What do we know about gray? Psychologists around the world say that this is one of the most underrated shades of the entire color range. For some reason, it is considered to be a symbol of mediocrity, melancholy and boredom. And not everyone knows that until the beginning of the 19th century, representatives of the nobility preferred to wear gray clothes, while brighter colors were considered vulgar. This color can be obtained by mixing three bright colors: red, green and blue. It is on which of these three colors dominates that the shade of gray depends, which differs from others in its saturation. Today we propose to talk about the psychological meaning of this tone, about what it symbolizes in clothes, in the interior and human psychology!
All shades and tones
The most popular dark shades of gray include charcoal, stone and monsoon, which is a gray with a slight bluish tint. There is a shade that was named after the English artist Gainsborough. This color representsa delicate gray, reminiscent of gray hair. It should be noted that it was Gainsborough that for several centuries was considered a symbol of noble origin. There is also French grey, a color that is vaguely reminiscent of monsoon, but lighter. Silver is named after the metal, it looks like a shade called zircon - it is clarified silver. But what does gray mean and symbolize?
In esotericism
Esotericists agree that gray is a direct reference to Saturn, the god of time, aging and maturity. That is why, they argue, the so-called “Gray Party” appeared in Germany, the main goal of which is to defend the interests of pensioners. In turn, astrologers are accustomed to perceive Saturn as a fair judge. It is believed that through difficult trials - both physical and moral - it cleanses people from spiritual dirt and overwhelming burdens. Therefore, the meaning of gray in esotericism is restraint, striving for the spiritual world, justice. By the way, in many religious traditions, it is customary for monks to wear gray robes.
Grey means power
You must have heard the expression "gray cardinal". So it is customary to call a person who has hidden power. Thus, during the reign of one of the French kings, power, according to the majority, belonged to the famous Cardinal Richelieu. But only the elite guessed that Richelieu himself was only a puppet, controlled by a more powerful figure - the monk Joseph. Monk's gray robe andwas the reason that he was nicknamed the Gray Cardinal.
Negative values
Speaking about the meaning of the color gray, one cannot fail to mention its negative aspects. For example, one of these definitions is dullness, a person’s unwillingness to stand out from the crowd, banal boredom. By the way, you probably know that those people who merge with others, without even trying to reveal their individuality, are usually called gray mice. Often this color symbolizes a certain primitiveness, a special, low origin. By the way, in the Russian Empire it was customary to call a person from the class of commoners a gray peasant.
Physiological influence
Speaking about the importance of gray in physiology, paranormal experts note that it is able to have an inhibitory effect on the human nervous system, as well as on any physiological processes occurring in the body. Gray, like a sponge, is able to absorb excessive excitement of any kind. That is why it is so good for meditation during hot weather, inflammation, depression and stress. It is generally accepted that this particular shade allows you to cope with various infections, has the ability to reduce pressure.
Another important point: any shades of gray help a person to concentrate, make a decision. But it is important to remember that the gray color will be useful if a person uses it in small quantities. Excess of it can even provoke a depressive state, anda calming effect can turn into a depressing one!
Psychological influence
A lot of books and articles have been written about the meaning of color in human psychology. Thus, white symbolizes dedication and unity, black speaks of creation and the motivated use of force, red means leadership, dynamism, the struggle for one's rights and incredible perseverance. The meaning of yellow lies in freedom, joy, honesty and originality, while orange speaks of inexhaustible energy and inner strength. But what is the psychological meaning of gray? Experts say: this is calmness, balance and pragmatism. Gray color allows you to cope with strong emotions, both negative and positive. After all, often not only great grief, but also great joy knocks out of the rut. At the same time that it calms the senses, gray color enhances intellectual activity. It allows a person not to be led by his own emotions, but to look at the problem from the outside. That is why gray is so useful during exams or serious work negotiations.
According to psychologists, gray is able to increase a person's self-confidence and self-confidence. They say: in clothes of this color, a person seems to be protected from any negative influences, other people's requirements and even manipulations. This is a kind of shield that can repel any psychological attacks. The symbolic meaning of gray in psychology lies in independence, getting rid ofdependencies. At the same time, it is extremely important to understand that the shade is useful only to those people who are mature, responsible individuals. If a person is not self-confident, prone to depressive moods, gray will only worsen the situation, causing hypochondria, regrets about the past, longing.
Grey in clothes
The psychology of color tells us that gray, like white or black, is considered a universal color. Therefore, it can be freely combined with any colors and shades, even the brightest. It is important to understand that gray, unlike black, does not age women. And it is also ideal for the warm season.
True, for some reason, many try to avoid this color, most likely due to not very pleasant associations with the expression "gray mouse". However, in no case should we forget that with skillful use, any shade of gray can emphasize individuality. So, instead of the classic dark shade, you can choose a light one with a slight sheen. For example, zircon or Gainsborough. For fair skin and blonde hair, monsoon shades are perfect, while rich graphite shades will add a special charm to dark brunettes or brown-haired women.
Speaking about clothes, psychologists notice that the meaning of gray is rigor, seriousness, some isolation. A person in such clothes looks more mature than he really is.
Grey interior
The versatility of the color allows it to be used to decorate offices andbusiness premises. Psychologists note that gray is able to stimulate mental work, and therefore its shades can be found in companies whose activities are related to information technology. Due to the fact that different shades of gray are able to calm different emotions, they are often found in hospitals. It can be used even in the home interior. Most often, designers use it when decorating high-tech rooms. Cold metallic sheen, such as silver or zircon, is best suited for such interiors. But in a nursery or bedroom, it is better not to use this color as the main one, you can simply complement other shades with it.
Application in advertising
It is difficult to overestimate the importance of light gray in advertising. It is very often used to demonstrate any information products or technologies. Silver has long been associated in people with advanced technology and scientific progress. This is probably the reason why Apple chose a silver shade of gray for its logo. Its light shade emphasizes the elitism of the product, the absence of any need to promote the product, because its name can speak for itself. The gray color in advertising is, of course, a symbol of the quality of the product, the reliability of the company that manufactured it. Please note: a huge number of logos of large automobile companies are made in this tone!
Influence on character:what are people who love gray tones
How can you characterize a person who loves gray shades, prefers them? It can be compared with the gray cardinal. This person may at first glance seem ordinary-looking and even weak, but in fact this is just a mask with which he defends himself from the outside world. In fact, the inner strength of this person is incredibly great, but at the same time such a person is devoid of ambition, he does not need universal recognition, he does not want to prove anything to anyone. The meaning of dark gray in psychology can be described as loneliness. That is, people who prefer the dark tones of this color are, by nature, real loners with a surprisingly rich inner world that can completely replace communication. The main disadvantage of such people can be called their incredulity, they are looking for a catch everywhere and everywhere, it is difficult for them to believe that someone in this world is capable of sincere feelings, kindness and love. And, although they have amazing potential, inner strength and endurance, gray lovers do not seek to realize themselves in real life, they are often depressed, have a very closed character.
Grey Rejection
We figured out the lovers of this color. But what about those who just don't accept any shade of grey? Psychologists say: these are people who can't stand routine. They vitally need a stream of fresh emotions, without it they will feel overwhelmed. These people are easy goingable to quickly meet new people. Punctuality is not familiar to them, and following the schedule is more like hard labor. These are spontaneous people, and therefore they choose creative professions for themselves, the exact sciences repel them.
As you already understood, gray only at first glance may seem like an ordinary color, but in fact it is fraught with a huge amount of we alth. Behind it lies an elusive nobility that attracts to itself. It reminds us of the wisdom of the elderly, the hardness and impregnability of rocks, the power and majesty of huge thunderclouds. Yes, this shade has many interesting associations, the main thing is to take a closer look at it!
