How did colors get a meaning?

The blue in the sky, the green in the meadow, the brick-red on the walls of the brick houses: we encounter colors everywhere and have a strong effect on our feelings. 

They can make us emotional, calm, thoughtful, happy or even excited. Because we not only see colors, we also feel them. In this article, we take a closer look at color symbolism and look at the meaning and effect of individual colors. Because colors are also of great importance in magical work.

Colors have been given different meanings throughout history. Some are innate, while others are shaped by experience. The main contributing factors are:

Natural Associations

Some colors are naturally associated with certain objects or emotions. For example, green is often associated with plants and nature, while red is associated with fire and passion.

Cultural Connections

The meaning of colors can also be influenced by cultural associations. For example, white is often associated with purity and innocence in Western cultures, while in some Asian cultures it represents mourning and death.

Symbolic Meanings

Colors can also have symbolic meanings in different contexts. For example, in politics, red can be a color that represents a particular party or ideology.

Art and Literature

Artists and writers have also helped create meanings for colors. For example, in literature, green is often used as a symbol of growth and renewal.

Personal Experiences

The meaning of colors can also be influenced by personal experiences and preferences. A person who grew up by the sea might associate blue with, in particular, relaxation and freedom. While someone who has had a traumatic experience with a red car might associate the color red with fear and danger.


Therefore, the meaning of colors can be individual for everyone and can also change throughout life - depending on the experiences and adventures someone has had in life.