They say that black is the absence of color and with this presentation we can already imagine that the psychology of color has black as one of the most negative. But let’s not be fooled by the first impression, since Renoir himself said in his day that black was the king of colors and no one like a great artist to know the ins and outs of each color. With one of lime and the other of sand we delve into the meaning of the color black to bring out all the positive and negative that may be in it.
The symbolism of the color black
- The night is black and so is depression. And the mystery, what color is the mystery? The mysterious is black and even white magic is practiced in the blackness of the night. So it can’t all be so negative, right? Let’s not forget something important and it is that black color as a symbol of elegance and sensuality.
- When analyzing black, in the psychology of colors we find more negative than positive aspects, but here everything has its face and its cross. Black gives your strength, security and power. Black wraps you in magic and mystery and black also combines with everything. Is there any other color that can join all the others without aesthetically creaking? That’s because black is powerful.
Negative meanings of the color black
- We can start this time with the negative meanings of the color black, since they are the most obvious and the ones that are devastating, we are not going to fool ourselves. For starters, black is the color of mourning in most cultures, the color of death. And death in Western culture could not be more negative.
- At an emotional and feelings level we can affirm that pessimism is black. When you fall into a depression, the world turns this color and without reaching that depressive state, who has not seen their future in black at some time? The pain is also black, the pain of loss and absence. Sentimental breakups are absolutely black, the same as heartbreak, betrayal, deceit or lack of trust.
- Black is the color of denial, disappointment, frustration, unfulfilled dreams, misfortune and all negative feelings. Black is the color of the lack of hope, the one that is usually represented in green but that actually comes with the entire chromatic range. Broken illusions are black, when before breaking they were a bright rainbow. And when you stop believing in yourself everything goes black.
- Violence is black, the same as murders, hence the so-called “black novel” that we are so passionate about. The forbidden is also black, something that is not always negative and that does not stop attracting us like a magnet. And what is illegal is also black in color, like the “black market” or “black money”.
- Bad luck is also associated with the color black and if not, tell the superstitious when they see a cat of this color. Evil spells are black, poisons are black and the world of magic, black or not, is always surrounded by black. The absence of light is what marks the negative character of this color in a definitive way.
- Black is also the color of endings, although this is not always a negative. The black screen announces the end of the movie, or the series. Because black is, after all, nothing.
Positive meanings of the color black
- But let’s not get carried away by all these ominous omens because the color black also contains positive aspects. That we have to work harder to find them only indicates that they are more powerful than any other color.
- To begin with, the color black is perhaps the most powerful of colors. It is a transforming color, capable of turning something vulgar into elegant. What about the black velvet? This color is undoubtedly the color of elegance, style and sensuality. Together with red it forms the most powerful erotic combinations and alone it is synonymous with strength and self-confidence.
- In addition, the color black is associated with protest and rebellion, something absolutely positive for achieving social progress and, in any case, a dose of critical spirit against what is established never hurts. Black is the color of rock, an endorsement of the most positive. And we are also facing a color that prints seriousness and professionalism. Let’s not forget all those luxury brands that use black without qualms when it comes to showing their undeniable quality.
Curiosities about the color black
- The first thing that comes to mind when we think of black is mourning, although we already know that in some cultures they use other colors to mourn the dead. Because in the end everything is a matter of perspective, perhaps that is why in ancient Egypt it was the color of fertility, something that does not fit very well with death.
- For its part, both in Chinese and Japanese culture, black is related to more positive aspects such as growth, childhood, spiritual development or even femininity. And in some African countries this color on their flag represents the people.
- Outstanding curiosities about black are, for example, that the first car was of that color, that in the past wedding dresses were black or that it is, together with white, the fundamental color in chess.
- The black days of the Stock Market deserve special mention, omens of economic crises that can devastate a country. Many of those black days have fallen on Friday, although the concept of Black Friday is now associated with a happiest day in which we can anticipate Christmas shopping with supposedly great discounts.
How can the color black help you in your life?
- Without losing sight of the psychology of colors, we can find a true ally in black to feel better. The main benefit of black is the ability it has to make us empowered, stylish and triumphant-looking women, at least if we use it in clothing.
- The little black dress is one of the essentials in any wardrobe and the same goes for men’s garments of this color, which always provide an extra sophistication. If we are talking about work matters, black instills respect and admiration, so you can use it to give the best impression in a job interview.
- Although it is not the most used color at home, it is true that some touches of black in the decoration will create a climate of security and professionalism if you work at home. But one of the benefits of the color black is that it helps you to be more sure of yourself, to believe more in yourself and, therefore, to show all that power that you have within you. The power of the color black.