The colors violet and purple often cause confusion. Many people use the names interchangeably, not realizing they actually refer to different shades with distinct properties. This article will examine the key differences between violet and purple, looking at their origins, scientific definitions, and uses in art and culture. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of why violet is not simply called purple.
The Origins of Violet and Purple
To understand why violet and purple are considered distinct colors, we first need to look at their origins. Violet has been recognized as a unique shade for centuries, tracing back to the time of Isaac Newton in the 17th century. Newton identified violet as one of the seven colors of the visible spectrum produced when white light passes through a prism. The violet band of colors occurs at the end of the spectrum, next to blue.
The word “violet” comes from the Middle English and Old French word violette, named after the purple-blue flower of the genus Viola. Violet flowers have been grown for centuries and prized for their delicate color and sweet fragrance.
Purple, on the other hand, has a different origin story. In ancient times, purple was closely associated with royalty and high status. This dates back to the Phoenicians in 1570 BCE, who discovered that a pigment called Tyrian purple could be produced from the mucus of sea snails. Producing Tyrian purple required thousands of snails and was extremely labor-intensive, so only royalty could afford fabrics dyed this color.
The name purple comes from the Old English word purpul derived from the Latin purpura, named after the Tyrian purple dye. So while violet has a more natural reference point from flowers, purple was historically defined by its regal associations.
Scientific Definitions of Violet and Purple
When Isaac Newton identified violet as a spectral color, he gave it a firm scientific grounding. Violet light has the shortest wavelength visible to the human eye, ranging from 380-450 nanometers. It sits at the end of the visible color spectrum, next to blue.
Purple does not have the same direct spectral definition. It is considered a non-spectral color, meaning it exists as a mix of two colors – red and blue in this case. Any color that combines red and blue light can be described as purple. There are no fixed wavelength boundaries.
So in scientific terms:
- Violet is a spectral color with specific wavelengths.
- Purple is a non-spectral color created by mixing red and blue.
This means purple encompasses a wider range of shades, including colors closer to red or closer to blue. Violet sits within the purple color range but is distinguished by its unique spectral qualities.
Color Properties of Violet and Purple
The different scientific origins of violet and purple lead to subtle differences in their color properties:
| Color | Hue | Shade | Tint |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violet | High proportion of blue | Darker, lower value | Less vibrant when tinted |
| Purple | Balanced red-blue hue | Variable shade | Retains vibrancy when tinted |
Some key points from this comparison:
- Violet has a hue with more blue than red. Purple can have a balanced red-blue hue.
- Violet is generally darker and lower value than purple.
- Tinting purple retains more vibrancy than tinting violet.
So in color theory terms, violet is distinguished by its closer proximity to blue, while purple encompasses a broader range of red-blue mixtures.
Uses of Violet and Purple in Art
When used in art and design, violet and purple take on distinct roles and associations:
- Violet has a more melancholy, contemplative feel. Historically it had religious connotations. Violet conjures up depth, subtlety and mysticism.
- Purple is traditionally associated with royalty, pomp and ceremony. It has rich, engaging tones that add energy and vibrancy.
Some examples help illustrate this:
- Van Gogh used violets to create atmosphere in Starry Night.
- Byzantine emperors wore Tyrian purple robes to convey status.
- Matisse used bold purples in his vivid cut-out art.
- Medieval illuminations used violet for religious texts.
Violet tends to be used more softly and subtly, while purple has a grander, bolder effect. Of course there are exceptions, but these traditional artistic associations remain influential.
Violet and Purple in Culture
Violet and purple also take on subtle cultural meanings:
- Violet is linked to spirituality, humility, and introspection.
- Purple is associated with extravagance, creativity, and magic.
Some symbolic examples include:
- Violet robes of Buddhist monks.
- The song “Purple Haze” by Jimi Hendrix.
- New Age ‘violet flame’ rituals.
- The novel The Color Purple.
Violet is more likely to be connected to spiritual meanings, while purple takes on magical and unconventional associations. Both play a role culturally, but evoke different moods and contexts.
Why Violet is Not Called Purple
Now we can summarize the key reasons why violet has maintained its distinct identity from purple:
- Violet is recognized as a unique spectral color, unlike purple.
- Violet leans closer to blue, while purple encompasses red-blue mixtures.
- They have different cultural and artistic associations.
- Violet flowers provide a specific natural referent.
In essence, violet has a specific set of physical properties and cultural meanings distinct from purple. Even though they are closely related colors, there are good historical reasons why violet maintains its separate identity rather than being subsumed into the broader purple category.
Conclusion
When examined closely, it becomes clear why violet is considered a distinct color from purple. Violet has a specific place in the visible light spectrum with unique properties. Culturally, it evokes different moods and associations than the regal, mixed shades of purple. So while the two colors are closely linked, they are not interchangeable. Violet has valid historical and scientific reasons for retaining its own unique identity rather than being referred to simply as purple.