Colors and Meanings

People associate colors with different objects, feelings, and holidays. Red, for example, is the color of fire, heat, blood, and life. People say red is an exciting and active color. They associate red with a strong feeling like anger. Red is used for signs of danger, such as STOP signs and fire engines. The holiday which is associated with red is Valentine's Day. On February 14, Americans send red hearts to people they love.

Orange is the bright, warm color of leaves in autumn. People say orange is a lively, energetic color. They associate orange with happiness. The holidays which are associated with orange are Halloween in October and Thanksgiving Day in November. On October 31 many Americans put large orange pumpkins in their windows for Halloween.

Yellow is the color of sunlight. People say it is a cheerful and lively color. They associate yellow, too, with happiness. Because it is bright, it is used for signs of caution.

Green is the cool color of grass in spring. People say it is a refreshing and relaxing color. However, they also associate green with feelings of guilt, fear, and envy. Many people wear green on St. Patrick's Day, March 17.

Blue is the color of the sky, water, and ice. Police and navy uniforms are blue. When people are sad, they say, "I feel blue." They associate blue with feelings like unhappiness and fear.

Violet, or purple, is the deep, soft color of darkness or shadows. People consider violet a dignified color. They associate it with loneliness. On Easter Sunday people decorate baskets with purple ribbons.

White is the color of snow. People describe white as a pure, clean color. They associate white with a bright, clean feeling. Doctors, dentists, and nurses frequently wear white uniforms. On the other hand, black is the color of night. People wear black clothes at serious ceremonies such as funerals and graduations.