Color and Design in 2D and 3D Dimension (TASK 2)

Tasks 2: Color Affects

The point is that in colour psychology it does not seem to matter what we think we are looking at; the effect of colours on us is caused by their energy entering our bodies. Colour-blind people are also sensitive to colour psychology. The eleven basic colours have fundamental psychological properties that are universal, regardless of which particular shade, tone or tint of it you are using. Each of them has potentially positive or negative psychological effects and which of these effects is created depends on the relationships within colour combinations.

There are four psychological primary colours – red, blue, yellow and green. They relate respectively to the body, the mind, the emotions and the essential balance between these three. The psychological properties of the eleven basic colours are as follows:

RED:

Physical Positive: Physical courage, strength, warmth, energy, basic survival, 'fight or flight', stimulation, masculinity, excitement.

Negative: Defiance, aggression, visual impact, strain.

- Red is a powerful colour. Although not technically the most obvious, it has the property of appearing to be closer than it is and first attracted our eyes attention. Therefore, its effectiveness in traffic lights the world over. Its effect is physical; it stimulates us and raises the pulse rate, giving the impression that time is passing faster than it is. It relates to the masculine principle and can activate the "fight or flight" instinct. Red is vey strong but very basic. Pure red is the simplest colour, with no subtlety. It is stimulating and lively, very friendly. At the same time, it can be perceived as demanding and aggressive.

BLUE:

Intellectual

Positive: Intelligence, communication, trust, efficiency, serenity, duty, logic, coolness, reflection, calm.

Negative: Coldness, aloofness, lack of emotion, unfriendliness.

- Blue is the colour of the mind and is essentially soothing;it affects us mentally, rather than the physical reaction we have red. Strong blues will more clear thought and lighter, soft blues will calm the mind and aid concentration. Consequently it is serene and mentally calming. It is the colour of clear communication. The Blue objects do not appear to be as close to us as red ones. Blue is the world's favorite colour. However, it can be perceived as cold, unemotional and unfriendly.

YELLOW:

Emotional

Positive: Optimism, confidence, self-esteem, extraversion, emotional strength, friendliness, creativity.

Negative: Irrationality, fear, emotional fragility, depression, anxiety, suicide.

- The yellow wavelength is relatively long and essentially stimulating. In this case the stimulus is emotional, therefore yellow is the strongest colour, psychologically. The right yellow will lift our spirits and our self-esteem; it is the colour of confidence and optimism. Too much of it, or the wrong tone in relation to the other tones in a colour scheme, can cause self-esteem to plummet, giving rise to fear and anxiety. Our "yellow streak" can surface.

GREEN:

Balance

Positive: Harmony, balance, refreshment, universal love, rest, restoration, reassurance, environmental awareness, equilibrium, peace.

Negative: Boredom, stagnation, blandness, enervation.

- Green strikes the eye in such a way as to require no adjustment whatever and is, therefore, restful. Being in the Centre of the spectrum, it is the colour of balance – a more important concept than many people realize. When the world around us contains plenty of green, this indicates the presence of water, and little danger of famine, so we are reassured by green, on a primitive level. Negatively, it can indicate stagnation and, incorrectly used, will be perceived as being too bland.

Color Of different country Flag

1. New Zealand Flag

 Description of the New Zealand Flag

- As the above picture of the New Zealand Flag indicates the overall background is blue

- According to Ancient and Heraldic traditions much symbolism is associated with colours. The colours on the New Zealand flag represent the following:

- White - peace and honesty

- Red - hardiness, bravery, strength & valour

- Blue - vigilance, truth and loyalty, perseverance & justice

- The basic style shown in the picture of the New Zealand flag is described as Canton reflecting the central design of the flag pattern.

- The stars emblem on the New Zealand flag pictures a representation of the Southern Cross constellation

- The Meaning & History of the New Zealand Flag - The Union Jack symbolises New Zealand's Commonwealth heritage

- It is based on the British blue ensign as the flag was originally mainly intended for naval use

2. Flag of North Korean

Description of the North Korean Flag

- As the above picture of the North Korean Flag indicates the overall background is Red, white and blue

- The North Korean flag pictures three horizontal bands of blue (top), red (triple width), and blue

·      The red band is edged in white

·      On the hoist side of the red band is a white disk with a red five-pointed star

- According to Ancient and Heraldic traditions much symbolism is associated with colours. The colors on the North Korean flag have modern representations as follows:

·      Red - revolutionary patriotism

·      Blue stripes - "The aspiration of the Korean people to unite with the revolutionary people of the whole world and fight for the victory of the idea of independence, friendship and peace."

- The Meaning & History of the North Korean Flag - The North Korean emblem depicts the famous red star of Communism and may also relate to the yin yang symbol, used in Korean culture.

3. The Flag of Japan

Description of the Japanese Flag

- As the above picture of the Japanese Flag indicates the overall background is white

- The description of the Japanese Flag is as follows:

·      White with a large red disk (representing the sun without rays) in the center

- According to Ancient and Heraldic traditions much symbolism is associated with colors. The colors on the Japanese flag represent the following:

·      White - peace and honesty

·      Red - hardiness, bravery, strength & valour.

- The Meaning & History of the Japanese Flag

·      The Japanese large red disc emblem represents the sun

·      It is referred to as the Hinomaru

·      Legend says that the flag originates in the 13th century when a Buddhist priest called Nichiren offered the sun disc flag to the Emperor of Japan in honor of the sun goddess Amaterasu who was believed to have been the Emperor's ancestor

·      Shoguns displayed the 'sun flag' on the Japanese ships during the 16th and 17th centuries

- The name Japan, or Nippon, means "The origin of the sun" and is often translated as "The Land of the Rising Sun"

4. The Flag of India

Description of the Indian Flag

- As the above picture of the Indian Flag indicates the overall background is orange (saffron), white and green. The flag of India is also called Tiranga, or Tricolor

- The description of the Indian Flag is as follows:

·      Three equal horizontal bands of saffron, subdued orange, (top), white, and green

·      A blue chakra (24-spoked wheel) centered in the white band

- According to Ancient and Heraldic traditions much symbolism is associated with colors. The colors on the Indian flag represent the following:

·      Saffron - a symbol of courage

·      White - peace and honesty

·      Blue - vigilance, truth and loyalty, perseverance & justice

·      Green - hope, joy, fertility and love and in many cultures have a sacred significance

5. The Flag of Germany

Description of the German Flag

- As the above picture of the German Flag indicates the overall background is Red, black and gold

- The description of the German Flag is as follows:

·      Three equal horizontal bands of black (top), red, and gold

According to Ancient and Heraldic traditions much symbolism is associated with colors. The colors on the German flag represent the following:

·      Yellow - a symbol of generosity

·      Red - hardiness, bravery, strength & valour

·      Black - Determination

·      They are derived from the similar colours of the Imperial coat of arms of the Holy Roman Empire

6. The Flag of Austria

Description of the Austrian Flag

- As the above picture of the Austrian Flag indicates the overall background is Red and White

- The description of the Austrian Flag is as follows:

·      three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and red

- According to Ancient and Heraldic traditions much symbolism is associated with colors. The colors on the Austrian flag represent the following:

·      White - peace and honesty

·      Red - hardiness, bravery, strength & valour

·      All Flag pictures depict flags flying, from the viewer's point of view, from left to right

7. Flag of Brunei

Description of the Brunei Flag

- As the above picture of the Brunei Flag indicates the overall background is predominately yellow

- According to Ancient and Heraldic traditions much symbolism is associated with colors. The colors on the Brunei flag represent the following:

·      Yellow - a symbol of generosity

·      White - peace and honesty

- All Flag pictures depict flags flying, from the viewer's point of view, from left to right

- The shape and flag ratio of the Brunei flag is described as 1:2 ( length twice the height )

8. The flag of American 

Description, Information and Facts about the American Flag

- As the above picture of the American Flag indicates the overall background is 13 equal horizontal stripes of red alternating with white stripes and in the upper hoist-side corner (canton) there is a blue rectangle bearing 50 small, white, five-pointed stars

- The 50 stars on the American Flag represent the 50 states of America

- The number of stripes on the American flag represents the 13 original colonies, which are known as Old Glory

- The red stripes are at the top and bottom of American Flags

- The stars are arranged in nine offset horizontal rows of stars - Six stars be displayed on the top and bottom rows of American Flags

- According to Ancient and Heraldic traditions much symbolism is associated with colors. The colors on the American flag represent the following:

·      White - peace and honesty

·      Red - hardiness, bravery, strength & valour

·      Blue - vigilance, truth and loyalty, perseverance & justice

Color in different Country cultures

1. Red

In Russia Red symbolizes Communism and revolution. For Russian culture and history in red colour is a prominent color. The Russian word for red, krasni, was in the past, also used to describe something beautiful. krasni is used to indicate something that is red in color, while krasivi is the modern Russian word for “beautiful.” 

Russian culture in red corner, krasni ugol is the icon corner, which was present in every Orthodox household. This was where the family's icon and other religious accouterments were kept. In English, the krasni ugol is translated either as “red corner” or “beautiful corner” depending upon the source.

To most Asians Red means happiness and prosperity. 

In India Red is a symbol of life-giving purity.The bindi is arguably the most visually fascinating of all forms of body decoration. Hindu women who are married wear a red dot. It is called "Tilak". It is also called "Bindi" if it is a sticker. It is called "Kum kum", if it is made from red powder. This red dot is a sign of Hindu married women. It is a tradition. It also prevents looking men from casting eyes on them for marriage, since red dot indicates they are married and not available. some of do not wear the red dot. Young unmarried girls do not put "kum kum", though they might wear a small red dot or other color.

In Greece Red is considered a dominant male color. 

In Japan Red is considered a life-giving color associated with female reproduction. Red is generally called "aka （赤）" in Japanese. There are many traditional shades of red. Red is a powerful color in traditional Japanese society, representing strong emotions rather than ideas. As the color of the sun in Japanese culture and on the Japanese flag, red is the color of energy, vitality, heat, and power. Red also represents love and intimacy, including sexual desire and the life force and energy in people.

Red is the color of love in most cultures: Chinese brides wear red for their wedding, it is considered a Good Luck colour and red roses are the most common gift for St. Valentine’s Day.

Red is also the colour of communism – the flags of China and Vietnam are red. The Former Soviet Union’s flag used to be red too. The army of the Soviet Union was known as the “Red Army”.

In China, red paper and red envelopes are frequently used to wrap gifts of money. Though, on the negative side, obituaries are traditionally written in red ink, and to write someone’s name in red signals that you are either cutting them out of your life, or that they have died.

In Christianity, green and red are associated with Christmas. There is an Easter tradition to colour eggs red – red in this case represents the blood of Christ.

Satan is also most of the time represented by the colour red in icons and popular culture. On the other hand, Santa Claus wears red and white for Christmas.

Red is also used to indicate emergency and warnings. Red is the colour for all Stop signs around the World. However, the first Stop sign had black letters on a white background until 1924 when white was replaced with yellow. It wasn’t until 954 that all stop signs became white and red.

2. Green

In North America, because of the colour of the United States dollar bill, green is the colour of wealth and money. Also, the colour green is always associated with nature.

In my native country, Romania, people with green eyes are seen as very deceptive people. In some of Shakespeare’s plays, envy is associated with the colour green.

Green is considered the traditional colour of Islam. Green is the sacred colour of Islam and is a sign of respect and veneration. In the Muslim world, Green signifies the Prophet Muhammad. It is also the national colour of Egypt. But don’t create packaging or mail packages in green: It’s not well received.

In some Asian cultures the colour green is often used as a symbol of sickness. Green is a symbol of Ireland; green is a strong trend in the Irish holiday St. Patrick’s Day.

In Christianity Green is associated with baptism and the feast of the Eucharist. Green is the colour of Ireland, which is sometimes called the "Emerald Isle".

In England green has heroic meanings and is connected to the stories of Robin Hood.

In China Green represents disgrace. Also in China Green Jade is highly prized for its beauty, which is represents virtue. 
In North Africa Green symoolizes corruption.
 In Japan Green signifies eternal life.

3. Blue

In Iran mean mourning.

In China is immortality; workers’ uniforms; blue-coloured gifts are associated with death.

In Hinduism the colour of Krishna.

Egypt is dark blue is a colour of mourning.

4. Yellow

In Japan is Courage and Nobility

Islam: Wisdom

Hindus:  consider yellow a sacred colour

In Buddhist monks wear Saffron Yellow robes

In many Middle East countries Yellow represents Golden Prosperity

In Egypt Yellow is reserved for Mourning

In India Yellow is the colour used by Merchants

To Native Americans Yellow is the symbol for unconditional Love

In China Yellow represents Honour and Royalty. The first Emperor of China was known as the Yellow Emperor. The skin color of Chinese people is yellow.

Colour in other religions

In my research I discovered that the use of colour in religions. However the information that I did manage to find is presented below:

Colours are also used in religious ceremonies or represent aspects of religion. Native Americans include colours in religious ceremonies. The Navajo Nation considers four colours to be important: Turquoise, white, yellow, and black. These few colours represent four sacred mountains. The Apache Nation also considers four colours to be important: Green, white, yellow and black. These are sacred colours of the White Mountain and are also used in government. The Iowa Nation also considers four colours to be sacred: Black, yellow, red and white. They represent direction, their flag, and what they consider to be four races of man.

Buddhism

In Tibetan Buddhism, blue is the colour of Vairochana, a celestial Buddha, whose image is the immensity of sky blue. Buddhist monks wear orange (specifically the colour saffron) robes primarily due to tradition. That was the least expensive colour dye at the time and that is what they continued to wear. The robes themselves symbolise "simplicity and detachment of materialism."

Islam

Green is the Quran  colour of Islam. The Islamic flag is green. Green is also mentioned in the Quran as the colour of garments, cushions and carpets in paradise.

Hinduism

In Hinduism, saffron is their most sacred colour. Saffron represents fire that burns our impurities. Yellow represents knowledge and learning. The colour green of the Maharashtra represents life and happiness. The colour blue is like infinity like the vastness of the oceans and sky.

Christianity

In Christianity, the colour red symoolizes the blood of Jesus Christ and of sacrifice. White represents the body of Christ. Black represents sin in Catholic liturgy. Gray is the colour of ash and this represents repentance in Catholicism. Purple is the liturgical colour for the seasons of Advent and Lent. Heaven is described as having a lot of gold in buildings and streets. White and silver are used in liturgy during Christmas and Easter.