Orange eyes are quite rare in humans, but can occur due to a number of different factors. The color is often seen as unique and distinctive, and like other eye colors, can convey certain meanings and symbolism. In this article, we’ll explore what it means to have orange eyes, what causes this eye color, and the mystical and cultural symbolism associated with orange eyes throughout history.
What Causes Orange Eyes?
True orange eyes with no flecks or marbling are exceptionally uncommon. More often, eyes that appear orange contain bits of brown, yellow, green or gold rather than being a solid, vivid orange. Here are some of the reasons people can have orange tinted eyes:
Low Melanin
Melanin is the pigment that gives eyes their color. Just like blue eyes contain low levels of melanin, orange eyes also have very little of this pigment. The light scattering effect caused by minimal melanin produces an orange hue.
Lipochrome
This yellow pigment, also found in fish, birds and amphibians, can cause eyes to appear amber, gold or orange. Lipochrome increases shade concentration in the iris to create these warm tones.
Albinism
Albinism prevents the body from producing melanin, often resulting in very pale skin, hair and eye color. In some cases, this can make the eyes appear red or orange. True albinism is rare, but partial albinism can cause orange eyes.
Eye Injury or Disease
Sometimes eye trauma, surgery or diseases like glaucoma or melanoma can cause increased pigment in the front of the eye. This can make the eyes look darker and more orange.
Genetics
Certain ethnicities are more likely to inherit genes for golden, amber and orange eyes. This includes Native Americans, Hispanics and Middle Eastern people. The eyes appear orange due to a brown/yellow melanin combination.
As you can see, orange eyes are usually not solidly or purely orange. Instead, they tend to be multi-colored or contain brown, yellow, gold and copper flecks. Solid orange eyes with no other pigmentation are extremely rare.
The Symbolism and Meaning of Orange Eyes
What does it mean to have orange eyes? Throughout history and in myths, orange eyes have taken on a range of symbolic meanings:
Mysticism and Magic
Orange eyes can signify mysticism, magic and supernatural capabilities. This is likely because the color is so unusual on humans. In many stories, characters with orange eyes have psychic powers, magical skills or prophetic abilities.
Creativity
The warm, fiery shade of orange evokes creativity, imagination, optimism and free-thinking. Orange eyes are sometimes seen as an indicator of artistic ability, innovativeness and originality.
Ambition
Orange contains the boldness of red and the cheer of yellow. Orange eyes are thought to represent ambition, determination and a spirited approach to life. The color inspires mental and physical action.
Androgyny
Eyes are one of the more gender-distinctive facial features. Orange eyes, falling between blue and brown on the color spectrum, can represent androgyny, gender fluidity and a balance of the masculine and feminine.
Warmth and Friendliness
The vibrant, energetic shade of orange radiates positivity, invitingness and warmth. Orange eyes can denote a cheerful, kind, approachable personality. The color puts others at ease.
Duality
Orange is a mix of opposites – red and yellow, fire and sun, aggression and cheer. People with orange eyes are thought to have dual natures, being practical yet creative, charming yet shy. The color represents a unification of seeming contradictions.
Feral Nature
In some contexts, orange eyes are seen as animalistic, feral and even evil. This symbolism can occur when orange eyes represent creatures like vampires, werewolves, demons and supernatural villains.
Royalty and Wealth
The rarity of orange eyes often makes them associated with exclusivity, prestige and nobility. Their unusual color gives impressions of royalty, luxury and elite status.
So in summary, orange eyes can symbolize magic, creativity, ambition, androgyny, positivity, duality, the primal self or nobility when perceived on humans. The range of symbolism matches the color’s blend of different attributes.
Orange Eyes in Culture and History
The meanings behind orange eyes have made them prominent in many cultural myths, legends, and stories:
Ancient Egypt
Ancient Egyptians were fascinated with the supernatural, and gods like Anubis were depicted with orange eyes. Egyptians believed the color warded off evil spirits. Amulets with orange stones were used for protection.
Native American Culture
Shamans and chiefs were respected for their wisdom, and sometimes had orange eyes. These individuals were believed to have a powerful psychic gift and the ability to foresee the future.
Middle Ages and Renaissance
During the Middle Ages, orange-eyed witches were thought to commune with demons. However, during the Renaissance, some painters like Da Vinci chose orange eyes to represent enlightenment.
Victorian Ghost Stories
Victorian gothic tales featured vampires, ghosts and other creatures with glowing orange eyes, warning of their sinister presence. However, orange eyes also symbolized romantic passion.
Fantasy Genre
In modern fantasy stories like Game of Thrones, orange eyes distinguish characters with magic. The color marks the warg’s ability to enter minds of animals.
Asian Culture
In Chinese and Japanese folklore, amber and orange eyes represent wisdom, bravery and good fortune. Gates and buildings are painted this color to ward off evil.
So in different cultures, orange eyes can have a wide range of mystical, magical and symbolic meaning, both positive and negative. From ancient Egypt to fantasy novels, the color’s rarity and intrigue continues to inspire the cultural imagination.
Famous People with Orange Eyes
Though rare, orange eyes do occasionally occur naturally in people. Here are a few famous individuals known for their remarkable amber, gold and orange eyes:
Elizabeth Taylor
Iconic actress Elizabeth Taylor had violet-blue eyes that sometimes photographed as orange. Her eyes were admired for their alluring, sultry appearance.
Vanessa Williams
Singer and actress Vanessa Williams has hazel eyes that shift between green, brown and orange. Her eye color compliments her beauty.
Thomas Brodie-Sangster
Game of Thrones actor Thomas Brodie-Sangster, who plays Jojen Reed, has light brown eyes with brilliant orange and gold rings.
Tyra Banks
Model Tyra Banks has naturally greenish-blue eyes that can look gray, hazel and orange in different lighting. The unusual color added to her exotic features.
Jun Ji-hyun
Famous Korean actress Jun Ji-hyun has warm brown eyes that take on an amber-orange glow. The color represents her bright personality.
So while authentic orange eyes are extremely uncommon, these stars exemplify how small amounts of yellow and orange pigment can create memorable multi-colored eyes.
Conclusion
In summary, orange eyes are very rare and signify mystical qualities, magic, the supernatural, creativity, ambition, duality, primal instincts, and enlightenment. The symbolism of the color has made it prominent throughout history and cultural legends. Though not a common eye shade, orange eyes are often seen as unique and special. Ultimately, they convey attributes as vivid and captivating as the color itself.
