Yellow color in psychology. Yellow color - meaning, application, combination

Natalya Luchina

Yellow color: symbolic meaning

The first association that arises when mentioning the color yellow is associated with the sun - the sun and the sun's rays are depicted as yellow. And the sun is the source of life on earth, energy, joy, fun, celebration, warmth and freedom. In many primitive sun-worshipping cultures, yellow was considered a divine color. In the Chinese Book of Changes, yellow is associated with the element of earth and is located in the center in relation to the cardinal directions. Also traditionally in many cultures, yellow is a “feminine” color, symbolizing the feminine, maternal principle, intuition and vitality.

The next area of ​​symbolic meaning for the color yellow is due to the fact that it is the color of gold. And in this sense, yellow (golden, precious) is used to mark the special importance of a person, his high status, privileged position, importance, wealth. For example, for a long time in China only emperors could wear yellow clothes; headdresses of priests and rulers also use yellow or gold. And in the 20th century, a new expression “yellow leader jersey” appeared - meaning a leader, a person who is ahead, ahead of others (the expression first appeared in cycling races, thanks to the sponsoring newspaper of the competition, which was printed on yellow paper).

Yellow is one of the brightest colors in the spectrum; it is poorly scattered in the atmosphere, so it is often used as a warning signal (indicative and warning road signs, yellow traffic lights, yellow cards in sports). In the animal world, combinations of yellow and black colors are found in the colors of poisonous reptiles. By analogy with nature, black and yellow are used in places that require our attention and caution (on the road, in construction equipment, when using life-threatening chemicals).

Bright, eye-catching, provocative and shocking yellow color carries not only a positive charge, but also a number of negative symbolic meanings. The color yellow symbolizes parting, separation, autumn sadness (yellow tulips, yellowing foliage), eccentricity, lies, betrayal, challenge to society, even madness. For example, the yellow house (the colloquial name for a psychiatric hospital), the yellow ticket - a document that was issued to prostitutes in Tsarist Russia, the yellow press - the press that publishes rumors and gossip. It was customary to depict the traitor Judas dressed in a yellow cloak. Those condemned to death by the Inquisition were dressed in special clothing, a sanbenito - a yellow shirt with a red cross, and the Nazis forced Jews to sew yellow Stars of David on their clothes.

Psychophysiology of yellow color

Yellow color, like red, has a general activating, stimulating effect on the entire body. Yellow color is especially energetic in stimulating the digestive system. In addition, yellow color activates mental activity, sharpens attention and memory, and has a beneficial effect on vision. Yellow color stimulates brain activity, promoting sharper and clearer vision, thus, yellow color helps to maintain vigor, increased performance, and reduces the feeling of fatigue. And, of course, along with red, it is the “leader” among colors that have a powerful antidepressant effect. Along with the positive effects, the perception of the color yellow can also have an undesirable effect - for example, it is believed that yellow can provoke dizziness.

The healing effect of yellow

The color yellow has long been used for magical healing of diseases somehow related to this color - jaundice, for example. The ritual was structured in such a way that the yellow color associated with the disease was transferred from the patient to an animal, object or creature of yellow color (the sun, the golden eyes of a subspecies of jackdaws, a yellow stone). Oddly enough, this use of yellow turned out to be scientifically justified. Yellow color helps treat chronic diseases of the liver and biliary tract. In addition, yellow color is used to treat other diseases related to digestion - gastritis, colitis, constipation, and even diabetes. Yellow color is also healing for skin diseases (eczema, allergies, etc.), since it promotes the body’s natural cleansing processes, and generally has a beneficial effect on the body’s self-regulation processes. By creating a sense of security and nourishing the “feminine principle” of patients, yellow helps in the treatment of female neuroses.

Psychological meaning of yellow

The psychological meaning of yellow is openness, readiness for change, self-disclosure, trust in the outside world, security, freedom and fun.

Yellow color is more preferred by women in a normal, non-crisis state, and can be chosen by men under stress. Yellow and light green colors improve the mood of babies, and after a period of 3 to 5 years, when red becomes the favorite, by 7-8 years yellow again becomes a favorite color among children. Those who love yellow are people characterized by a desire for change, particularly in relationships with other people, who believe that they can resolve conflict and be happy, who have hope and optimism. According to research by Soviet psychologists, the color yellow is most associated with the emotions of surprise and joy, and has virtually no connection with sadness and fatigue.

If a person actively rejects the color yellow, this indicates disappointment, a feeling of being isolated, cut off from other people, an inability to see a perspective and a positive future for oneself, such a person may deliberately avoid disappointments and related contacts, and is suspicious of others.

Yellow color in the interior

Yellow color creates the effect of the presence of the sun in a room, so using yellow is definitely useful in dimly lit, cold rooms. Just like white, yellow visually expands the space. Thanks to yellow, you can unobtrusively highlight and enlarge some individual element of the interior, which will look larger, but at the same time it will look light and airy. Most often it is used not on large solid surfaces, but in combination with other colors. A variety of light shades of yellow are very popular in interior design. Yellow color is great for creating 80s, retro, Chinese style interiors, as well as classic interiors. Since yellow color promotes the functioning of the digestive system, it is recommended to be used to decorate the kitchen and dining room. According to research results, yellow is the color chosen by pregnant women who are committed to natural childbirth and motherhood; this color is also preferred for babies, so using yellow to decorate a nursery, especially in combination with green, will be justified. Yellow color is also used in work rooms - because it promotes concentration and intellectual activity. The combination of yellow and white colors creates an atmosphere of airiness, celebration, lightness in the interior, and is great for the kitchen, bathroom, and children's room.

Yellow color in clothes

Using yellow color in clothes, you will definitely attract attention. Since yellow visually enlarges and expands, you may seem “many” if you are completely dressed in yellow. More freely, yellow can be used in combination with other colors, as an element of a suit (bag, shoes, scarf, etc.). An element of yellow clothing can effectively highlight and emphasize the advantages of your figure. You need to be very careful about the combination of the shade of yellow and the color of your skin. A bright shade of yellow that does not match your color type can give your skin an unhealthy, pale appearance and highlight any minor imperfections in your skin or hair coloring.

Yellow color in advertising

Yellow color is very actively used in advertising - bright, eye-catching, but not aggressive, like red, yellow has become the main color for many well-known brands and successful advertising companies.

For example, it was the color yellow that led to the success of John Hertz's Yellow Cab taxi company, when in 1915, on the advice of consultants, he repainted all his taxis yellow. This is how the familiar association of the color yellow with a taxi car was born.

The brightness and feeling of freedom, lightness, and accessibility make yellow a popular color for billboards during sales and promotions.

Characteristics such as energy, cheerfulness, and speed are emphasized by the yellow color in advertising for the Western Union money transfer system and the famous company Lipton, which sells its Lipton Yellow Label tea in yellow packaging with a red emblem in 150 countries around the world.

Friendliness, joy and openness to communication became the basis of the advertising campaign of the “open” modern Italian banks CheBanca!, and the mobile communications company Beeline. While another well-known communication company, Euroset, used yellow to emphasize its shocking and defiant image.

Yellow, as already mentioned, promotes digestion and, along with red, is a favorite among children, so it is not surprising that the McDonalds logo is yellow, and the company's mascot character, the clown Ronald McDonald, is dressed in a combination of yellow, red and white.

Yellow color is good for advertising children's products, travel agency services, and entertainment events. Moreover, due to the positive influence of yellow on intellectual activity, this color can be effectively used for high-tech products, communications and high technology.

Natalya Luchina for https://junona.pro

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We see a wide variety of colors every day. They are present in clothes and the world around us. Each color has its own meaning. Let's talk about what the colors symbolize.

White color

White color is a symbol of purity and perfection. It has a beneficial effect on human energy. People who like him are usually honest and careful, but they have many enemies. As a rule, they have a calm temperament.

Red color

Red color is a symbol of vital energy. It activates, attracts the eye and warms. This color is liked by strong and brave people, who often turn out to be very vindictive. Red clothes are worn by those who want to stand out from the crowd. It charges people with special energy, giving them activity and vigor.

Orange color

Orange represents the color of creation. He is optimistic and encourages freedom and action. Orange color can activate the hidden capabilities of a person. With its help you can achieve any goals. Those people who prefer the color orange are strong in spirit, they have the ability to influence others and quickly gain popularity. They often become leaders.

Yellow

The color yellow symbolizes love of life. It can bring joy and laughter, and also stimulates mental abilities. It is believed that the color yellow is liked by creative people who are honest and diligent. It is also chosen by those who want to become rich and succeed in life.

Turquoise

The color turquoise symbolizes harmony between heart and mind, experience and wisdom. It activates a person’s hidden talents and allows them to be developed to their maximum. This color is preferred by people who want to achieve not only success in life, but also enlightenment.

Green color

Green color symbolizes harmony. It reduces arousal and helps get rid of negative emotions. This color has a beneficial effect on the nervous system. People who like it usually lead a quiet life, are compassionate and sentimental. They are trusting and constant, but they are often betrayed by the people around them.

Blue

The blue color represents not only wisdom, but also a calm disposition. It promotes relaxation and inspires you to do good deeds. This color is chosen by people who strive for spiritual achievements. They are not selfish; they can be spineless and passive.

Blue color

The color blue symbolizes inspiration, justice and devotion. It contributes to the fulfillment of desires, even those that at first glance seem unrealistic. People who like the color blue tend to be very organized and have good self-control. They are receptive and can submit to others. They have well-developed logical thinking.

Purple

Purple is a color that symbolizes kindness and wisdom. It is very powerful, which is why it is preferred by leaders. The color violet helps balance spiritual and physical energy. People who give preference to it tend to put on airs, they have a well-expressed sense of self-esteem and have oratorical abilities. But at the same time, they often do not notice their shortcomings and can be quite harsh with others.

Pink color

Pink is the color of Venus, symbolizing love. It allows you to build relationships with people around you. With the help of pink, you can attract a soul mate into your life or fill an existing relationship with tenderness. It also helps to heal from emotional wounds, increase self-esteem and prevent troubles in life.

Brown color

The color brown symbolizes protection. It allows you to protect yourself and attracts only good events into life. The color brown attracts wealth, success and abundance. It appeals to people who are willing to do anything to achieve their goal.

Indigo

Indigo is a color that symbolizes spiritual healing and enlightenment. It helps to learn about past lives and other worlds. It is preferred by people who like mysticism and the unknown.

Grey colour

The color gray represents protection from mental and physical attacks. It effectively neutralizes negative energy and allows you to quickly get rid of problems. People who choose this color are sensitive and kind-hearted.

Black color

The color black symbolizes mystery and enigma. It is chosen by people with a calm character. They often have foresight abilities, but not everyone uses them.

Yellow is the main color of the palette. Its shades can be both warm and cold. For example, the cold color of a lemon fruit or the warm color of an egg yolk. But this is not its main difference from other colors of the spectrum. It concentrates some interesting psychological facts and cultural features of perception.

The meaning of yellow: general information

The symbol of this shade of the palette is the sun. It is difficult to imagine what our planet would have become if it were not for this source of soft warmth and bright light. This color can charge a person with vital energy, just as the sun fills all living things on Earth with it.

At one time, Goethe himself believed that dark colors have a calming effect on a person, while bright colors, on the contrary, contribute to an increase in his vital activity. In the Christian faith, the color yellow had different meanings, everything depended on its shade. If the color was saturated, then it was considered to be Divine power, but if it was dull, for example: gray-yellow, then it meant greed, stinginess, deception, delusion.

The Chinese consider the color yellow to be a symbol of all feminine qualities, which is why if this color is present in a woman’s outfit, then she looks more harmonious and attractive.

Yellow color in psychology: scientific facts

Yellow color can evoke any pleasant memories in a person and stimulate him to action. Scientists have proven that yellow can activate brain activity and improve memory. Its influence has been well studied by specialists in the field of commodity sales. After all, it is the psychology of color in advertising that is a separate science, and the color yellow plays an important role here.

For example: the yellow tint is often used in the manufacture of banners, advertisements and billboards. When creating labels and logos, this color is very rarely used as the main color, but adding it can make the icon more memorable. But in combination with green, yellow makes people feel like lies and falsehood. The combination of black and yellow is perceived as a danger sign.

Scientists have developed a certain group of qualities - negative and positive, in which the yellow color can mean different aspects, namely:

  1. Among the positive qualities: activity, dexterity, receptivity, intelligence, tolerance, freedom, joy, happiness;
  2. Negative ones: sarcasm, absent-mindedness, treachery, causticity.

In a way, the yellow tint is somewhat scattered in different directions, but at the same time it is very deep and soulful. Under its influence, a person quickly makes the necessary decision and begins to act actively. Those people who choose this color are quite categorical towards illiterate participants in the dialogue, and also often like to argue and draw attention to themselves. They usually have high self-esteem, they love to act, and are always confident in themselves and their abilities.

Also, the advantages of this color include its assistance in maintaining a person’s normal weight, since it helps to intensively secrete gastric juice, and, therefore, improve digestion.

If you are imbued with the desire to update your wardrobe and purchase something of a yellow hue, then this may indicate that you need to restore inner harmony, as well as protect yourself from stress. The main motive of those who prefer yellow clothes is the need to show their hidden potential and open up to the outside world.

Such people are interesting personalities; they are adventurers by nature and very energetic. They are, as it were, in search of an open relationship that will help relieve their internal tension and help them achieve their desired goal. Yellow color can get rid of shyness and excessive bashfulness, as well as avoid getting into ridiculous situations. But the absence of yellow in clothes can provoke depression and even reduce immunity! But even here it is necessary to observe moderation - after all, its excess can quickly tire you and lead to headaches.

What do yellow flowers mean?

From Europe, a sign came to our country that yellow flowers are given as a sign of separation, and also that they are harbingers of jealousy and betrayal. It has become very firmly established in life, because of this, a rare loving man would risk giving his woman such a bouquet. But not many people know that since ancient times in Rus', yellow flowers had another meaning: they symbolized high spirits and wealth.

Yellow was associated primarily with light, warmth, and the sun. It is for this reason that if they wanted to wish a person wealth, goodness, happiness, they gave yellow flowers. By the way, the Japanese agree with the ancient Russians on this issue. Nowadays, yellow flowers are very popular in this country, and orange-yellow flowers mean power and are given as gifts to influential people.

Yellow roses mean joy, so if you were given these particular flowers, it means that you are wished happiness and joy, and it also means that you are admired.

It is customary to give yellow flowers to bright and gifted individuals. If they were given to an artist or actor, then this means praise of his talent and admiration for him. It is also customary to give yellow flowers to young girls as a sign of perkiness and youth. It is better to give older women not yellow, but tea flowers; the color should not be so bright, but rather noble. Pale yellow or brownish bouquets and strong tea colors are also suitable.

If you want to become more active, cheerful, believe in yourself and your strengths, then try to add bright colors to your life with the help of a yellow tint. And also don’t worry if you were given a bouquet of yellow flowers - this means that they wish you happiness, and not otherwise!

Yellow attracts the eye, and the lips involuntarily part in a smile from a completely childish feeling of lightness and anticipation of the holiday.

What is so attractive about this color? Maybe the fact that it is associated with gold and sunlight? Or the reason for this perception is much deeper.

This color belongs to the long-wave, “warm” part of the spectrum, but it is on the very border of active colors, which include red and orange. Therefore, its stimulating effect is less pronounced; it acts as a light tonic, invigorates, but does not “torpedo” physiological processes. Nevertheless, the invigorating effect of yellow is clearly visible:

  • it stimulates the activity of the nervous system, helping with apathy and depression;
  • improves vision;
  • activates motor centers;
  • increases muscle tone;
  • slightly lowers blood pressure;
  • optimizes heart function and breathing.

It’s not without reason that they say that when surrounded by the color yellow, a person wants to move, and not just move, but joyfully, childishly jump and run.

One of the features of the physiological effects of yellow is the improvement of appetite. Therefore, if you do not want to overeat, then you should not overuse this color in the kitchen.

As studies have shown, yellow very well performs the function of nourishing the nervous system; it is useful for children, adults weakened by illness, and in the spring, when our body suffers not only from vitamin deficiency, but also.

Psychology of yellow perception

Colors have the strongest influence on the sphere of emotions, forcing a person to experience certain feelings. Yellow awakens a positive mood in people, but at the same time promotes a frivolous attitude towards reality.

This color evokes the need for communication, but the topics that we choose under its influence cannot be called serious. This is light chatter and non-committal conversations. And the thoughts in your head become light, like dandelion fluff flying in the sun.

However, lightness of thoughts is a very useful side effect of the color yellow. It awakens in people curiosity, a thirst for new things and the need to comprehend this new thing. Therefore, the yellow color in the interior of the room stimulates the learning process. True, there should not be too much of it, so as not to overload the vision and nervous system.

The visual effect created by the color yellow is interesting. Objects painted with it seem to protrude and move towards us from the surrounding space. Therefore, yellow is often used in advertising, in the design of product packaging and in the coloring of road signs.

At the same time, the abundance of yellow color quickly tires the nervous system, an enthusiastic, high mood turns into irritation and unmotivated anger. A room with yellow walls and curtains seems spacious and filled with sunlight, but after a while a person begins to feel tired and headache. The increased tone maintained by the yellow color leads to an overload of our psyche, and we want to quickly leave the room decorated in this color.

Who chooses yellow?

The phenomenon has been well studied by psychologists and physiologists, and choosing a favorite color can tell a lot about a person. So, warm shades of yellow are liked by cheerful, active, slightly frivolous people.

  • They are cheerful, active and success-oriented, but try not to overwork themselves and choose activities that give them pleasure.
  • Those who prefer yellow love freedom, they are full of hope for the future and are confident that all changes are for the better.

Yellow is a constant expectation of a holiday, and therefore gloomy, gloomy people are irritated by it. Yellow color is also rejected by those who strive for peace, who find the hustle and bustle of life unpleasant, and excessive cheerfulness causes anger.

Symbolism of yellow

The symbolic meanings of yellow are diverse and contradictory. Cultural and religious traditions have such a strong influence on the perception of this color that many people are wary of it or even reject it, considering it unpleasant. To understand the inconsistency of the symbolism of yellow, it is enough to simply list its main meanings in modern society.

  • Yellow is considered a symbol of the sun, and therefore a divine color.
  • Associated with gold, it represents wealth, nobility and power.
  • This color is at the same time a symbol of lies, betrayal and corruption, apparently also in connection with gold.
  • A yellow ticket was issued in pre-revolutionary Russia to women involved in prostitution.
  • It symbolizes illness, since in Europe in the Middle Ages a yellow flag was raised on ships infected with plague.
  • A sign of decline, withering, destruction, as it evokes associations with leaves turning yellow in autumn.
  • Yellow is also a danger sign. As the brightest of the spectral colors, it was chosen to indicate a threat, for example, in a sign of radiation danger. Even insects have a yellow color that indicates they are poisonous.
  • This color is also a symbol of madness. In pre-revolutionary Russia, psychiatric clinics were called “yellow houses.”

Despite such controversial and often negative symbolism, yellow is loved by children and youth. It fills them with energy and is in tune with their need for positivity.

Yellow is the lightest and most radiant of all colors. The first association that arises is the sun. Therefore, yellow for us means radiant activity, warmth, vital energy, joy, happiness. When exposed to sunlight, the colors of objects begin to glow, acquiring a warm yellowish tint.

Also I.V. Goethe used yellow glass to look out at nature on cloudy days. In his “Teaching of Colors” he says: “Experience has proven that the yellow color creates the impression of warmth and comfort. The eye rejoices, the heart is filled with delight, the soul sings and it seems that real warmth has breathed upon us.”

Yellow color is the color of intelligence, mind, stimulates mental activity and encourages rational thinking.

Positive properties of yellow color: rationality, broad-mindedness, community, foresight.

Negative properties of yellow color: criticality, impatience, need to argue, too much self-confidence, resourcefulness.

The effect of yellow color on humans

PHYSIOLOGY

Yellow is a tonic color, physiologically optimal. It is connected to the human solar plexus and the entire nervous system.

Has a great impact on the human body:
- stimulates vision and nervous activity;
— increases physical performance;
- has a positive effect on the digestive organs: stomach, gall bladder, liver, spleen;
- stimulates appetite;
- stimulates the secretion of gastric juice;
- relieves feelings of fatigue, drowsiness;
- helps with skin diseases;
- cleanses the blood;
- has a cleansing effect on the body;
- replenishes the lack of minerals in the body;
- reduces acidity in the body;
- treats insomnia;
- used to treat diabetes.

Yellow is very beneficial for the nervous system and brain. It is a stimulant and nerve builder. Its rays carry positive magnetic currents that strengthen the nerves and help the brain.

PSYCHOLOGY

Yellow is the color of freedom, hope and future. Psychologists are sure: a person who has hopes prefers yellow; the disappointed man rejects him.

- treats melancholy;
- improves mood;
- helps with shyness;
- promotes creative activity;
- helps in the treatment of depression and fatigue from life;
- relieves low self-esteem;
- useful for self-doubt;
- stimulates thought processes;
- improves memory;
- promotes the development of imagination.

Yellow color is useful for life's disappointments, because... it symbolizes the desire for a person, for an intuitive overcoming of interpersonal tension, for ease in communication.

NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF COLOR

Too much too bright yellow can cause mental fatigue.

Yellow color is contraindicated with diarrhea, fever, neuralgia, overexcitation, with increased heart rate, with acute inflammation.

Irina Bazan



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