Lavender is a light purple shade that evokes a sense of calmness, tranquility and relaxation. The emotion associated with the color lavender tends to be more on the positive side, invoking feelings of spirituality, imagination and nostalgia. Here’s a closer look at the meanings and emotions behind the color lavender.
Calming and Soothing
One of the most common emotional associations with the color lavender is a sense of calmness and relaxation. Lavender has long been used in aromatherapy and meditation practices to promote inner peace and soothe nerves. The soft, pale purple tone has a gentle, soothing effect that can help reduce stress and anxiety. Studies have even shown that simply looking at the color lavender can lower heart rate and blood pressure.
Lavender’s calming properties are likely linked to its association with the aromatic herb of the same name. The scent of lavender is known to have sedative effects. Seeing the familiar color reminds us subconsciously of the relaxing aroma and its calming qualities.
Spiritual and Mystical
In many cultures and traditions, the color lavender takes on a more mystical or spiritual meaning. Light purple is thought to be the color of the third eye chakra in Hinduism, helping encourage spirituality and inner growth. It is associated with intuition and heightened senses.
Various religions use lavender robes for clergy members to represent sacred devotion. Catholic priests wear lavender during Great Lent to symbolize penance and mourning. Buddhists believe lavender can aid in deep meditation and connect to higher planes of consciousness.
The mystical qualities of lavender can inspire feelings of sacredness, imagination and even magic when used in the right context. It is a color connected to psychic energy and the etheric plane in New Age belief systems.
Feminine and Romantic
Light or muted purple shades like lavender have a distinctly feminine energy. Historically, purple fabrics were expensive to produce so they were more associated with women of nobility, royalty and means. The color is still strongly attached to feminine beauty, glamor and refinement.
Lavender’s soft, romantic hue lends itself well to courtship and dating. It invokes a sense of delicacy, sweetness and nostalgia. Lavender is used extensively in wedding planning, from bouquets to decor, to help set the mood of love and connectivity.
As an emotionally complex color, lavender can signify feminine mystique, innocence, enchantment and wisdom. Women may gravitate toward lavender to channel their inner strength and complexity.
Imagination and Creativity
The subtle, magical quality of lavender lends itself to fueling imagination and new ideas. It cultivates a sense of creativity, inspiration and originality. People who are drawn to the color lavender tend to think outside the box and find unique solutions to challenges.
Lavender encourages free thinking and open-mindedness. The soothing tone doesn’t overstimulate, but rather activates the right side of the brain. It’s perfect for artists, writers, musicians and other creatives who want to tap into an imaginative state.
Light purple inspires innovation and vision. The next time you need a creative boost, try adding some lavender accents to generate new ideas.
Graceful Sophistication
In the right setting, the color lavender can create an upscale, sophisticated mood. Light purples offer a touch of elegance and opulence without being overly showy. Lavender is associated with grace, refinement and poise.
Many British royalty have used lavender or purple in their coats of arms and royal insignia. Queen Victoria chose it as an official color, cementing its royal status. The color motifs of Tsar Alexander II of Russia were also lavender and purple.
Lavender continues to have an upscale reputation today. It is a popular color for weddings, interior design accents, and premium brands wanting to convey luxury.
Conclusion
Lavender is a dynamic color that can evoke many emotions. Its calming, soothing qualities create relaxation in both the mind and body. As a color connected to spirituality and mysticism, it can open higher states of consciousness and inner peace.
The color also embodies feminine beauty, love and grace. It fuels creativity and imagination in artists, writers and innovators. With its sense of sophistication and royalty, lavender adds elegance and luxury when used in design or branding.
Of all the emotions behind lavender, tranquility and imagination tend to rise to the top.Experiment with adding lavender to your surroundings and see what feelings it brings out in you.
| Emotion | Description |
|---|---|
| Calming | Lowers heart rate and blood pressure, reduces anxiety |
| Spiritual | Associated with mysticism, intuition, meditation |
| Feminine | Connected to grace, delicacy, romance |
| Imaginative | Boosts creativity, original thinking, inspiration |
| Sophisticated | Connotes elegance, luxury, refinement |
