What do we know about gray? Psychologists around the world say that this is one of the most underrated shades of the entire color scheme. For some reason, it is considered to be a symbol of mediocrity, longing and boredom. And not everyone knows that until the beginning of the 19th century, representatives of the nobility preferred to wear gray shades, while brighter colors were considered vulgar. This color can be obtained by mixing three bright colors: red, green and blue. The shade of gray, which differs from the others in its saturation, depends precisely on which of these three colors dominates. Today we propose to talk about the psychological significance of this tone, about what it symbolizes in clothing, in the interior and psychology of a person!
All shades and tones
The most popular dark shades of gray include coal, stone and monsoon, which is gray with a slight bluish bloom. There is a shade that was named after the English artist Gainsborough. This color is a delicate gray, reminiscent of gray hair. It should be noted that for several centuries it was Gainsborough that was considered a symbol of noble origin. There is also French gray, a color remotely resembling a monsoon, but lighter. Silver is named after metal, it is similar to a shade called zircon - this is clarified silver. But what does gray mean and symbolize?
In the esoteric
Esoterics agree that the gray color is a direct reference to Saturn, the god of time, aging and maturity. That is why, they argue, the so-called “gray party” appeared in Germany, the main purpose of which is to uphold the interests of pensioners. In turn, astrologers are accustomed to perceive Saturn as a fair judge. It is believed that through hard trials - both physical and moral - it cleans people of mental dirt and excessive loads. Therefore, the meaning of gray in esotericism is restraint, striving for the spiritual world, justice. By the way, in many religious traditions it is customary for monks to wear robes of precisely gray shades.
Gray means power
You must have heard the expression "gray cardinal." So it is customary to call a person who has hidden power. So, during the reign of one of the French kings, power, according to the majority, belonged to the famous Cardinal Richelieu. But only a select few knew that Richelieu himself was just a puppet, controlled by a more powerful figure - the monk Joseph. The monk’s gray cassock was the reason that he received the nickname Gray Cardinal.
Negative values
Speaking about the meaning of gray, one cannot fail to mention its negative sides. For example, one of such definitions is dullness, a person’s unwillingness to stand out from the crowd, and banal boredom. By the way, you probably know that those people who merge with others without even trying to reveal their personality are usually called gray mice. Often this color symbolizes a certain primitiveness, a special, low origin. By the way, in the Russian Empire, it was customary to call a man from the estate of commoners a gray peasant.
Physiological effect
Speaking about the importance of gray in physiology, experts on paranormal phenomena note that it is capable of exerting a inhibitory effect on the human nervous system, as well as on any physiological processes that occur in the body. Gray, like a sponge, is able to absorb excessive excitement of any kind. That is why it is so good for meditation during hot weather, with inflammatory processes, depression and stress. It is believed that this particular shade allows you to cope with various infections, has the ability to reduce pressure.
Another important point: any shades of gray help a person concentrate, make a decision. But it is important to remember that gray color will be useful if a person uses it in small quantities. Its excess can even provoke a depressive state, and a calming effect can turn into a depressing one!
Psychological impact
A lot of books and articles have been written about the meaning of color in human psychology. So, white color symbolizes self-giving and unity, black indicates the creation and motivated use of force, red means leadership, dynamism, the struggle for one’s rights and incredible tenacity. The meaning of yellow is freedom, joy, honesty and originality, while orange speaks of inexhaustible energy and inner strength. But what is the psychological significance of gray? Experts say: this is calm, poise and pragmatism. Gray color allows you to cope with strong emotions, both negative and positive. Indeed, not only great sorrow, but also great joy is often unsettled. At the same time that it soothes feelings, the gray color enhances intellectual activity. It allows a person not to follow their own emotions, but to look at the problem from the side. That is why gray is so useful to use during exams or serious work negotiations.
According to psychologists, gray can increase a person’s self-confidence and self-confidence. They say: in clothes of this color, a person seems to be protected from any negative influences, other people's demands, and even manipulations. This is a kind of shield that can repel any psychological attacks. The symbolic meaning of gray in psychology is independence, getting rid of addictions. At the same time, it is extremely important to understand that the shade is useful only to those people who are mature, responsible personalities. If a person is not self-confident, subject to depressive moods, gray will only worsen the situation, causing hypochondria, regrets about the past, longing.
Gray color in clothes
The psychology of color tells us: gray, like white or black, is considered a universal color. Therefore, it can be freely combined with any colors and shades, even the brightest. It is important to understand that gray, unlike black, does not age women. It is also ideal for the warm season.
True, for some reason, many try to avoid this color, most likely due to not very pleasant associations with the expression “gray mouse”. However, in no case should we forget that with skillful use, any shade of gray can emphasize individuality. So, instead of the classic dark shade, you can choose light, with a slight sheen. For example, zircon or gainsboro. Owners of fair skin and blond hair are perfectly suited for such a shade as a monsoon, and rich graphite shades will give a special charm to swarthy brunettes or brown-haired women.
Speaking about clothes, psychologists notice that the meaning of gray is severity, seriousness, some isolation. A person in such clothes looks more mature than he actually is.
Gray in the interior
The versatility of color allows you to use it for decoration of offices and business premises. Psychologists note that gray is able to stimulate mental work, and therefore its shades can be found in companies whose activities are related to information technology. Due to the fact that different shades of gray can calm different emotions, they are often found in hospitals. You can find it even in the home interior. Most often, designers use it, decorating the premises in high-tech style. Cold metallic luster, such as silver or zircon, is best suited for such interiors. But in the nursery or bedroom, this color is better not to use as the main one, you can just complement it with other shades.
Advertising Application
It is difficult to overestimate the value of light gray in advertising. It is very often used in order to demonstrate any information products or technologies. Silver has long been associated in people with advanced technology and scientific progress. Probably for this reason, Apple has chosen a silver shade of gray for its logo. Its light shade emphasizes the elitism of the product, the absence of any need to promote the product, because its name can speak for itself. The gray color in advertising is, of course, a symbol of product quality, the reliability of the company that manufactured it. Please note: a huge number of logos of large automobile companies are made in this tone!
Effect on character: what are people who love gray tones
How can you characterize a person who likes gray shades, prefers them? It can be compared to a gray cardinal. This person may seem unprepossessing and even weak at first glance, but in fact it is just a mask with which he defends himself from the outside world. In fact, the inner strength of this person is incredibly great, but at the same time such a person is deprived of ambition, he does not need universal recognition, he does not want to prove anything to anyone. The significance of dark gray in psychology can be described as loneliness. That is, people who prefer dark tones of this color, by nature, are real loners who have an amazingly rich inner world that can completely replace communication. The main drawback of such people can be called their incredulity, they are everywhere and everywhere looking for a trick, it is difficult for them to believe that someone in this world is capable of sincere feelings, kindness and love. And, although they have tremendous potential, inner strength and endurance, gray lovers do not seek to realize themselves in real life, they are often prone to depression, have a very closed character.
Rejection of gray
With lovers of this color we figured out. But what about those who simply do not accept any shade of gray? Psychologists say: these are people who hate routine. They vitally need a stream of fresh emotions, without which they will feel depressed. These people are easy to climb, able to quickly make new friends. Punctuality is not familiar to them, and following the schedule is more reminiscent of hard labor. These are spontaneous people, and therefore they choose creative professions for themselves, the exact sciences repel them.
As you already understood, gray only at first glance may seem an ordinary color, in fact, it is fraught with a huge amount of wealth. Behind him lies an elusive nobleness, attracting to itself. It reminds us of the wisdom of the elderly, the firmness and inaccessibility of the rocks, the power and greatness of the huge thunderclouds. Yes, this shade has many interesting associations, the main thing is to take a closer look at it!