Published first in Working Tools Masonic Magazine
Color became part of the mystery
traditions in the early stages of civilization. Color was associated with
light, and light was the greatest of all mysteries. The sun created and
sustained life, so color was vital to life because light ruled over life. Color
was the ultimate splendor of light.
Man was forever dominated by the
mysteries of life. Those that could read and understand the heavens, and gain knowledge
of the unknown, mastered the highest of arts. Seeking it was the most
mystifying of paths. It was perhaps through divine appointment that some were
able to understand the impenetrable secrets of nature, and connect with the
supreme deity. From these seekers, color symbolism emerged that remained
essentially the same throughout history into modern times.
Symbolism
is an ancient language, and as such is not a matter of preference, but of
meaning. Color was not used for beauty or decoration; it was an important part
of communication, and guided one’s understanding of the world. Colors were used
deliberately. At one time the kingdom of Earth was purple – a representative of
the baser qualities of nature. These qualities were the foundation of patience
and endurance; thus amethyst was a warriors amulet, imparting to him moral
courage and the calmness necessary to insure victory. In upper Egypt the
Pharaohs’ crown was white, symbolizing his dominion. His treasury was called
the “White House.” A flat red crown proclaimed authority over lower Egypt and
its “Red House.” Temple ceilings were blue with representations of the
constellations on them. The floors were green like the meadows along the Nile.
There is much evidence that
beauty of color began with mysticism, rather than beginning with esthetics. Ancient color symbolism was founded
on the Mysteries, and spoke a common language to all people. Art was
universally understood, and as with literary language, consistent in its use. Opinions
of beauty or ugliness did not enter in. Compass points have color symbolism known
around the globe; they were observed in the construction of temples, and at altars
in rites and ceremonies. These color associations are found in the mythologies
of most Indian tribes in America – yellow represents north, green or blue is next
for west, red is for south and would be painted third, and last, white for
east. Red, yellow, and black are masculine colors, white, blue, and green are
feminine. In Tibet even moods had a mystical color relationship – white and
yellow indicated a mild temperament, whereas ferocity was red, blue, or black.
Celestial beings were light blue, gods were white, goblins, red, and black was
for devils.
Great ages were built by humans,
ages of gold and iron, both colorful and drab. The Greeks held that a golden
age was once upon the earth when Saturn ruled and evil did not exist. Humans
dwelt without aging, in piety, content.
Then we fell, and the golden age was lost.
How to regain this great golden
kingdom? Perhaps the mystical longing would be answered if we symbolize
perfection with color: don the white robe of purity, the red robe of sacrifice
and love, and the blue robe of integrity and truth, as did the noble Greeks of
ancient times.
(Many thanks to Faber Birren for his meticulous research about the history of color)
(Many thanks to Faber Birren for his meticulous research about the history of color)
About Symbologist Michelle Snyder
Michelle
earned her post-graduate degree at the University of Wales, decoding
prehistoric images, mythology, folklore, and fairy tales and tracing
them to their roots. She is an
author, columnist, publisher, artist, and teacher. Her artwork, inspired
by her love of symbolism and folklore, has appeared in galleries from
Massachusetts to California. Michelle is co-owner of White Knight
Studio.
Symbology ReVision: Unlocking Secret Knowledge
Symbology: Hidden in Plain Sight
Symbology: My Art and Symbols
Symbology: My Art and Symbols
Symbology: Fairy Tales Uncovered
Symbology: Decoding Classic Images
Symbology: World of Symbols
The Fairy Tales: Once-Upon-A-Time Lessons First Book
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