The color purple has always been an enigmatic tone that has captivated the human imagination.

In this article we will explore the color meanings purple in different cultures from the perspective of color psychology. We will also see why is it the color of feminism and we will analyze how it relates to contemporary fashion, decoration and spirituality.

Purple, violet, purple… are they the same?

Purple is a term used to generally describe a wide range of colors that lie between red and blue on the spectrum.

The violet and the purple They are colors that are located in the region of the visible spectrum of light, specifically in the range between blue color and the red.

So, «purple» can refer to both violet and purple; but although it is often used as a general term to describe any color that is a mixture of red and blue, It is sometimes used to distinguish shades lighter than purple.

• He violet It is a color that is found in the shortest part of the visible wavelength, right on the edge of the blue end of the spectrum. It is a color with a longer wavelength than ultraviolet light but shorter than blue. It is a purer color and often associated with flowerslike that of the violets themselves, and hence its nomenclature (just as in the lighter tones we find lilac).
• He purpleon the other hand, is a secondary color that is formed by combining red light and blue light in equal proportions. It is located in the center of the spectrum between red and blue. It’s a color warmer than violet and tends to be used in its darker tones.

Other colors that are sometimes classified as purple, without being so, are indigo and indigolocated in an intermediate zone between blue and violet. Although They are mainly bluecertain components can make them appear purple under certain circumstances.

Purple color: meaning in different cultures

The purpleas a combination of red and blue, has sometimes opposite connotations. From serene blue to activating red, almost everything would fit in this mixed shade reviewed from color psychology.

Thus, on the one hand, purple, and also violet, are associated with calm and mysticismbeing used in certain environments to induce meditation and relaxation. In that sense, it is a color that is associated with introspection and the search for the deep meaning of life.

Therefore, to certain purple stones, such as amethyst, are attributed mystical and healing properties.

From this spiritual perspective it is also logical association with creativity and imagination. However, this is a much more common association in Eastern cultures than in Western ones, where historically purple has been associated more with royalty and luxury.

Since the Phoenicians discovered a way to extract pigments from certain species of marine snails, thus marketing the “Tyrian purple”, it was reserved for the high and powerful classes, often adopting the name “imperial purple.” Even today, it is used in formal events both to express sophistication and luxury as if to symbolically mark the association with power, delimiting the social status of those who participate and reinforcing the authority of the personalities who attend.

Why is the color purple the symbol of feminism?

There are several hypotheses in this regard, some of which have to do with factors already mentioned.

As a color that mixes red and blue, of opposite spirits and associated with different genders, It is considered an integrating colorwhich encompasses humanity as a whole, regardless of sex and gender, sweeping away stereotypes, How do you seek to achieve feminism?.

On the other hand, as associated with power, it is also a empowerment color, a key concept of this social movement. In this interpretation, purple would symbolize women’s struggle to access areas of power that have traditionally been banned from them.

Finally, it is associated with a historical reason: it is said that in the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire happened on March 25, 1911, from which a series of changes began that substantially improved women’s working conditions, new requirements for the prevention of occupational risks were established and child labor was limited. the plumes of smoke rising from the factory were purpledue to the dyes of the garments that were manufactured there.

Meaning of the color purple in different spiritual currents

Since purple is related to spirituality, intuition and higher consciousnessin many cultures it is considered a color that symbolizes connection with the divine, inner wisdom and the search for meaning in life.

A color of protection and resilience

In Alice Walker’s popular novel The color purple ensures that the presence of purple in naturethrough the lilac fields, is a sample of the omnipresence of divine love. Beyond its spiritual power, purple in nature can be understood as a indication of protection: specifically that provided by the anthocyanin antioxidants.

This color is often used to represent the search for answers beyond the tangible and the understanding of the transcendental. It is associated with the ability to transform difficult situations into experiences of personal and spiritual growth; it would be, thus, the color of resiliencealthough this role is frequently also attributed to the green color and to brown colordue to its association with natural cycles.

The color of consciousness in Hinduism

In spiritual practices such as Hinduism The color purple is associated with the seventh chakra, known as the crown chakra or Sahasrara. The crown chakra is located at the top of the head and is considered the center of higher consciousnessspirituality, connection with the divine and wisdom.

It is believed that meditate on this color or visualize it can help balance and activate this chakra, thus facilitating greater spiritual connection, mental clarity and a sense of purpose in life. It is believed to have the ability to calm the mind, relieve stress and promote emotional balance.

Purifying effect in Christianity

Purple can also symbolize purification and spiritual healing. In the Christian traditionpurple is a liturgical color associated with the season of Advent and Lent. During these periods, purple is used in the decoration of churches (three of the Advent candles are this color) and in the vestments of clerics as a symbol of penance, spiritual preparation, reflection and anticipation before Christmas and Easter. The purple of Lent is always dark in tone and is only replaced by the red of blood on Palm Sunday and Good Friday.

However, it has also been used in its color connotation of power to mark the rank of priests, bishops and cardinalsbeing used differently in their clothing. From the Old Testament it is already noted that purple, as the most precious color, should be used in priestly vestments to honor God just as sovereigns were honored.

What does the color purple convey in the home?

Given these powerful associations, purple has been a color traditionally used in the interior design or fashionable to mark distance and build hierarchies, although currently it is used more to express a own style, a rebellious attitude or a certain creativity, especially in accessories or makeup.

When decorating spaces you can also take advantage of this power generating contrasts; For example, with loose walls or purple accents to contribute sophistication and originality.

In fabrics such as velvet it is associated with ostentation.something that can be used in furniture and textiles to create a luxurious atmosphere, especially in combination with gold or silver tones.

However, its chromatic range also allows radically different uses: lilac combines very well with neutral tones to generate a minimalist environment with touches of color; to create spaces for meditation and recollectionor with others pastel shades like green or pink in children’s bedrooms.

Ultimately, purple plays a prominent role in the contemporary color palette. With its unique combination of calm, spirituality and originalitycan evoke an enigmatic feeling, imbue us with elegance and authority, or facilitate spiritual connection in our daily experience.