Q&A-Purple

What is the meaning of purple?

Question:
I'm very interested in what the color purple means. I was told that it represents lust, but that's not the answer I'm looking for. Tahrra

MacEngrg@AOL:
Ummm, what shade of purple?

Dzinr:
Tahrra- Lust is usually symbolized more by violet than by purple. Which is probably why Mac asked what color. Purple is symbolic of the spiritual or creative nature. You may be seeking or growing in a new direction in your life. I have also studied color extensively and am in the process of writing a book using color to create balance in your life. Hope you get the answer you're seeking. Dzinr

heather:
the color purple is known as a "royal" color because, way back in the middle ages, purple dye was the most expensive to make. therefore, they only used it on the robes of royalty and priests, and such, because they were the only ones who could afford it.

Mac
SS, I thought purple was the color of 'people eaters'. (purple people eaters)? Purple can be the color of royalty.. Purple can be anything you want it to be - so can all of the colors. It might get frustrating after awhile though. I've heard people say Purple is the color of - violence, sensitivity, immaturity, love, hate...you name it. Visit another country and you'll get 100 more varieties of meaning. Compile them if you dare, it might drive you nutty. Hence titles like - When Blue meant Yellow... It can be confusing, can't it? Regards, Mac

What is the meaning of violet?

Question:
What is the meaning of violet in religion(s)?? Know of any books on the subject? Rondean

erich.buxbaum
Comes from the old purple (which was violet) and is one of the liturgic colors. After Constantinople was taken by the Turks in the 16th century the production of purple (violet) was terminated (from the purple sea snail) and purple became red. Therefore the cardinals have now red (higher color) and the bishops violet. Before the cardinals had violet which used to be the higher color.

What color is indigo?

Question:
My boyfriend and i are having a little debate about the color indigo. i say its a color somewhere between blue and purple, like a deep blue, and he says its the white light in the spectrum (??)...i'm pretty sure i'm right, because i know the indigo plant is deep blue and used for dyes, but i can't find anything specifically saying "indigo is a deep blue". help, am i right? Heather

Laura:
In Optics, a division of physics, Indigo is the color found between blue and purple. Yet because of its proximity to both, it is rarely visible in a prism or color spectrum. There is truely no white light in the spectrum. White light is the combination of the three primary colors of light. And the color white on a color wheel is the combination of all the colors. Spin one really fast to prove it. :) Laura

Purple for Brand/Logo

Question:
With over 14 years of experience in company and product branding in addition to advertising, bold primary colors work best. I'm curious if anyone knows of any studies on the use of the color purple. It is my contention that a plum/purple color is inappropriate for a high tech company's brand or color scheme. The rationale is simple. Purple represents one of fun, energy, and somewhat gaudy or cluttered. Any opinions, experiences anyone can share. Advertisers folks on theweb, do you have opinions? Steve Hammond

Mac
Purple is: sensitive, vibrant, aware. It is often preferred by adolescents and young children - by the immature. Purple is known as a 'magical,mystical, bonding a fusion of two into one. It is a blend of moderation and confidence. Purple in a positive sense offers connection/fusion. But but but...... Don't be too quick when you decide to select or deselect color for a logo.... (A little knowledge is a dangerous thing?) To truly 'assess' a logo or determine it's psychological impact -one must assess form/shade/color together. One must know the psychological character of lines, form, and shading as well as color. Few people are trained to psychologically assess a logo in this manner. So, I'll leave it at that. At least you know what you're up against.

Jill Morton
Forms appeal to the intellect, colors to the emotions and the two go hand in hand. Thanks Mac. Another thing to remember is that we lump all these associations on a color but we have to ask what purple are we talking about? Pale purple can be quite romantic or mystical in a very spiritual way, deep dark purple can be apocalyptical... the terrors at the end of the world, so spoke Goethe. Notice Adobe PageMaker's use of "Pure Purple" in their packaging/ manuals.Did anyone notice all those macho purple trucks two years ago? One should always seek to distinguish between the timely and timeless associations of a color. And know when to use it to an advantage.