colour symbolism
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 a good luck colour? There are many thoughts…
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…
Have you ever searched online for information about colour psychology, only to be met with a flood of conflicting articles, infographics, and books? Over the years, almost anything to do with colour has been bundled under the label of colour psychology. No surprise then that one of the most common questions I’m asked is, “What…
I was interviewed on a podcast aimed at interior designers, and during our conversation the host mentioned that she uses colour psychology in her design work. Curious about her sources, I asked where she’d learned about it. Her reply was simple: “I just Google colour psychology.” This isn’t the first time I’ve heard this and…
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 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…
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.…
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…
If you have ever wondered why red robins are associated with Christmas? Let me share with you two stories I’ve heard. The first one is about postmen in Victorian Britain who were apparently nicknamed “robins” because of their red-breasted coloured uniforms. It then became popular to see these cute little birds on a Christmas card…
One of my favourite things about Christmas is wrapping presents for my friends and family in beautifully coloured paper, ribbons and bows. Colour is the first thing we see and we instantly have an emotional reaction. It can have an influence on our mood, feelings and behaviour. So choosing wrapping paper and all the trimmings with…