What does green symbolize?

Published: 05-07-2023

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Green is one of the most common colours in nature. It is given to plants or their parts by organic compounds called chlorophylls. Therefore, green is associated mainly with life and nature. However, this is not the only meaning attributed to the colour green.

Due to the fact that the leaves, grass or moss growing on rocks or trunks are green, the colour green is often associated with birth, life, strength and energy. Green is the colour of spring, fertility, prosperity, youth and innocence. It is also often linked with healing and freshness. Green is the colour of hope, which is associated with the arrival of spring and the end of the period of darkness and poverty. In addition, it is the colour of optimism and happiness. It is inextricably linked to the idea of balance, tranquillity, peace and spiritual matters.

In addition to these positive associations, the colour green also carries negative connotations. Green is frequently associated with toxicity. This probably refers to the colouration of many poisonous plants and venomous animals. Moreover, green is often equated with vanity and weakness.

In the Middle Ages, green was associated mainly with evil and the devil was often depicted in this colour. In addition, the colour green was inextricably linked to envy and human weakness. In ancient Egypt, Osiris, the god of the judgment of souls and rebirth, was depicted with green skin.

For the pre-Columbian population, green symbolized immortality, fertility and strength. It was used when creating funeral masks. In some South-American countries, green is associated with death.

For Muslims, green is the sacred colour associated with the prophet Muhammad. It also symbolizes strength, happiness and prestige. In China, the colour green means hope, fertility and good intentions. It is sometimes associated with shame and infidelity. In Hinduism, it symbolizes life, happiness, peace and mind.

Research shows that green has a positive effect on the nervous system and eliminates stress. Therefore, it is often present in hospitals, clinics, health and wellness centres. The clothing of doctors and medical staff is also green.

In recent years, the colour green is linked primarily with ecology. It is often used in marketing because of its associations with youth and freshness. In advertising campaigns, it also emphasizes stability, prosperity, security and trust.

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