What Does The Color Black Mean?

Black is usually interpreted from dark, evil, or unfortunate coordinates. We show you all the interpretations that have been given to this color. Black is a color that people immediately associate with evil, darkness, or pain. Black is the result of the absence of photoreception of visible light. It is considered an achromatic color, as is white. Let’s see the meaning of black and some curiosities and characteristics around it. In Spanish, the term black derives from the Latin niger, which is from the Proto-Indo-European newt, which refers to the night. In Spanish, it has been recorded since the 12th century, while in other languages, ​​it has a similar connotation. It is created by combining magenta, yellow, and cyan, with results similar to what you expect from the standard hue.

Characteristics of the black color

From the physical point of view, black is interpreted as the absorption of all colors. That is when the visible light of these does not reach the eyes. The degree of absorption varies according to the properties. 2019 MIT experts created the blackest material known, with a light absorption range of 99.995% from all angles. It is a very common color in nature. We see it when looking at the night sky and in some animals and insects. A general definition of it is that black is the absence of light. Unlike all colors on the spectrum, including white, black can exist independently of light.

Is black a color?

It is often said that black is not a color. From a physical point of view, the statement is not entirely wrong. Omitting many details, from physics, color is interpreted as that range of visible light that humans can see, and that moves through the electromagnetic spectrum. In other words, color is nothing more than the spectrum of the wavelength of light that can be seen. If it has been affirmed that color can exist independently of light and that its characteristic is precisely its absence, then from the physical point of view, black is not a color. Of course, everyone can agree that this statement is subject to many nuances and depends on a very strict definition of what color is. In case it is assumed as a single definition, white or pink are also not colors. This is because they are not present in the wavelength classified for colors. In this way, a more empirical and appropriate definition for it is that color is all light, and the absence of it that the eyes interpret. Under this paradigm, then black is indeed a color.

Curiosities about the color black

The relationship humans have had with color dates back to time immemorial, long before there was even awareness of color. We collect some curiosities about the color black:

• A phenomenon known as Rayleigh scattering produces the effect of blue skies during the day and dark at night.
• The Universe is almost entirely black. This is a curious fact, at least considering the abundance of stars. This is known as Olbers’ paradox.
• The term black box refers to unknown things (the symbolic meaning cannot be more precise).
• A black hole is a phenomenon of the Universe obtained by collapsing a star of a certain mass. The result is an object whose gravity prevents even light from escaping from it (which is why they are not seen).
• The word black adds an unfortunate tinge: black plague, black Monday (or any day of the week to refer to financial loss), black humor, black market, black sheep, black work, and so on.
• The black dress was invented by Coco Chanel in 1926. Although it cannot be appreciated, it represented a complete revolution by then.
• The dark-colored complexion is due to a higher concentration of melanin on your skin surface. It is an evolutionary effect whose purpose is to protect from ultraviolet rays.
• Black is a color that, in nature, is interpreted as a sign of danger. Snakes, amphibians, and insects use it to warn of their poison or toxicity.
• It is one of the most used colors in the history of art. During the Paleolithic, it was obtained through charcoal and grinding manganese oxide.
• In Ancient Egypt, black was the characteristic color of Anubis, the underworld god.
• The custom of wearing black as a sign of mourning dates back thousands of years. It was already popular in Rome in the middle of the 2nd century BC. C. _
• The first black writing inks were made from the by-products of fire. It gained popularity over others due to the contrast with the color of the papyri, parchments, and then against white paper.
• Although it was not a color associated with the nobility, during the 15th century, it gained wide recognition within it. The portraits of Carlos V and Felipe II posing and dressed with him are famous.
• There is something known as the “black clothing stereotype.” According to experts, it refers to the negative prejudices attributed to people who wear this color. They are usually classified as dishonest and aggressive.
• Some political movements have championed the color black, such as anarchism.

Dozens and dozens of additional references can be listed that allow us to understand the meaning of the color black. However, these are enough to glimpse its importance. When its interpretation is approached from psychology, it is discovered that it is even greater.

Meaning of the color black in psychology

It has already been noted from the beginning that, in general, the color black is usually interpreted from negative psychological coordinates. Although the scientific evidence is limited, the truth is that it has supported certain associations of this type. For example, some studies have found that people often associate black with immorality and physical and spiritual pollution. Experts indicate that the color black is associated with moods such as sadness, fear, anger, and anger. Finally, it has been reported that depressed subjects tend to sympathize with black and brown colors. Despite all this, it is important to note that the interpretation always depends on the context. Indeed, the association can sometimes be positive. According to studies, black is related to rationality, arguments, and facts in business environments. That is why it is used so much in these levels, whether in costumes, cars, accessories, decoration, and so on, to cause a psychological impact.

Meaning of the color black in different cultures

Up to this point, you have learned aspects of the meaning of black that you were completely unaware of. For you to become an expert in this color, we leave you with its significance in different cultures:

• The Egyptians considered the color black as a sign of fertility and abundance.
• Black was a color reserved for craftsmen in ancient Rome.
• It is a central color in statues and ceramics of worldwide civilizations.
• Benedictine monks wore it as a sign of humility.
• It was associated with evil and sin for much of the Middle Ages.
• During and after the French Revolution, black was held in high esteem.
• In Japan, black symbolizes experience (among many other meanings).
• It has been a predominant color in military uniforms until very recently.

Although the color black is initially associated with negative aspects, everything generally depends on the tone and the circumstances in which it is used. Like all other colors, its influence is often underestimated and goes completely unnoticed.