year is one of the biggest and most important events in the Chinese calendar. And red (紅 hóng) isn’t just a festive…

Turn Blue Monday into Blooming Monday with Colour

Today is apparently the most depressing day of the year. It even has its own name – ‘Blue Monday’. It’s based on Dr. Cliff Arnall’s ‘formula’ where he gathered a number of factors such as Christmas holidays withdrawals, debt, low motivational levels, weather etc. And the calculations all added up to the third Monday in…