One of the most underrated colors in the paint palette is gray. Scientists from around the world decided to find out what gray color means by the degree of impact on human psychology. An interesting fact is that until the beginning of the nineteenth century, nobles preferred to wear such a shade in clothes. Brighter and more saturated colors were considered a sign of vulgarity and bad taste. Later they began to associate grayness with melancholy, fear, despair and despondency. But along with this, there are other, more positive characteristics of this color.
Shades of gray
A person perceives gray as an average shade between black and white, it is available to people from the moment of birth. But not everyone knows that this color appeared as a result of mixing red, blue and green. Depending on the degree of predominance of one of these colors, there are different shades of gray:
- silver gray - the shade is named so because of the similarity with the same namemetal;
- zircon - clarified silver;
- stone, coal, monsoon - these are dark shades with a blue tint;
- gainsborough - the shade is named after the English artist, similar to the color of gray hair;
- French gray is monsoon but in a lighter tone.
Symbolics
In esotericism, Saturn controls the gray color, it is the god of time and maturity. Astrologers associate Saturn with justice, law-abidingness, diligent cleansing of spiritual dirt through huge trials. Knowing what gray means, representatives of different religions, and especially Christians, preferred it in their clothes. Shades of gray are worn by monks, as the color also symbolizes fasting, repentance and renunciation of earthly goods.
Different symbols of gray are reflected in different peoples. Perception and attitude to it is distributed as follows:
- French - longing, sadness and remorse;
- the inhabitants of the East - humiliation, meanness, routine and anger;
- the British and other Europeans have high society, the color of gentlemen;
- for African tribes it is the color of dust (death, loss, grief).
Positive and negative characteristics
The positive aspects of gray are the following characteristics:
- restraint;
- justice;
- spiritual growth;
- nobility;
- intelligence;
- unobtrusive;
- refinement;
- authority.
Among the negative values of gray, the following characteristics distinguish:
- boredom;
- loneliness;
- lack of desire to stand out from the crowd ("gray mouse");
- dullness;
- primitivity (lack of gray matter in the brain);
- low birth ("grey man" - commoner).
There is also the expression "grey eminence", which means hidden power. It came from Cardinal Richelieu, who owned all the power in France. This version was invented for ordinary people, since the true power was in the hands of another person - the monk Joseph. He constantly walked in a gray cassock, which was the reason to call him the gray cardinal. Thus, it can be assumed that means the gray color in power. It has both a positive (open strength, power) and a negative meaning (cunning, threat).
Physiology
Gray has a slowing effect on the nervous system. It slows down the movement and physiological processes in the body. This property can be used during infections and viral diseases, block the effects of stress, apply during meditation. Experienced experts have proven that these shades can lower blood pressure. Gray color can help you focus, conduct a detailed analysis, and concentrate on solving important problems. It must be remembered that these shades should not be abused, since the abundance of gray can turncalm into oppression.
Psychology
The meaning of gray in psychology is very high. It helps to calm down, put your thoughts in order, make the right decision and feel confident. Hue helps to cope with all kinds of emotions, since excessive joy or sadness can unsettle a person for a long time. Gray color increases the intellectual level, makes a person more practical and pragmatic. It makes it possible to assess the situation objectively, without relying on one's own emotions and ambitions. The choice of gray color in psychology is recommended in order to become more balanced and protected from negative external influences. It slows down and reflects all negative and aggressive attacks. It is recommended to be preferred to people who do not feel confident in themselves and are constantly waiting for protection from the outside.
Gray shades in large quantities can cause unexpected and groundless longing, regret about the past, decreased activity. Therefore, they are not recommended for people prone to melancholy and depression.
Clothes
Many fashionistas and fashionistas can't wait to find out what gray means in clothes. It is safe to say that this is the most versatile and stylish color in the entire palette. In order not to look like a “gray mouse” (although often shades of gray are combined very stylishly), you can combine this color with any palette. It is a perfect background for any bright elements and decorations. The advantage is alsosofter impact and ease of perception (for example, compared to black). He will be able to emphasize the individuality of a person, make his image stylish and sophisticated.
Interior
Many people are interested in knowing what gray means in the interior. These are wonderful shades that help increase mental activity, discipline and set up for fruitful work. Gray interiors are often used in offices and classrooms. Since these shades calm the nervous system, they are usually used in the decoration of a hospital ward.
In the home interior, lovers of gray will find satisfaction in high-tech style. This is a modern design trend that is based on metallic shades, similar to the equipment of a spaceship.
Gray color can also be used as a background in combination with various bright decor elements.
Characteristic of people who prefer gray color
Those who love gray are distinguished by a calm, balanced character. They are confident in their abilities, so they do not seek to prove anything to anyone. In appearance, these people may seem like "gray mice", but this is just an erroneous opinion. Lovers of gray shades have incredible strength and determination. By nature, they are introverts who prefer solitude and do not talk about their own thoughts. These people can be called incredulous, because in everything they are trying to find a hidden meaning and a catch. The main disadvantage can be considered a tendency to melancholy anddepression, they often do not strive for self-realization in society.
Characterization of people who do not accept gray color
Those people for whom gray is not their favorite color have an active temperament. They hate routine, they cannot sit still for a long time, they strive for change and renewal. These people are very sociable, easily come into contact, make new acquaintances. They ignore punctuality, a clear schedule and restrictions are not for them. Gray enemies strive for lightness, independence, constant emotions and impressions. It is difficult for them to keep themselves within the limits and follow the norms of behavior, they are extravagant and creative. Conservatism and stagnation are not for them.
Test
To understand yourself, experts recommend using a color test. To do this, you need to quickly decide on your favorite and unloved color. They are offered in a list of twelve options. They are black, blue, brown, green, grey, orange, pink, magenta, red, teal, white and yellow.
Deciphering the characteristics is as follows:
- black - confidence, firmness, determination, authoritarianism;
- blue - conservatism, calmness, love of comfort, anxiety;
- brown - ambition, determination, reliability, striving for success;
- green - the desire for recognition, authoritativeness, isolation, tactlessness;
- gray - reliability, intelligence, desire for recognition, calmness;
- orange - sociability, sociability,friendliness, impulsiveness;
- pink - sensitivity, passion, self-centeredness, obsession;
- purple - creativity, intelligence, spirituality, restlessness;
- red - confidence, determination, passion, short temper;
- turquoise - self-esteem, renewal, relaxation;
- white - purity, self-expression, desire to experiment, generation;
- yellow - optimism, energy, activity, thirst for change.
Gray has the most positive characterization when used moderately and tastefully. It can greatly improve a person's life if you approach the choice of clothing and home design with full responsibility.
