Is Purple an evil colour?
Purple is often associated with royalty, wealth, and power. Some believe purple has evil or ominous connotations. There are myths and superstitions around the color, but no definitive evidence that purple itself is evil. The meaning and symbolism of purple is complex, and perceptions of the color are subjective.
The history and symbolism of purple
The rarity and expense of purple dyes in ancient times meant purple fabrics were associated with royalty and the upper echelons of society. Purple’s elite status led to associations with wealth, prestige and ambition.
In Roman times, rulers wore purple robes and Roman senators wore purple-striped togas. The rarity and cost of purple also lent it supernatural and sacred associations.
In Christianity, purple is associated with mourning, penitence and the Lenten season leading up to Easter. Purple vestments are worn by priests and bishops to symbolize penance. Purple is also associated with the Advent season before Christmas.
In some contexts, the richness of purple can symbolize excess and indulgence. Purple has links with mysticism and the occult, partly due to its associations with medieval alchemy and royalty.
Myths and Superstitions
There are various myths and superstitions around the color purple:
– In Europe in the Middle Ages, purple was associated with death and darkness. Some thought purple had diabolical connections due to its links with medieval sorcery and alchemy.
– There was a medieval superstition that wearing purple could cause your enemies to have control over you.
– In Asia, purple is associated with death and mourning. In some East Asian countries, purple is rarely worn at weddings as it is seen as inauspicious.
– In the US, superstitions persist around purple as an unlucky color, with origins as far back as the Victorian era.
– Mexican folklore views purple in connection with mourning and death.
– Some street gangs use purple as their identifying color, leading to modern associations between purple, crime and danger.
Is there evidence purple has evil properties?
There is no scientific evidence that the color purple itself has any evil or dangerous properties. However, symbolism and meaning are culturally constructed. Due to historical myths and associations, purple may trigger perceptions of evil, danger or death in some contexts.
Psychological studies show people view warmer colors like red and yellow as more positive and uplifting. Cooler colors like blue and purple can be perceived as more ominous or depressing. But these effects are subjective.
While purple has some negative mythological and symbolic baggage, there are also many positive cultural associations with purple. Royalty, spirituality, creativity, imagination and nonconformity are also linked to purple. Context determines whether purple takes on negative or positive meaning.
Modern symbolic meanings of purple
In the modern world, purple has expanded meaning and symbolism:
– Wealth, extravagance and individuality – Purple remains associated with luxury and exclusivity. Using purple conveys a sense of creativity, uniqueness and self-expression.
– Imagination and nonconformity – Purple evokes the imagination and unconventionality. People drawn to purple tend to have artistic, quirky personalities.
– Ambiguity and androgyny – Purple blends the passion of red and calm of blue. It represents ambiguity compared to gendered pink and blue. Purple is increasingly used to symbolize LGBTQ+ pride and equality.
– Spirituality and compassion – In spiritual contexts, purple represents higher purpose, compassion and mindfulness. Purple is thought to have soothing, calming properties.
– Feminity and feminism – While historically associated with masculine royalty, purple is now also used to express female empowerment and equality.
– Creativity and wisdom – Purple inspires creativity and encourages new perspectives. It also symbolizes wisdom that comes from imagination and vision.
Is Purple becoming more positive?
While some negative perceptions around purple persist, the color is experiencing a resurgence and reappraisal. The mystique of purple continues to inspire fashion designers, artists and interior decorators seeking to convey luxury, creativity and nonconformity.
Associations between purple and imagination, individuality and spirituality have grown. Purple has become an expression of unconventionality and feminine empowerment. And purple retains links with sensuality, magic and the exotic.
So while purple is not universally seen as a positive color, its meaning has diversified. Context plays a key role – a purple front door may signal hippie eccentricity, or be perceived as eerie. But evidence suggests purple is gradually shedding past stigma.
Conclusion
While purple has some negative mythological and cultural baggage, these associations depend on context. There is no intrinsic evil property to the color purple itself. And perceptions have shifted, as purple takes on more meanings related to creativity, spirituality and equality.
The rich history of purple will likely always make it an ambiguous, complex color. But purple does not universally signify evil or danger, and modern associations are becoming more nuanced as purple sheds stigma and enters the mainstream. With its links to imagination and nonconformity, purple may continue to increase in popularity.
Summary of key points
| Positive meanings | Negative meanings |
|---|---|
| Royalty | Death |
| Wealth | Grief |
| Ambition | Danger |
| Spirituality | Evil |
| Wisdom | Darkness |
| Creativity | Sinister |
| Imagination | Occult |
| Nonconformity | Excess |
| Ambiguity | Gang colors |
| Femininity | Unpopular |
