Colours play a significant part in how we perceive and interact with the world. It seems that each colour emits specific signals that affect our mental, physical and psychological states. In Hinduism, colours play a very important role as they symbolize different aspects and traditions, transcending purely decorative values. The Hindu artists use different colours on the deities and use different coloured dresses for each, signifying their qualities and characteristics. Proper use of colour creates an environment, which should keep a person cheerful.
Saffron: In Hinduism, saffron is the most sacred colour. It represents fire and as impurities are burnt by fire, this colour symbolizes purity. It is associated with sacrifice and salvation. It is the colours of holy men and ascetics who have renounced the world. It also symbolizes religious abstinence.
Red: Red indicates both sensuality and purity. In Hinduism, red is of utmost significance, and the colour most frequently used for auspicious occasions like marriage, festivals, or both of child, etc. As a symbol of marriage, women put vermilion (red powder) on their hair parting. The red colour is a colour of marriage and brides wear red sari during their marriage. Red is known as the colour of Shakti.
Green: Green represents the natural world that the deities created and symbolize purity, peace, and happiness. It also is a symbol of happiness and harmony that the deities bring to Hindus. fertility, life, and rebirth that are found in nature are also represented by the green colour.
White: White is a mixture of several colours, therefore, symbolizes multiple qualities. Purity, peace, cleanliness, and wisdom, the colour represents all of these. The Goddess of wisdom and knowledge, Saraswati is depicted as wearing a white dress, sitting on a white lotus.
Yellow: Yellow is the colour of knowledge and learning. It symbolizes happiness, peace, meditation, competence, and mental development. It represents the season of spring and rejuvenates the mind. Bhagwan Vishnu’s dress is yellow symbolizing his representation of knowledge.
Blue: The creator has given the colour blue to nature- The sky, oceans, rivers and lakes. Blue represents power, magnificence, bravery, stable mind, and depth of character. The Hindu Deities, Bhagwan Krishna and Bhagwan Ram spent their lives protecting humankind and destroying evil, hence they are coloured blue.
It has now been proven that colours can dramatically affect moods, feelings, and emotions to the point of increasing metabolism, raising blood pressure, and even cause eye strain. Red, orange, and yellow are known as warm colours that evoke feelings of warmth and comfort, but also of anger passion and hostility. Whereas, blue, purple, and green are cool colours that bring calmness as well as feelings of sadness.