Color Psychology Varies by Country and Culture

Colors influence our emotions and behavior, but their interpretations differ significantly depending on the country and culture. This is due to factors such as history, religion, climate, and traditional values. Below are some examples of how different cultures perceive colors.

1. White – Purity or Death?

Western Countries (Europe & America)

• Positive meanings: Purity, cleanliness, innocence, new beginnings

• In weddings, brides traditionally wear white to symbolize a fresh start in life.

Asia (Japan, China, Korea, etc.)

• Negative meanings: Death, mourning, sorrow

• In Japan and China, white is often associated with funerals and mourning attire.

• In traditional Japanese samurai culture, "Shiromuku" (pure white wedding kimono) signified that a bride would remain loyal to her husband until death.

India

• White symbolizes purity, but also renunciation and mourning.

• Widows traditionally wore white and were often discouraged from remarrying.

2. Red – Passion or Danger?

China & Other Asian Countries

• Positive meanings: Luck, prosperity, energy

• Red is an auspicious color used in celebrations like Chinese New Year and weddings.

• In Chinese weddings, brides often wear red dresses to attract good fortune.

Western Countries (Europe & America)

• Negative meanings: Danger, warning, aggression

• Used in stop signs, warning labels, and fire alarms.

• However, red is also linked to love and passion, seen in Valentine’s Day traditions.

Africa

• In some African regions, red symbolizes death and mourning, while in others, it represents strength and bravery(e.g., warriors' attire).

3. Blue – Calmness or Mourning?

Western Countries (Europe & America)

• Positive meanings: Calmness, trust, reliability

• Frequently used in corporate logos (Facebook, IBM, Samsung) to convey trust.

• Blue is known to have a relaxing effect, making it a popular choice for bedrooms.

Latin America (Especially Mexico)

• Negative meanings: Coldness, death

• In some Latin American cultures, blue can symbolize mourning.

Middle East (Islamic Countries)

• Sacred meanings: Protection, divinity

• Blue is considered holy in Islam, representing heaven and divine protection.

• Many mosques feature blue decorations.

4. Green – Peace or Infidelity?

Western Countries (Europe & America)

• Positive meanings: Nature, peace, healing

• Associated with environmental movements (e.g., Greenpeace).

• In Ireland, green is a lucky color, symbolizing shamrocks and St. Patrick’s Day.

Middle East (Islamic Countries)

• Sacred meanings: Islam, paradise

• Green is a significant color in Islam, symbolizing paradise and the Prophet Muhammad.

• The Saudi Arabian flag features green.

China

• Negative meanings: Betrayal, infidelity

• In China, the phrase “wearing a green hat” means a man’s wife is unfaithful, making green hats a taboo gift.

5. Yellow – Happiness or Warning?

China

• Positive meanings: Royalty, wealth, prosperity

• In ancient China, only the emperor was allowed to wear yellow.

• It remains a lucky color in business and celebrations.

Western Countries (Europe & America)

• Negative meanings: Cowardice, caution

• The phrase “yellow-bellied” refers to someone who is cowardly.

• Yellow combined with black signifies danger (e.g., warning signs, bees).

Egypt

• Negative meanings: Mourning

• In Egypt, yellow is associated with death and funerals.

How to Apply This Knowledge in Interior Design

Since color perceptions vary by culture, it’s important to consider the target audience when designing interiors. For example:

• In Japan, blue and green are popular for their calming effects.

• In China, red and gold are preferred for prosperity and luck.

• In Europe, minimalist designs often use white, gray, and beige.

By understanding cultural color psychology, designers can create spaces that resonate more deeply with their intended audience.