Red

The westerners believe that red is the colour of passion and romance. But in India, it holds a greater significance. Goddess Durga is often associated with the colour red. She is seen draped in blood-red saree. On the one hand red incites fear while on the other; it stands for purity and hence brides are often in red attires on their wedding day. The vermilion or Sindoor that is red in colour, is symbolic of her marital union with her husband. In a larger context, the colour represents fertility and opulence.

Yellow

The colour yellow has healing power. Turmeric, which is yellow in colour, is widely used in India as a spice and even as a beauty enhancing product. Turmeric acts as an antiseptic ingredient and which is why it is used in most food items prepared pan India. Even during marriage, family members of the bride and the groom apply haldi on their body. Haldi helps in lightening the skin tone and also heals the skin of infections. Yellow in India is also symbolic of holiness.

Blue

Blue stands for power and life. Though water is transparent, the colour blue is widely believed to be its colour. The vast horizon that acts as a roof gives a perception that water bodies on earth are blue in colour. Water sustains life on earth hence colour blue also represents dynamism. Moreover, Lord Krishna who taught mankind the right way to lead life had a blue skin tone, representative of power.

Green

In a country steeped in religious beliefs, the origin of most colours lies in the powers and mythical lives of its gods. The color blue, for instance, is associated with Lord Krishna, perhaps one of the most favored gods in India. And, as is obvious for any agricultural economy, green symbolizes a new beginning, harvest, and happiness. It is also the revered color of Islam, a large religious presence in India. Green symbolizes nature and therefore is a manifestation of God himself.

White

White stands for serenity. It is pure and soothes the eye and hence spreads the message of peace. In India, white is commonly used while attending cremation ceremonies to bid a peaceful farewell to the departing soul. Earlier widows used to wear only white coloured clothes, and the same is symbolic of complete disconnection with the materialistic world.

Black

In India, black is often associated with the evil. It symbolises darkness and negativity. But surprisingly the same colour is used as an antidote to ward off evil. Hence people use objects made of black and hang them outside their homes to prevent evil from entering the house. Even black cotton strings are tied on the wrist to fight negativity.

By Gayatri Sankar