Cerulean Senses: The Psychology of the Color Blue
Imagine yourself approaching a foaming blue sea, the color of a glistening sapphire. Close your eyes and imagine yourself lying in a field underneath the endless blanket of cerulean silk above. Now open your eyes. How do you feel?
Each color of our rainbow has the ability to affect our mood—an idea that is referred to as color psychology. Color psychology suggests that each color that we encounter influences our own psychology, penetrating our aura and shifting our state of mind. This may explain why you seem to magnetically drawn towards a certain color—it may bring just the energy you need into your field of vision.
Have you ever wondered why you feel luxurious and slightly royal when donning clothes in purple and violet hues? Or why standing in the middle of a majestic wooded landscape lined with forest green trees makes you feel at home? It’s your body’s way of reacting to the vibrations emitted by each and every color.
The Meaning of the Color Blue:
The color we’re focusing on today is blue, that calming and serene color that takes up large parts of nature, like the sea and the sky above. The word “blue” is often used to describe a sense of sadness, however, denoting its melancholy vibe. This is a complex color that can influence us in many ways, so let’s start exploring the psychological effect of the color blue.
Blue is a primary color that seems to be universally loved. It was suggested by Denis Dutton, an art historian, that this color is “the favorite color in the world,” perhaps due to its prevalence in nature. A calming blue sky, a peaceful ocean wave—these are things that make us feel happy. And they’re represented by this harmonizing hue.
Serenity
Shades of blue are often associated with a sense of relaxation and serenity. The vibrations of this shade reduce stress and help stiff muscles loosen into a state of peace. Blue is known as a tranquil color—so relaxing that it slows the metabolism.
This is a great color to work with when you’re feeling frazzled or stressed out. Simply exposing yourself to balmy blues will help you release tension and frustrations. If you have a meditation room in your room, painting it a deep cerulean or decorating it with hues of sky and periwinkle will encourage you to sink deeper into your practice.
Devotion
Blue is also associated with spirituality and the quest to find answers. There is a sense of devotion connected to this color that can represent spiritual devotion, as well as loyalty to friends and family or career. When you surround yourself with blue, you feel more aligned with your center, able to give yourself over to the people you love and the achievements you desire.
Safety
The color blue gives us a sense of safety and comfort that further releases tension. In fact, one town in Scotland found that placing blue streetlights within the city curbed crime. There is a sense of security in the color blue, which may explain why it’s often used by law enforcement, not only in their uniforms but also in their squad cars.
Many college campuses around the world also install phone boxes outdoors for students in danger, most often painted in blue. One popular shade of blue is even known as air force blue. It’s clear that there is a connection between this color and a sense of security.
Read This Next: Violet Vibrations: The Ultimate Guide to the Color Purple
The Blues
With all of these wonderful qualities, you might be asking yourself why blue is often associated with sadness. There are many possibilities for the melancholy that we’ve often heard referred to as “the blues.” The first official mention of the blues dates back to 1807 when Washington Irvine wrote this line: “He conducted his harangue with a sigh, and I saw he was still under the influence of a whole legion of the blues.”
This was a shortened version of the term “the blue devils” which signified a dangerous or frightening presence, or low spirits, during Elizabethan times.
Another theory stems from Ancient Greece and mythological associations. When Zeus was upset with his people he would send a thunderous storm; however, when he was sad or crying, it would rain. The color blue is associated with rain, resulting in a connection between sadness and shades of blue.
And yet another theory circles back around to our own perceptions. Two studies suggest that the way we feel influences the way we perceive the world around us and the colors within it. In fact, it appears that those who were sad had more trouble correctly identifying colors on the blue-yellow axis. It seems that sadness can make the world appear a bit grey—and may have nothing to do with blue at all!
Communication
Blue is associated with the Throat chakra, the chakra of communication. Blue itself is also connected to the art of communication, and it’s said to improve our communication skills. This color improves both emotional and general intelligence and makes it easier for us to express our thoughts and feelings to those around us.
Furthermore, surrounding yourself with shades of ocean and cobalt will send healing energy to the Throat chakra, allowing it to unfold. A balanced Throat chakra promotes open, honest, and compassionate communication.
Embracing the Blues!
If you need a bit of tranquility, a sense of safety, or a push towards more soothing conversations with others, turn to hues of azure, sapphire, and cornflower blue for inspiration.
Related Article: Think Pink! The Psychology of the Colour Pink
