Maroon is a rich, deep red color that takes its name from the French word marron, meaning “chestnut.” It sits between red and brown on the color wheel and is created by adding black or brown to red. But is maroon really just a shade of red or is it considered its own distinct color? The answer lies in examining the technical definitions of color as well as the cultural and historical use of the word maroon.
The technical perspective
From a technical perspective, maroon is considered a darker shade of red. On the RGB color model, which is used for digital and online displays, maroon is created by reducing the brightness of pure red. The hex code for maroon is #800000, meaning it has a similar composition to red (#FF0000) but with less intensity of the red value.
On the RYB color model, used for print design and painting, maroon is made by adding black or brown hues to red. So technically it is just a variation of red with other colors mixed in.
However, maroon is sometimes defined as its own distinct color on the color wheel, positioned between red and brown. So there are differing technical perspectives on whether maroon is a shade of red or its own color.
Cultural and historical significance
The word “maroon” has significance as its own color term separate from red in culture and history. Originally in the 1600s, maroon referred to a brownish crimson red. It took its name from the French word for chestnut.
Over time, popular usage of the word deepened it to refer to a rich, dark red color, often with brownish undertones. It is now considered a standard color name in English, alongside red, blue, green, etc.
Maroon has symbolic meaning distinct from red. It represents fall and autumn, owing to its earthy brownish tone. It’s associated with dusk and sundown. Maroon is the signature color of prestigious universities, including Harvard and the University of Chicago.
The maroon beret holds special meaning in several world militaries. Maroon has a unique identity across cultures that sets it apart from just being a variation of red.
Is maroon a shade of red or its own color?
Given the technical definitions and cultural-historical significance, the answer is: maroon is both a shade of red and its own distinct color.
Technically, maroon is just a darker, brownish red. It sits next to red on the color wheel. But it has enough of a unique identity that it’s often classed as its own color between red and brown.
Culturally, maroon is recognized as having its own distinct name and symbolic associations separate from red. The maroon color has meaning across many fields, whether in design, branding, or military affairs.
So maroon’s technical specifications may classify it as a variant of red. But the cultural significance and popular usage of maroon sets it apart as having its own color identity. Context matters in determining whether to classify maroon as a red or its own color. But in general, maroon can be described as both a shade of red and its own distinct color.
How maroon is created
There are a few different ways to make the maroon color depending on the medium:
On digital displays (RGB):
– Maroon is made by reducing the brightness of red, making it darker.
– The hex code for maroon is #800000.
– This code has the same composition as red (#FF0000) but with the red value lowered.
Paint and print design (RYB):
– Maroon is made by adding black, brown, or crimson to red.
– The brownish undertones darken the red into maroon.
– More black added will make the maroon shade darker.
Dyeing fabric:
– Maroon can be dyed using root bark, brazilwood, or madder root.
– Madder and brazilwood have a slightly reddish-brown tone that dyes fabric maroon.
– Synthetic alizarin dye can also produce a rich maroon color.
Maroon vs. other colors
How does maroon compare to other similar colors?
| Color | Description |
| Maroon | Deep, rich red with brownish undertones |
| Red | Pure red without brown mixes |
| Burgundy | Very dark red with more purple undertone |
| Cordovan | Rich reddish-brown color |
| Oxblood | Dark reddish brown with black undertones |
As shown, maroon has more brown in it compared to a pure red. It lacks the purple tones of burgundy. And it’s lighter than oxblood but darker than cordovan. Context determines which shades of red-brown are considered maroon. But the characteristic brownness sets maroon apart from standard red.
Light vs. dark maroon
Maroon comes in a range of shades from light to dark:
| Shade | Description |
| Dark maroon | Very deep, intense maroon with more blackness |
| Maroon | Standard maroon with rich red-brown tone |
| Medium maroon | Maroon with a bit more redness and brightness |
| Light maroon | Slightly reddish, lighter maroon |
Dark maroon has more black mixed in, giving it an almost burgundy-like appearance. Light maroon retains the characteristic brownish-red tone but is brighter and more vibrant. Most uses of maroon imply the standard, medium-depth maroon color. But the shade can be customized as needed.
Uses of the maroon color
Maroon has many uses across design, fashion, and culture owing to its rich, earthy tone:
– **School colors:** Many prestigious universities use maroon as one of their official school colors including Harvard, University of Chicago, University of Minnesota, and University of the Philippines. Maroon exudes elite academic stature.
– **Fall and autumn:** Maroon’s brownish-red tone evokes fall leaves and autumnal colors. Maroon is often used in autumn marketing campaigns, wedding themes, and harvest aesthetics.
– **Military uniforms:** Maroon berets are worn by many elite military units worldwide including the British SAS and Parachute Regiment, Indian Parachute Regiment, and US Army Ranger Regiment. Maroon commands respect.
– **Sports teams:** Numerous professional sports franchises have maroon as their signature team color, including the Houston Astros, Arizona Cardinals, and Queensland Maroons rugby team.
– **Fashion:** Maroon offers a stylish, elegant accent color for fashion. It pairs well with tan, brown, gray, and cream shades in clothing.
– **Interiors:** In home decor, maroon can create a cozy, welcoming look. It’s commonly used for accent walls or home offices.
So whether in branding, design, fashion, or beyond, maroon has many versatile applications thanks to its refined, earthy appeal.
Symbolism and meaning
What symbolic meanings and associations does the maroon color hold?
– **Prestige:** Maroon conveys prestige and stateliness, hence its use by elite academic institutions and units in the military. It has an authoritative feel.
– **Tradition:** As a classic, rich color, maroon expresses a sense of history and tradition. It alludes to permanence and establishment.
– **Autumn:** Maroon’s brownish hue evokes autumnal colors – dried leaves, harvest season, the fall equinox. It has an organic, earthy tone.
– **Understated depth:** While bold, maroon also carries a deep, understated personality compared to bright red. It has subtle sophistication.
– **Masculinity:** Maroon leans more towards masculine energy compared to pink-based reds. It has a mature, stoic sensibility.
So maroon can convey different meanings from prestige to autumnal earthiness to understated depth. Its symbolic notes depend on the context of its use. But maroon always carries a certain gravitas and classic elegance.
Conclusion
Maroon occupies a unique position between red and brown on the color spectrum. While technically a darker shade of red, maroon has developed its own distinct cultural identity and symbolic meanings. Its brownish undertones give maroon a more understated, earthy mood compared to bright red. Maroon has wide application across design, fashion, academia, and the military thanks to its refined yet authoritative aesthetic. So while maroon may be considered a “shade of red”, it can also rightly be described as its own distinct color given its recognized place in culture, history, and design.
