If we observe the Earth from space, it is very easy to guess why it is also called the blue planet.
It is obviously about the high presence of seas and oceans in our, occupying these three quarters of the world. But if we see it blue it is not because of water itself, but because of how our eyes perceive the refraction and absorption of light.
Color has had great implications on a symbolic level since ancient times, and today it is known even at a scientific level that the perception of a specific color can have effects on a psychic level both on us and on other beings. What does the color blue mean in Psychology? We are going to discover it throughout this article.
The color blue is one of the primary colors that humans are capable of perceiving, and one that one of the three types of cones we have in our eye is able to detect directly. It is important to keep in mind that color is not an entity or property per se of light, but an effect of the perception of its refraction in objects. Thus, things are not blue but we perceive them as blue.
Specifically, we could consider that the color blue is the perception through the vision of the reflection of light with a wavelength between 460 and 482 nm actually including a wide range of shades depending on how much it is mixed with the other basic colors.
What does the color blue mean in Psychology?
The color blue has and has always had a great effect on the human psyche, largely due to the symbolism and association of the color with elements that we perceive as that color and that generate specific emotional experiences. Specifically, the color blue is usually linked to water in almost all its forms, especially seas and oceans, as well as rain. Its association with the color of the sky also stands out.
These associations are, in fact, what usually give it its meaning, both positively and negatively. Generally, light blue tends to have a more innocent and pure symbolism (sky blue, like morning or calm water) while dark blue is more related to maturity and hardness (more typical of storms, waves and sunset).
These effects and their possible practical application are studied in what is known as color psychology. Within this, it has been observed that blue is usually linked to introspection, shyness and tolerance, but probably its best-known connection is with the idea of serenity and calm. It is one of the colors most related to tranquility and control of the situation, as well as peace, understanding and protection. It is also linked to caring for others and to trust and credibility. Lighter tones are frequently associated with innocence and generosity, while darker tones are related to intelligence, power and knowing how to be.
Likewise, blue is usually linked to mental and emotional stability, as well as reason (also intelligence) and a way of facing rational reality. It has been observed that contemplating blue favors control and deepening breathing, as well as helping in meditation processes. It also seems to promote creativity and cordiality, as well as understanding between people.
Other meanings
Other concepts that a large part of the world symbolizes with this color are freedom, loyalty, harmony, fidelity, seriousness and truth. The color blue is also associated with strength and authority, physical energy, intelligence and sports. Likewise, it has traditionally been associated with masculinity, modernity and technological development.
On the other hand, and like the rest of the colors, blue can also have negative connotations or that make everyday life more difficult. For example, as has been said, it is associated with the capacity for introspection and control. But this also links it to taking these to excess: especially dark colors are associated with hyper-controlled behavior and a lack of spontaneity. It is also associated with egocentrism and distancing, as well as concealment and not revealing one’s own identity or weaknesses.
It is not unusual that the color blue can identify rigid and conservative, melancholic and emotional people. In the area of mood, it is common for there to be a link between blue and sadness or depression, as well as passivity.
Practical utilities
Knowledge of these effects on the human psyche can be very useful, since it can be used to promote specific emotional states and contribute to improving mood and mental health.
For example, together with white It is usually used in hospitals (especially in areas dedicated to children), schools and meditation centers, yoga and in the practice of relaxation activities. It is common for it to also appear in the common and rest areas of offices and offices of different types of professionals. In sports it is quite common. It is also used in bedrooms, where it is linked to a greater perception of tranquility and facilitates sleep. Also in the kitchen, where it makes it easier to eat less.
In a less innocent and more interested way, it is also often used in the world of advertising and marketing for these same reasons. Many brands use it due to its connection with credibility, truth and power, as well as for its association with leadership. In the same way and due to the above, it is also common to use it in different tones in different political events and electoral campaigns.
Blue in other cultures
Until now we have discussed the role and value of the color blue from the point of view of Western psychology. However, we must keep in mind that blue can acquire different shades depending on the culture in which we live.
this color receives important consideration in most religions. Examples of this are Egypt or India, where it is considered sacred to the point that in the Hindu religion the god Krishna (one of the main and most important deities of its pantheon, a symbol of love and care but also of severity) has skin of that color. Judaism often links it to holiness, as does Christianity (for example, the Virgin’s clothing is usually depicted as blue).
In Muslim countries, blue is considered a color linked to protection as it is the color of the sky, as well as economic power. Indigenous peoples of South America usually link it with the spiritual and the sacred, being part of the clothing of some of their most important gods.
In China it is linked to healing and harmony, and can symbolize wood and is considered a color of good fortune. However, sometimes blue is frowned upon and is associated with pornography and even evil. In fact, in the past, people with blue eyes were frowned upon in that country, being considered unnatural. In Korea its meaning is related to death, being in fact the color of mourning. In Eastern Europe it is usually linked to immortality. In Belgium, unlike in most of the world where it is linked to the masculine, it is associated with girls.
