Photo Credit – Flickr 

By Nathan Raju

Do different colours incite different emotions? Studies have discovered that light could be combined to form other colours. When pure light passes through a prism, it separates into various colours. Some experiments have also discovered that light could be combined to form other colours. For instance, when red light is mixed with yellow light, the result would be orange. 

People from every culture would have different views and feelings towards colours. Everyone has a favourite colour and the effect of colours varies from person to person. According to research, colours might influence the decision made by people. There is also a universal meaning of colours. 

The colour red is a bold and vibrant colour that is usually associated with strong emotions such as courage, excitement, danger, luck, prosperity, strength, anger, love and it even encourages appetite. 

Orange is another vibrant colour that might make people feel confident, creative, brave, adventurous, enthusiastic, warm, happy and sociable. It also stimulates appetite. 

Yellow is often linked to fun, positivity, optimism, creativity, cheerfulness, warmth and happiness. It makes people think of sunshine.  

Green will remind people of nature, peace, money, fertility, growth, healing and the feeling of freshness. 

The colour blue symbolises trust, stability, harmony, serenity, peace, calmness, loyalty and even reduces appetite. It is the most favoured colour worldwide. 

Pink makes people think of someone sweet with full of compassion and sincerity. It also represents femininity, gentleness, innocence, fun and playfulness. 

Purple is the colour of royalty, power, nobility, wealth, spirituality, fantasy, luxury and ambition. 

Brown is associated with being rugged, trustworthy and dependable. It also makes people feel comfortable, content and secure.  

Black is often referred to as a colour to represent formality. It can appear as dramatic to some people. It also represents sophistication, mystery, power, elegance and also security. However, black might evoke certain emotions such as anger and sadness. 

Grey represents neutrality and balance. People might also relate the colour to depression and loss. 

Lastly, the colour white is a colour that symbolises cleanliness, goodness, simplicity, humility, innocence and also honesty.  

Although the meaning of colours might be universal, the effects of colours would vary on individuals subject to personal experiences, liking and even cultural factors. To get a better understanding of colour psychology, more research needs to be conducted.