Module 3-3: Purple

Origins of Purple:

Purple has a long history as a rare and expensive color, as it was derived from snail shells and used to dye royal garments in the ancient world. Purple was worn mostly by emperors in ancient Rome, which helped it be known to the world as an illustrious and luxurious color.

Positive Connotations:

Negotive Connotations:

Crown Emperor Luxurious Room

What do we Associate with Purple?

Purple is commonly associated with power and the supernatural, which may be explained by its electromagnetic energy. Purple is on the most extreme spectrum of visible light, meaning it has the highest energy wavelength of any color, and is the closest humans can get to seeing powerful ultraviolet rays. However, it is also a mix of calm, stable blue and fiery, fierce red, making it a very grounded and balanced color. Due to purple’s extreme but balanced nature, many associate it with power, magic, and spirituality.

Positive Connotations:

Negotive Connotations:

Ursula Amethyst Cosmos

Purple in Different Cultural Contexts:



Purple in Branding:

In branding, purple represents luxury (and frequently accompanies crown iconography) and high-value products.

Examples:

Crown Royal Logo Cadbury Logo Hallmark Logo

Purple Websites:




Works Consulted:

“Symbolism of Color: Using Color for Meaning,” accessed February 14, 2024, https://www.incredibleart.org/lessons/middle/color2.htm
“Purple,” accessed February 14, 2024, https://www.colormatters.com/the-meanings-of-colors/purple
“Finally, COLOR EXPLAINED by an Expert in a Way That Everyone Can Understand,” Sensational Color, accessed February 14, 2024, https://www.sensationalcolor.com/meaning-of-purple/.