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COLOR: The Unspoken Language
Understanding Red
By Sheri Miller AIFD
You may remember in my first article I mentioned “Color can increase your chances of getting a speeding ticket.” The color I was referring to was red. If your car is red, you may be paying higher insurance rates. Red is an action color. It is a highly visible color. Stop lights use the color red to get an immediate reaction…. stop!
Red is certainly not a wishy washy indecisive color.
Red is a color filled with passion and action. People who like red usually are strong and like drama. Red is one of the three primary colors, and it can be a very primal color representing fire, heat, and danger. Red is the color of blood, our lifeforce. Red is a color that represents the passion of love. Just think of Valentine’s Day and all the red roses sold.
We may say “He saw red,” meaning he was angry. Redheads can be considered as having fiery temperaments. These are dramatic reactions. However, you can use red to help you get more energy if you are tired. Just wear red! It is a powerful color and makes a strong statement of “Here I am and I am powerful, lively, and full of life.” Or “Look at me,” because red is so visual. If you need to rest and are over stressed, don’t wear red! It may lead to aggressive reactions.
The next time you are driving, just glance around and notice what color car your eyes see first. My guess is the red ones. This is why your chances of getting a speeding ticket are increased; you are more visible.
Not only does red symbolize emotion, it can evoke it. An angry person can be triggered emotionally by just seeing red. Red stimulates the physical senses. Red can possibly trigger a seizure for an epileptic. Being surrounded by red can increase blood pressure and pump adrenaline into the body’s system. Besides anger, red can incite impulsiveness. This high action color can energize when a person is depressed or lacking willpower. Red can help shy people be more assertive and alleviate feelings of negativity. It can provide self-confidence. If a large task is ahead and you are overwhelmed, surround yourself with, or wear red. It can overcome the inner barriers and inspire energy to flow.
Red has been associated with war gods, such as the Roman deity Mars. The planet Mars has a red dust on the surface and is referred to as the “Red Planet.” To wear red on the battle field signifies, courage and valor. It can give a physiological edge of strength at a time when it is very needed. In Viking mythology, the red-bearded Thor is the thunder god. In Christian symbolism, red is the color of martyrs who spilled their blood for their faith. In the ancient Celtic religion of the Druids, red was one of the colors of the triple goddess, represented as the Mother. For centuries brides often wore red to represent fertility.
In astrology, red is influenced by Mars, the red planet. Red has a masculine, headstrong nature connected with the metal iron, which left to rust becomes reddish.
With Feng Shui, red is associated with the element of fire. The phoenix is the symbolic red bird which symbolizes rebirth. It was said to burn itself to death then rise in glory from its ashes. Red is also considered to be the color of good fortune. It promotes creativity, energy and zest for life. Red’s symbolic season is high summer when the suns heat is the hottest.
With the body, red promotes the release of adrenaline into the bloodstream. Red can promote fight or flight instinct and is connected to reactions of aggression and fear. In regards to body ailments and color therapy, being bathed in red light can be beneficial for circulatory problems, irregularities of blood flow, hardening of the arteries, infertility, and anemia. Red is associated with the first chakra at the bottom of the spine. In Indian belief the red of the first chakra carried energy to all the other chakras.
Red foods are connected with the root chakra, lower pelvic area and adrenal glands. Some beneficial red foods are: strawberries, red cherries, red plums, red apples, raspberries,, currants, rhubarb, radishes, beets, tomatoes, red bell peppers, watermelons, red kidney beans, red lentils, and red meat. These rich in iron red foods are good for people who lack stamina or are anemic. These foods raise energy levels, cleanse the bood, and contain higher levels of potassium for extra vitality. Tomatoes contain the antioxidant vitamins E, C beta-carotene and lycopene which are believed to fight the free radicals that can cause the formation of cancer cells. Raspberries, strawberries and red apples are loaded with vitamin C. Red kidney beans are high in soluble fiber, which slows digestion and reduces levels of cholesterol.
With all this information and new knowledge of red, how can it be used in our industry of flowers? Of course using red flowers in a wedding symbolizes passion and love. Designing red flowers to encourage someone who may be fighting depression or low self-esteem can help encourage positive action. Red is a warm color and can be used to visually warm up a cold looking environment and create life and energy into an otherwise drab site. How else can you use this truly unique and action packed color to enrich your life and the others around you?
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