The color orange has historical roots in many cultures and languages. In English, the name for the color comes from the fruit – the orange. But what about in Greek? Let’s explore the origins and meanings behind the Greek word for the color orange.
The History of the Orange Fruit
The orange fruit originally comes from Southeast Asia, especially China. Oranges entered Europe through ancient trade routes between China and the Middle East. They arrived in Greece between the 1st and 4th centuries CE during the Roman empire. The name for the orange fruit in Greek is “portokali” (πορτοκάλι). This name comes from Portugal, which was one of the first European countries to start importing sweet oranges from China in the 15th century. So the Greek name for oranges refers to their origin from Portuguese trade routes rather than the color itself.
The Greek Word for the Color Orange
So if “portokali” refers to the fruit, what is the word for the color orange in Greek? The main word for the color orange in modern Greek is “portokali” (πορτοκαλί). This uses the same word as the fruit. However, Greeks also sometimes use the ancient word “kitriní” (κιτρινή) to refer to the color orange. This comes from the Greek name for the citron fruit.
Here is a table summarizing the Greek words for the color orange:
| Greek Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| portokali (πορτοκαλί) | Orange (main word referring to the color) |
| kitriní (κιτρινή) | Yellow, orange-yellow (ancient word referring to citrus fruits) |
As we can see, the main modern Greek word for orange comes from the name of the fruit. But ancient Greeks would have used a word meaning yellow or orange-yellow to refer to the color.
The History of the Word “Orange” in English
Like in Greek, the word for the color orange in English also comes from the fruit. But when and how did this start? Here is a quick history:
- 1200s – The word “orange” comes into English from the Old French word “orenge” derived from Arabic & Persian words for the orange fruit.
- 1300s – The name orange starts being used to refer to the color as well as the fruit in English writing.
- 1500s – Widespread cultivation of oranges in Europe leads to orange becoming a common color name in English, French, and other languages.
Therefore, although oranges originated in Asia, the name became common for the color in European languages only in the 1500s when they became a popular cultivated fruit. Before this other terms were used like yellow-red or ġeolurēad in Old English.
The Many Shades of Orange
When we think of orange, a bright reddish-yellow color comes to mind. But there are actually many shades and varieties of orange:
- Dark orange – A darker, reddish orange like the color of a Valencia orange.
- Bright orange – Vivid reddish orange, like the color of a mandarin orange.
- Light orange – A softer yellowish orange, like the inside of a cantaloupe.
- Burnt orange – A brownish-orange reminiscent of autumn leaves.
Here are some other types of orange colors:
| Orange Color Name | HEX Code | RGB Code |
|---|---|---|
| Safety orange | #FF6700 | (255, 103, 0) |
| Pumpkin | #FF7518 | (255, 117, 24) |
| Coral | #FF7F50 | (255, 127, 80) |
| Salmon | #FA8072 | (250, 128, 114) |
There are hundreds of varieties of orange out there! The range demonstrates how orange sits between red and yellow on the color spectrum.
Orange in Greek History and Mythology
The ancient Greeks didn’t have a separate word for orange, but the color still played a role in their culture:
- Saffron – The orange-yellow spice was used to dye Greek clothing and paintings.
- Hesperides – These nymphs guarded the golden orange groves where the golden apples grew.
- Crocos – The ancient Greek word for a yellowish-orange color named after the crocus flower.
- Amber – The orange gemstone was associated with the sun gods Apollo and Helios.
So while Greeks didn’t have our modern concept of orange, they used saffron dyes, flowers, and amber gemstones to add orange hues to their art and clothing. The colorful spice, flowers, and jewels of Greece inspired these cultural connections.
Etymology of Orange and Related Terms
Let’s go through a more detailed etymology and history of the word “orange” and related terms in Greek:
- Orange – From the French orenge, originally from the Arabic & Persian nāranj derived from the Sanskrit nāranga meaning “orange tree.” Entered English in the 1200s referring to the fruit.
- Portokali – From the name of the Portuguese port city Porto Calo. Used for Greek word for orange fruit since ~1500s.
- Kitriní – From Ancient Greek kitron meaning citron or citrus fruit. Used for yellow & orange shades.
- Krokos – From the Greek name of the fall-blooming crocus flower, used for yellow-orange shades.
- Amber – Through French from Arabic anbar derived from the Ancient Greek electrum referring to amber gemstones.
This etymological history shows how orange took diverse roots from Arabic trade routes, to Greek flowers and gems, to the importing of the fruit into Europe and eventually England. The color’s name is a true cultural melting pot.
Use of Orange in Modern Greek Culture
Orange is very present in modern Greek foods, architecture, landmarks, and traditions:
- Food – Ingredients like oranges, saffron, squash, and cheese often feature orange notes.
- Paint – Many Greek buildings are painted vibrant orange and blue tones.
- Monastiraki – The square’s orange glow from streetlights creates a iconic Athens landmark.
- National Holiday – Orange breastbands are worn to celebrate Ochi Day on October 28th.
From the bright orange hues of produce at the laiki agora markets to the wires and lanterns of the Plaka district, orange is an integral part of the scenery, cuisine, and culture of modern Greece.
Orange in Other Cultures and Languages
The word for orange in languages around the world shows the cultural crossover of this colorful fruit and shade:
| Language | Word for Orange | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish | naranja | From Arabic nāranj |
| Italian | arancio | From Arabic nāranj |
| German | orange | From French orenge |
| Russian | oranzhevii | Derived from orange fruit |
| Japanese | orenji | Borrowed from English origin |
We can see the influence of Arabic, Old French, and English in spreading the orange term worldwide through trade and colonialism. The global etymology mirrors orange’s blending of cultures through the ages.
Psychological Effects of Orange
Beyond linguistics, the color orange also has psychological effects. Studies show orange can elicit the following responses:
- Energy – Orange creates feelings of excitement, enthusiasm, and warmth.
- Appetite – The color stimulates hunger and cravings for food.
- Impulsivity – Orange rooms and decor can increase impulsive behavior.
- Distraction – Orange can overly stimulate the brain and impair concentration.
So orange is a bold, energetic hue that can boost mood and appetite. But it may also encourage impulsive behaviors. Using orange sparingly can provide warmth without becoming overwhelming.
Orange in Branding and Marketing
Orange is a prominent color in branding due to its energizing and appetizing effects. Here are some examples of orange in logos and ads:
- Amazon – The shopping site uses orange in its logo to stimulate purchases.
- Fanta – The bright soda brand aims to be fun and refreshing.
- Nickelodeon – The children’s network uses orange to be energetic and youthful.
- Harley-Davidson – Orange stripes on bikes give them a bold, rebellious edge.
Brands leverage orange’s ability to grab attention, spark action, boost appetite, and create excitement. Using orange in combination with other colors can make for powerful brand identities and advertising.
Conclusion
From its origins in ancient Asia to modern marketing, the color orange has a dynamic history. In Greek, the name portokali meaning both orange fruit and color reflects the crossover from produce to pigment. Orange dyes, flowers, gems, and spices created a cultural footprint in Greek antiquity. And oranges continue to flavor Greek cuisine and architecture today. Beyond Greece, orange traveled along global trade routes to become a common color name and psychological phenomenon worldwide. The multidimensional story of orange makes it one of the most culturally complex colors.