One of the most underrated colors in the paint palette is gray. Scientists from around the world decided to find out what gray color means by the degree of impact on human psychology. An interesting fact is that until the beginning of the nineteenth century, such a shade in clothes was preferred to be worn by nobles. Brighter and more saturated colors were considered a sign of vulgarity and bad taste. Later, grayness was associated with melancholy, fear, despair and despondency. But along with this, there are other, more positive characteristics of this color.
Grayscale
A person perceives gray as a medium shade between black and white; it is accessible to people from the moment of birth. But not everyone knows that this color appeared as a result of a mixture of red, blue and green. Depending on the degree of prevalence of one of these colors, there are different shades of gray:
- silver gray - the shade is named so because of its similarity with the metal of the same name;
- zircon - clarified silver;
- stone, coal, monsoon - these are dark shades with a blue tint;
- Gainsborough - a shade named after an English artist, similar to the color of gray hair;
- French gray is a monsoon, but in a lighter range.
Symbolism
In esotericism, Saturn rules gray; it is the god of time and maturity. Astrologers associate Saturn with justice, law-abiding, diligent cleansing of spiritual dirt through enormous trials. Knowing what gray means, representatives of different religions, and especially Christians, preferred it in their clothes. Monks wear shades of gray, since color also symbolizes fasting, repentance and renunciation of earthly goods.
Different gray symbols were reflected among different peoples. Perception and attitude is distributed as follows:
- the French have longing, sadness and remorse;
- among the inhabitants of the East - humiliation, meanness, routine and anger;
- among the British and other inhabitants of Europe - high society, the color of gentlemen;
- among African tribes it is the color of dust (death, loss, grief).
Positive and negative characteristics
The positive aspects of gray are the following characteristics:
- restraint;
- justice;
- spiritual growth;
- nobility;
- intelligence;
- non-intrusiveness;
- sophistication
- authority.
Among the negative values of gray, the following characteristics distinguish:
- boredom;
- loneliness;
- lack of desire to stand out from the crowd ("gray mouse");
- dullness;
- primitiveness (lack of gray matter of the brain);
- low origin ("gray peasant" - commoner).
There is also the expression “gray cardinal”, which means hidden power. It came from Cardinal Richelieu, who owned all the power in France. This version was invented for ordinary people, since the true power was in the hands of another person - the monk Joseph. He constantly walked in a gray cassock, which became the reason to call him a gray cardinal. Thus, it can be assumed that means gray in power. It has both positive (open power, power) and negative meaning (cunning, threat).
Physiology
Gray color has a slowing effect on the nervous system. It inhibits movement and physiological processes in the body. This property can be used during infections and viral diseases, block the effects of stress, and apply during meditation. Experienced specialists have proven that these shades can lower blood pressure. Gray color can help focus, conduct a detailed analysis, and concentrate on solving important problems. It must be remembered that these shades should not be abused, since an abundance of gray can turn calm into oppression.
Psychology
The significance of gray in psychology is very high. It helps to calm down, put thoughts in order, make the right decision and feel confident. Shade helps to cope with their emotions of various kinds, as excessive joy or sadness can permanently knock a person out of the rut. Gray color increases the intellectual level, makes a person more practical and pragmatic. It gives you the opportunity to assess the situation objectively, without relying on your own emotions and ambitions. The choice of gray in psychology is recommended in order to become more balanced and protected from negative external influences. It slows down and reflects all negative and aggressive attacks. It is recommended to prefer it to people who do not feel confident and are constantly waiting for protection from the outside.
Gray shades in large quantities can cause unexpected and baseless longing, regret about the past, and a decrease in activity. Therefore, they are not recommended for use by people prone to melancholy and depression.
clothing
Many fashionistas and women of fashion are eager to find out what the gray color in clothes means. We can confidently answer that this is the most versatile and stylish color in the entire palette. In order not to look like a “gray mouse” (although gray shades are often combined very stylishly), you can combine this color with any palette. It is a great backdrop for any bright elements and decorations. An advantage is also a softer effect and ease of perception (for example, compared with black). He will be able to emphasize the individuality of a person, make his image stylish and sophisticated.
Interior
Many people are interested in knowing what gray color means in the interior. These are wonderful shades that help increase mental activity, discipline and set you up for fruitful work. The gray interior is often used in offices and offices. Since these shades soothe the nervous system, they are usually used in the decoration of the hospital ward.
In the home interior, gray lovers will find high-tech satisfaction. This is a modern direction in design, which is based on metallic shades, similar to the equipment of a spaceship.
Gray color can also be used as a background in combination with various bright decor elements.
Characteristics of people who prefer gray color
Those who love gray color have a calm, balanced character. They are confident in their abilities, therefore they do not seek to prove anything to anyone. In appearance, these people may seem like “gray mice,” but this is only an erroneous opinion. Lovers of gray shades have incredible strength and determination. By their nature, they are introverts who prefer solitude and do not talk about their own thoughts. These people can be called incredulous, because in everything they are trying to find a hidden meaning and catch. The main disadvantage is the tendency to melancholy and depression, they often do not strive for self-realization in society.
Characteristics of people who do not accept gray
Those people for whom gray is not their favorite color have an active temperament. They hate routine, cannot sit still for long, strive for change and renewal. These people are very sociable, easily make contact, make new friends. They ignore punctuality, a clear schedule and restrictions are not for them. Enemies of gray color strive for lightness, independence, constant emotions and impressions. It is difficult for them to keep themselves within the framework and follow the norms of behavior, they are extravagant and creative. Conservatism and stagnation are not for them.
Test
To understand yourself, experts recommend applying the color test. To do this, you need to quickly determine your favorite and least favorite color. They are offered in a list of twelve options. It is black, blue, brown, green, gray, orange, pink, purple, red, turquoise, white and yellow.
The interpretation of the characteristics is as follows:
- black - confidence, firmness, determination, authoritarianism;
- blue - conservatism, calm, love of comfort, anxiety;
- brown - ambition, determination, reliability, desire for success;
- green - the desire for recognition, authority, isolation, tactlessness;
- gray - reliability, intelligence, the desire for recognition, peace of mind;
- orange - sociability, sociability, friendliness, impulsiveness;
- pink - sensitivity, passion, self-centeredness, obsession;
- purple - creativity, intelligence, spirituality, restlessness;
- red - confidence, determination, passion, temper;
- turquoise - self-esteem, renewal, relaxation;
- white - purity, self-expression, desire to experiment, generation;
- yellow - optimism, energy, activity, thirst for change.
Gray color has the most positive characteristic when used moderately and tastefully. It can significantly improve a person’s life if you approach the choice of clothing and home decoration with full responsibility.