Each person to a greater or lesser extent feels the influence that the color of things and objects has on his mood and even well-being. Choosing a color or shade, we show our special associations in relation to it. If you like the color, then we are pleased to wear clothes in its colors, to be in a room where the favorite palette prevails in the interior. Not surprisingly, many sciences study the meaning of white. In psychology, for example, the choice of shade will tell in detail about the character of the individual, his temperament, habits and behavior.
Method History
Mankind has always been aware of the influence that the world around him has. Even Johann Wolfgang von Goethe claimed that all dark colors excite consciousness, and dark colors soothe. The meaning of white and other colors should be interpreted depending on the sphere in which the hue is applied. So, in a person’s clothes, there may be some preferences, and others in the design of the interior.
Despite this, the importance of white color allows us to draw conclusions about the nature of the individual. This theory was put forward many years ago by abstract artists: Vasily Kandinsky, Kazimir Malevich, Pete Mondrian, Johannes Itten. Thanks to their research, they determined that in psychology, white color affects, through subconscious processes, the well-being and physical state of body systems. In ancient Egypt, China and India, healers and shamans, who then acted as psychologists, knew about the influence of white on the state of the psyche. The well-known Avicenna made his conclusions about a similar phenomenon at the time.
Today's color treatment system is rooted in 19th century designs. A group of American and English scientists led by Edwin Babbitt studied in detail the degree and nature of the influence and significance of white in practical psychology. Today, all specialists in this area use the advanced developments of these specialists.
general characteristics
White is the fusion of all the colors of the rainbow. Surprisingly, it is. The fact is perceived by a person rather symbolically. It seems as if the whole material world is merging at one point, so we are able to see the white color, which in psychology has many meanings.
Even without conducting scientific research, ancient people elevated it to the rank of the divine principle. And to this day, such a perception remains relevant. The meaning of white flowers often indicated purity and light. And light is a symbol of divine power, the mind of the individual. In psychology, perhaps, there is not the same symbolic color as white. He is all and nothing. The white surface inherently reflects all the rays of light that fall on it. Therefore, we see just such a color of the subject. The importance of white flowers in this plane is very important, since it is interconnected with the characteristics of human perception.
In addition, white is an achromatic color. Its antipode is black paint. This fact is taken into account by psychologists. After all, the struggle of light and shadow, good and evil is eternal. It should also be noted that women and men, adults and children, white is perceived differently. When conducting an analysis of the mental state of a person, it is necessary to take into account every nuance in the study.
Features of physical perception
The importance of white in psychology is largely determined by its physical qualities. When a surface reflects rays of light, the human eye can detect a white color. But at the same time, radiation increases the volume of the body. This can easily be verified by comparing two identical objects of different colors. The white thing definitely looks bigger and larger than the black one. Even if it is completely identical in volume of the product.
Therefore, when they want to increase space and volume, they use precisely white color. But in clothes, such a color scheme will visually add a few centimeters to the figure. Therefore, one should also be careful here. Bright colors look good on a white background - the base only emphasizes them. Therefore, paper for drawing most often resembles clean, freshly fallen snow. On it, the palette “plays” even more colorful and more fun.
White in psychology has a lot of interpretations. They all boil down to a few simple facts. This should be considered when choosing a similar color for a specific purpose. After all, any color has its positive and negative characteristics.
Associations
White is often associated with many concepts. This causes both positive and negative emotions. Positive associations include purity, innocence, completeness, and perfection. It symbolizes freedom and the final decision. This is ease and unity, openness to new impressions and horizons. The fundamental quality is equality, since all colors merge in it in equal proportions. The white color in psychology is associated with the sky and the highest radiance of the pure human mind. However, there are negative associations with this color. These include isolation, boredom, barrenness and stiffness. It is detachment and frustration. After fruitless attempts, the man became disappointed in obtaining the desired result of his work. He did not find anything, so he begins his life from scratch.
However, most often people perceive these colors in positive aspects. It all depends on the proportions and scope. If there are a lot of snow-white tones, the likelihood that their negative sides are manifested increases significantly. Only by controlling the use of this associative means can reconciliation be achieved, because it is not for nothing that the white flag in battle means surrender.
Religion
Many religions of the world consider white to be a symbol of divine energy, the basis of life. In ancient Greece, there was a legend about a mythical white rock. It said that the souls of the dead, flying past her, forgot their past. It is a symbol of purification, renewal, and liberation.
Christianity has also long paid attention to the strong qualities that white has in psychology. What do psychologists say about this? They take into account the religious basis of color, saying that it is overly associative. Just think: all the most significant events in the life of an Orthodox person are accompanied by vestments in snow-white robes. They flaunt during baptism, communion, confession, and weddings.
Buddhism perceives such symbolism as purification and liberation, gaining control over oneself and one's desires. This is enlightenment of the mind and spirit. Even the widely known concept of “white magic” means good, magic that serves the benefit of people, improves the situation, purifies karma. It is because of such interpretations that the white color in psychology means purity and innocence, a new beginning and liberation.
Other color interpretations
Depending on nationality, white can be quite negative in nature. Therefore, representatives of one nation will perceive positive traits in it, and people of another nationality will be able to associate color with the negative sides of its manifestation.
White color in human psychology requires an individual approach to interpretation. For some peoples, this color means grief and mourning, and sometimes it is even associated with betrayal, cowardice and blindness. In the countries of Asia, Africa and China, white has always meant sorrow and crying. Representatives of the eastern states perfectly believe that in black clothes the soul of the deceased will be lost in darkness and will not find a way out of the dark. Therefore, the dead were always dressed in white outfits.
Negative or positive, associations with snow-white color have always been very strong. That is why you should not repaint everything in white. It must be used wisely, thoughtfully. Diluting light shades with details - this will never be superfluous.
Psychology of people of different categories
Not only various nationalities have their own characteristics in the perception of color. Representatives of different age and social groups also have their own vision for the tint palette. For example, white in the psychology of children is too complex. First of all, it inhibits healthy development. It is important for a child to be surrounded by bright, rainbow colors. This gives the baby energy, prompting him to action, forcing him not to stand still. It is proved that in such conditions, children develop faster. White baby clothes are chosen for the baptismal process. This symbolizes cleanliness and protects the baby in the future.
But the white color in the psychology of women has always been considered a symbol of innocence, purity and virginity. Therefore, the bride wears a white dress. So she shows her husband and everyone present that she is chaste and did not know before love passion. Also, in the understanding of women, white was never solemn. Rather, it is associated with good taste. White clothes rarely look vulgar. She is often chosen for business meetings, interviews, official receptions. Overalls are also often sewn from white fabrics. This emphasizes its conciseness, cleanliness, and conscientious attitude of the employee to his work.
Art
To understand the psychology of white, you should familiarize yourself with its influence on some areas of human life and creativity. The interpretation of this paint in art is quite interesting. Pure white was always problematic. Yes, and the artists did not want this: against the background of a blank canvas, such a palette would be inappropriate. Therefore, they mixed warm or cold shades and received various variations of a whitish color. However, in the visual arts, this color has always been equated with a divine, majestic influence.
Medieval craftsmen used it when painting, icons, gold, diamonds. The immaculate purity of the Virgin Mary was emphasized by ivory materials . The clothes of the clergy also present a white color. The emperors and rulers of different countries outfits had a similar light palette. White color looks surprisingly harmonious both in a solid and elaborate Empire style, and in a gentle, romantic Rococo. It serves as the basis for highlighting other shades. Indeed, against its background, other colors look brighter.
Interior decoration
The psychological significance of white is not the same. Much, as has already been said, depends on its application in various areas of human life. If in clothing or art one association develops with him, then when decorating the interior, a slightly different picture emerges. Designers use such paints to create the effect of lightness, completeness and volume of the room. This allows you to visually increase the space. This effect is similar to the principle of mirrors.
The interior can be snow-white walls or ceiling. But for the floor, darker shades are selected. Most often, the designer uses the whitening of walls and ceilings to create a foundation on which various stylistic effects will be applied. However, there are no restrictions. Almost any style of room decoration can be created on a similar foundation. If you turn to the principles of Feng Shui, you can find out that the north-western rooms, decorated in white, will clean the energy of people in the house. He will restore activity and give strength to new achievements.
Human character and physiology
White color in the psychology of perception has a powerful effect on the physical condition of a person, changing even his character traits. The effect is on the endocrine and visual systems. At first he reassures, but after a certain time begins to tire. The pupils narrow, all feelings become aggravated. Including pain.
White clothing makes skin softer over time. It increases the energy of the body. If a person seeks to choose this particular color for his everyday clothes, this may indicate an insufficient level of vitality. The use of white fabrics can also symbolize a person’s inner need to free himself from the sad, burdensome events of the past. The true reasons for choosing white color can be determined only with a more detailed analysis.
Common characters
The value of white in the modern world is great. The hue has long been a symbol of many events, things, objects, signs that are known throughout the world. For example, the dove of peace and the house of government must necessarily be white, a verse without rhyme, a flag when surrendering, etc. is also associated with it.
This is a universal language that many understand. Therefore, it is this paint that is considered a universally reconciling, global force. Having become acquainted with such a concept in psychology as the meaning of white, we can conclude that this is a powerful stream of energy that can affect a person and entire nations. In the hands of intelligent people, its impact will always be creative.