Perceptions about different colors
Color is an important part of everyone’s life. It’s obvious that we derive a lot of personal meaning from our favorite colors. However, we can learn a lot by taking a moment to consider why colors provide us with so much meaning. We all know that certain colors resonate with us on an emotional level. Many colors are sure to have a similar impact on almost everyone in a social circle.
Pakistan is a region with considerable governmental and social fluidity. Meanwhile there’s still a rich cultural exchange in the area which goes back about 5,000 years. Constant social change, as well as an abnormally large percentage of younger citizens, tends to strengthen the bonds of both family and friends. Meanwhile social identity from past influences or governmental bodies is usually less significant than within other cultures.
Pakistan often shows a more fluid and dynamic approach to art and color than other areas of the world. When we look at the history of art in Pakistan there are tremendous examples of cultural flux. Modernism and abstract takes on various subjects has been a mainstay of Pakistan’s artistic identity. Likewise we see a great deal of multinational influence from artists who’ve lived or studied abroad. In addition to all of this, Pakistan borrows heavily from Asian, Indian and Middle Eastern traditions. This sometimes allows us to trace color preferences to traditions which arose in distant geographic regions.
It’s important to keep all of these factors in mind when looking at symbolism of color. The meaning and significance of color tends to vary in the country more than we’d find in other lands. But we can still find cultural preferences which give some shared meaning within the universal language of color.
Color Symbolism in Pakistan
- Blue
I often think of blue when imagining vast expanses. The blue sky and equally blue waters both conjure images of immense spaces and distances. This ever present color is also sometimes seen as a force of good luck in Pakistan. It’s sometimes even used as a protective charm. A Nazar is a blue bead worn on a necklace. The Nazar is believed to ward off evil and bring good luck.
2. Green
Most cultures tie green in with the natural world. Pakistan certainly has its share of brilliant green fields. Green is also associated with growth, fertility and nature. However, it’s also the central color of Pakistan’s flag. This lends it a special significance for Pakistanis. It is also considered as Holy color as the Rug of Heaven is also of Green color.
The green in Pakistan’s flag symbolizes the Islamic religion. Of course not everyone in Pakistan adheres to this faith. But it encompasses about 95% to 98% of the population, so the color green takes on a special meaning of religious unity for much of the population.
3. Red
Most countries and cultures celebrate the color red. We all recognize how important red is due to our own blood. This ensures that most cultures will consider red to be tied in with life in one way or another. Red can symbolize fertility and love. Likewise, we see the sunrise and its reddish hue as a sign of good things to come. This often makes it a favored color for wedding dresses in Pakistan. In most cultures, red is considered as a healing power. For example, garnets and rubies stones believed to be giving healing power and prevent diseases.
4. Yellow
Yellow often symbolizes happiness and warmth due to an association with sunlight. We see yellow in many of the tastiest treats in Pakistan. For example, Jalebi (a sweet) and other snacks made of fried flour usually have a rich yellow hue. This too lends a feeling of happiness and joy to the color yellow in Pakistan.
5. White
Pakistan shares color white with China and India. White often suggests death and mourning in Pakistan just as it would in China or India. Of course white can also have a more literal use. For example, it’s used as coloring for the moon and star on Pakistan’s flag. Where the green part of the flag represents the religion of Islam, the white stripe represents the non-Muslim minority religions. The white moon stands for progress and the white star is a symbol of knowledge and light. Together, the green and white colors symbolize prosperity and peace.
6. Black
Black is the darkest color, the result of the absence or complete absorption of visible light. It is an achromatic color, literally a color without hue like white (its opposite) and gray. It is often used symbolically or figuratively to represent darkness.
Black color is considered as a tragic color, some people wear black on deaths. It also perceives as a black magic in Muslim society. It is used as a black thread to prevent black magic.
Flags and uniform of most armies, are also black that represent the Power, law and authority. In my point of view wearing black make you significant and elegant among others.
7. Pink
Pink soothes nerves and brings serenity as a palliative color. Those who can’t manage their anger issues, they should wear pink color. Some mental health Institutions, and cancer departments paint their walls pink to control the behaviors of patients. Many prisons use pink color to control prisoners’ anger. It also represents nurturing, care and romance, softness as well as peace.
#perceptions #ideas #notions #positivevibes #vibes #Culture #Interculture
#communication #broadminded
Faiza Atique, Muhammad Waqas Zafar, Sana Nadeem, Muhammad Usman, Jaweria Yaseen, Faqiha Rehman Noorus Sabah.
