What does the color orange mean?
How does this color make you feel?
Orange can be a very strong and energetic color.
Verywell / Cindy Chung
Likeyellowandred, it can be very attention-grabbing, which is perhaps why it is often used in advertising.
Much likepurple, orange tends to be a controversial color.
People tend to either love it or hate it.
This article explores what the color orange means in psychology.
It discusses how people often feel about this color as well as the psychology of the color orange.
Verywell / Cindy Chung
What Does the Color Orange Mean?
How does orange make you feel?
Do you associate orange with certain qualities or situations?
It is important to remember that the symbolism and associations of the color orange are not universal.
Cultural differences often play a role inhow people relate to color.
Orange Is Energetic
Orange is often described as an energetic color.
It may call to mind feelings of enthusiasm and excitement.
Another study found that the color orange was associated with feelings of playfulness and vibrancy.
Orange Is Happy
People also commonly describe the color orange as bright, happy, and joyful.
Research also suggests that consumers respond to the color orange in a number of different ways.
It is perceived as a playful, friendly color when used in consumer marketing and products.
Shoppers also tend to associate it with more inexpensive products.
Orange Is Spiritual
The color orange is often associated with spiritual practices, including meditation and compassion.
In Southeast Asia, Buddhist monks wear orange robes that symbolize simplicity and letting go of materialism.
The tradition dates back thousands of years to the time of Buddha.
Today, the garments are often referred to as saffron robes.
Orange Is Autumnal
Orange is also linked to autumn and the color of dying leaves and pumpkins.
Psychology of the Color Orange
Orange is a combination of red and yellow.
Orange can have both positive and negative connotations, depending on the individual.
Because it is a bright and vivacious color, it may help people feel outgoing or even bold.
On the negative side, it may bring to mind feelings of superficiality, arrogance, or pride.
Of course, specific shades of orange can have different associations and meanings.
Bright orange is attention-grabbing, whereas peach can be soft, subtle, and calming.
A warmer, burnt orange may call to mind fire and heat.
Symbolism of the Color Orange
Orange symbolized many different things to different people.
Some common associations include:
How the color orange is used can impact what it symbolizes.
A drab orange paired with blacks and browns might instead bring to mind sadness, decay, and death.
The complementary color for orange is blue.
The content of dreams is most often a reflection of waking life.
2012;7(1):60-73. doi:10.24052/JBRMR/135
