The primary color RED

Red:

Biologically red has a strong impact. It stimulates (in both negative and positive colour meanings) and appetizes, as we said earlier.

Psychological it stirs up passion (negative and positive as well).

The first associations with red are Hell, the Devil and Cupid. But we also think about Love and War in combination with the colour red.

An interesting fact besides the meanings of colours: people that suffer from temporary blindness after a brain injury will begin to see again by seeing red long before they see any of the other colours.

Back to the psychological affects of the colour red. Women seem to be much more attracted to the cool reds, with a tone of violet (from cherry red over magenta to fuchsia).

If there are lots of white added to this colours, we get the cool pastel pinks that are so typical for women. The meanings of red are very different for this colours, they are soft and feminine the softer the red becomes.

Men generally prefer warm tones of red which lean toward orange (from tomato red to brick). If black or grey is added, we achieve soft earth colours like reddish browns which are very earthy and feel masculine.

General meanings of red:

Positive:

• energy, speed
• action, dynamism
• fun, excitement
• courage, strength
• heat, passion, love
• boldness, independence

Negative:

• danger, evil
• agression, anger
• violence, death
• blood
• war, revolution

Meanings of red in other cultures:

• Russia: Red symbolizes the Communism and revolution.
• China: In China the brides wear red and red is the colour of good luck.
• Japan: Red is considered a life-giving colour associated with female reproduction.
• To most Asians red means happiness and prosperity.
• India: Red is the symbol of life-giving purity.
• Middle-East: Danger and evil are symbolized by red.
• Greece: The dominant male colour.
• Christianity: Red in combination with green is associated with christmas.
• Native Americans: To the Cherokees, red symbolizes the East and the sacred fire.
• South Africa: Red is the colour of mourning.

Red in nature:

• blood, raw meat
• autumn, red leaves
• fire, flame, heat
• sunset, sunrise
• ripe fruits like apples, cherries, strawberries, raspberries, cranberries
• ripe vegetables like red peppers and cabage, tomatoes
• flowers like roses
• jewels like rubies, carnelians, garnets