COLORS | The meaning of white in color psychology

What’s the meaning of color white? What emotions are associated with the color white?

White can have both positive and negative connotations, and this changes a lot according to different geographical areas.

The purest of all colours – white is often associated with weddings in western cultures. A bride wearing a white dress is supposed to symbolise the bride’s virginity.

Virtuous white conveys cleanliness, purity, innocence and perfection.

While white suggests calm and serenity, it is also refreshing. It purifies, simplifies and provides clarity for the mind.

Generally considered as positive – white is uplifting, offers mood quietness and mental organisation. However, on a negative side, it can be perceived as bland, cold, too clinical and sometimes unfriendly.

/

White in colour psychology – in the Far East

In China white is seen as an unlucky colour.

While white represents the element of metal and symbolises brightness, purity and fulfilment in Chinese culture. It is also the official colour of mourning and in China a “white event” indicates a funeral. Ancient Chinese wore white clothes and hats only when they mourned the dead.