Indigo is a deep and rich shade of blue that has been used symbolically and spiritually throughout history. While indigo often represents wisdom, integrity and intuition in a positive light, it can also have some more negative meanings. This article will explore some of the potentially harmful connotations and associations of the color indigo.
Associations with Mourning
One of the most prominent negative meanings of indigo is its associations with mourning and grief. In many cultures around the world, indigo is worn to funerals, memorials and other solemn occasions to represent sorrow.
In Victorian England, for example, it was customary to wear indigo mourning clothes after the death of a loved one. Indigo garments signaled grief, loss and lamentation. Queen Victoria herself famously wore indigo dresses for a prolonged period to publicly mourn the death of her husband Prince Albert.
| Culture | Use of Indigo in Mourning |
|---|---|
| Victorian England | Wore indigo mourning clothes |
| China | Wore indigo at funerals |
| South Korea | Wore indigo mourning clothes for 3 years |
In traditional Chinese culture, indigo colored robes were commonly worn at funerals. In South Korea, the bereaved would customarily wear indigo clothes for a mourning period of 3 years. Across numerous societies, this dark shade of blue has long represented grief, solemnity and the pain of loss when worn in rituals commemorating the dead.
Associations with Shadow and Fear
Indigo’s dark hue has also led to symbolic associations with shadow, fear and the unknown. In color psychology, indigo is sometimes viewed as evoking intimidation, unease or concern due to its depth and gloominess.
This is reflected in the origin of the word “indigo” itself. It comes from the Greek word “indikon” meaning “Indian dye”, referring to the dark blue dye imported from India which was seen as exotic and mysterious.
In mythology and folklore, indigo is often used in description of magical practices, sorcery and communication with the spirit realm. This imbues it with a supernatural eeriness.
Characters wearing indigo cloaks and robes in fantasy stories can take on an air of shadowy, occult menace. The viewer is left unsure whether their powers are good or evil. This reflects the color’s liminal nature – standing between light and darkness.
Associations with Deception and Duplicity
Related to shadow and secrecy, indigo can also sometimes symbolize deception, dishonesty and cheating. This meaning likely arises from indigo’s ability to disguise and conceal as a darker color.
In gambling, the term “indigo” is slang for cheating or swindling. A cardsharp might “go indigo” during a game through slyness and trickery. This points to how indigo represents a hidden, obscured truth.
Someone practicing deception to give a false impression is akin to dyeing a white cloth indigo to turn it blue. Just as indigo conceals the original color, lies and facades can mask an underlying reality.
So when worn by characters in film, television or theater, indigo clothes can subtly hint that someone is not what they seem. The rich blue shade signals undisclosed motives and ulterior machinations beneath the surface.
Negative Health Beliefs
Indigo has also been controversially associated with certain negative health conditions. Most prominently, indigo children are said to reflect qualities of impulsiveness, aggression, ADD and other behavioral issues.
Parents may label a challenging child an “indigo” to imply that these behaviors stem from paranormal giftedness. But professionals caution that significant disorders should not go untreated.
Additionally, some proponents of chromotherapy associate indigo with pain relief. But insufficient research exists on using indigo light to treat health conditions. Claims around indigo’s healing properties frequently lack scientific rigor.
So the color risks being associated with pseudoscience if touted as a miracle treatment. Indigo’s health properties require much deeper investigation before being ethically applied.
Conclusion
While indigo has many positive meanings, these potentially detrimental associations are important to recognize. Mourning, shadow, duplicity and pseudoscience can manifest as negative meanings of indigo across cultures and contexts. However, the color’s attributes largely depend on how it is applied symbolically.
With care and wisdom, indigo’s darker facets can be channeled to productive ends. The color’s contemplative depth can foster self-reflection, its mystical air can inspire imaginative art, and its concealed nature can add nuance to interpersonal communication. Harnessed effectively, even indigo’s negative meanings have the potential to enlighten.
