Purple is a color that evokes mystery, creativity, and spirituality. Many people feel instinctively drawn to the color purple without knowing why. In this article, we will explore some of the main reasons why certain people gravitate towards the color purple.
The Psychology of Purple
In color psychology, purple is associated with imagination, creativity, and mystery. Many creative types and visionaries feel a strong affinity for purple because it matches their inner world. Purple has a dreamy quality that stimulates right-brain directed traits like intuition and abstract thought. People who think in symbols, metaphors, and philosophical concepts tend to love the color purple.
Purple is also linked to spiritual awareness in color psychology. It represents mysticism, the supernatural, and psychic energy. People who have a strong interest or background in spiritual topics like divination, astrology, or the occult are frequently attracted to purple. The color seems to resonate with their inner drive to understand the deeper mysteries of life.
Additionally, purple relates to individualism, uniqueness, and visionary leadership. Individualists who think outside the box and charismatic visionaries are often drawn to the color purple because it matches their independent way of thinking. Purple has royal associations as well, evoking qualities like nobility, ambition, luxury, and wealth.
The Science Behind Our Attraction to Purple
There are also scientific reasons why certain people feel gravitation towards the color purple more than others. These reasons relate to the visual system and psychology.
In the visual system, purple is the most complex color for the human eye to process. That is because purple wavelengths stimulate both the red and blue color receptors in the retina. This dual stimulation creates visual interest and tension. People who are more aesthetically sensitive can become addicted to this visual allure and complexity of purple.
Neuropsychological research has also found that our favorite colors stimulate our brains more than other hues. There are individual differences in these color preferences according to personality type. A preference for purple may indicate that one is more open, unconventional, imaginative, and artistic in thinking style.
Furthermore, colors can have profound effects on moods and emotions. Purple is known to evoke feelings of mystery, spirituality, creativity, nostalgia, and ambition. People who gravitate towards purple may unconsciously be attracted to the way it makes them feel psychologically.
Symbolism and Meaning of Purple
The unique symbolism and meaning of purple also account for why many people feel instinctively drawn to it. Here are some of the symbolic associations of the color purple:
- Royalty – Historically, purple dye was expensive and associated with kings, queens, and emperors.
- Prestige – Purple connotes luxury, ambition, and wealth.
- Wisdom – Purple represents knowledge, experience, and good judgment.
- Creativity – Purple relates to the imagination, artistry, and originality.
- Mysticism – Purple has occult and spiritual meaning in many cultures.
- Magic – The color is linked with magical practices and psychic phenomena.
- Innovation – Purple suggests the excitement of creating new things.
- Transformation – Dark shades of purple represent personal metamorphosis.
- Moody – Moodier purples reflect introspection, melancholy and solemnity.
People who strongly identify with one or more of these symbolic meanings are naturally more drawn toward the color purple in their personal preferences.
Cultural and Historical Associations
Looking at the cultural history of purple also sheds light on why the color attracts some people more than others. Here are some interesting cultural facts about purple:
- Ancient Egypt – Purple was beloved by Cleopatra and seen as a status symbol.
- Ancient Rome – Due to the high cost of purple dye, purple clothes were reserved for emperors.
- Middle Ages – Purple clothing was worn by kings, nobles, and bishops.
- New Age – Purple is used to represent healing auras and chakras in metaphysics.
- Feminism – Purple is a color of women’s empowerment and independence.
- Counterculture – People seeking alternative lifestyles use purple to rebel.
- LGBT Pride – Purple expresses gay, lesbian, bi, and trans identity.
Again, those who identify with one of these cultural meanings of purple will be more naturally attracted to it. People come to love the color because of the personal or historical values it represents.
Examples of Purple in Art and Fashion
Looking at the widespread use of purple in art and fashion also illuminates the special allure of this color for many people. Below are some examples of iconic purple creations:
- Purple Haze – The legendary Jimi Hendrix song that defined 1960s psychedelic rock.
- Purple Rain – Prince’s classic 1984 album and film awash in purple visuals.
- Violet Orlandi’s Robe – Famous John Singer Sargent portrait depicting high society.
- The Color Purple – Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize winning novel about African American life.
- Willy Wonka – Roald Dahl book featuring Willy Wonka’s iconic purple couture.
- Purple Lipstick – Ultra violet lipstick inspired by Prince and David Bowie.
Art and fashion lovers who are drawn to these and other symbolic purple cultural works tend to love the color more. It reminds them of important creative touchstones.
Personalities that Favor Purple
When looking at common personality traits, we see correlations between purple preferences and certain types of people. Here are a few examples of personalities likely to favor purple:
- Dreamers – Imaginative visionaries and abstract thinkers.
- Innovators – Clever inventors and design pioneers.
- Nonconformists – Bold free spirits and independents.
- Idealists – Philosophers focused on meaning and ethics.
- Counselors – People oriented listeners and healers.
- Eccentrics – Quirky, idiosyncratic, “out there” types.
People with these personality traits often vibe strongly with purple. The color seems to affirm their outlook on life.
Conclusion
In summary, human attraction to the color purple stems from a mix of visual, psychological, symbolic, cultural, and personality factors. The richness and complexity of purple makes it irresistible for people who have creative, unconventional, spiritual, or visionary ways of engaging with the world. Purple seems to speak to dreamers, innovators, nonconformists, idealists, and eccentrics. It is the color of imagination, individuality, artistry, mysticism, and transformation. If you feel magnetically drawn to the lavender end of the rainbow, these are likely some of the key reasons why purple fills your heart and mind with enchantment.
