The bottomless blue of the clear summer sky, the patterned eyes of cornflowers in the meadow, the dark, alluring depth of the ocean – all these are shades of blue, the most calm and pacifying color of sages and contemplators. It is about him that I. Goethe wrote in his book “The Doctrine of Color” that blue “in its greatest purity is an exciting nothing.” Why exactly “nothing”? What is the exciting effect of blue?
Physiologically blue
This color is considered by artists to be the opposite of red, both in terms of location in the color wheel and in the nature of artistic influence. If red attracts the eye, as if protruding from an artistic canvas, literally climbs into the eyes, then blue, on the contrary, draws in depth, it beckons and all the time seems to recede.
If we talk about the physical characteristics, then the wavelength of blue is about 450 nm. This is more than violet, but in our perception, violet is a mixture of blue and red, and it partially carries the characteristics of the “hottest” color in the spectrum.
But pure spectral blue has an inhibitory effect on our psyche and the body as a whole. Under the influence of this color, a number of physiological processes occur:
- the heart rate becomes less frequent;
- breathing slows down;
- decreases blood pressure;
- muscles relax;
- metabolism slows down;
- decreased appetite.
Inhibition of almost all physiological systems with prolonged exposure to blue can cause depression and even lead to depression.
The overwhelming effect of blue is less pronounced, which in Western European cultural tradition is considered a lighter shade of blue. Blue is more calming than suppressing. This color evokes a feeling of cold, which is why designers often use it in interiors in hot climates. And in North Africa, for example, in Morocco there are entire cities, the walls of which are painted in various shades of blue and light blue.
Psychological characteristics of blue
Many people know that blue gives a sense of peace. It is the most passive and coldest of all spectral hues. But besides this, blue reduces efficiency and activity, so rest under its influence becomes forced. And this is precisely a passive rest, a half-asleep serene state of doing nothing.
Therefore, Goethe characterized blue as “nothing”, and the famous artist V. Kandinsky considered sadness to be the main emotional component of this color.
The gloomy mood generated by blue is a consequence of the inhibition and suppression of mental processes.
- Blue promotes deep, unhurried thinking and has a positive effect on thought processes in general. Although contemplation and philosophizing under the influence of dark shades of this color often lead to gloomy self-reflection or disappointment in an active life.
- But blue, although it cannot be called positive, its effect is milder, and it awakens in a person not gloomy thoughts, but dreaminess and even tenderness. But this shade is also too cold and uncomfortable, so you should not abuse it.
However, in some cases, exposure to blue and especially blue is necessary for therapeutic and psychotherapeutic purposes. As the researchers found, exposure to blue radiation has a beneficial effect on patients suffering from certain mental disorders, such as schizophrenia. In France, this color is actively used in the interior of psychiatric clinics and even blue and blue flowers are planted around them in flower beds.
This color is preferred by people tired of the hustle and bustle of modern life. The need for blue shades is felt by those who strive for peace, for solitude among the closest and dearest. In general, blue is associated with family values and family affections.
Symbols of blue
The symbolism of blue and light blue was formed in the Middle Ages, therefore it is largely religious in nature. Calm deep blue color, encouraging reflection and philosophizing, is a symbol of meditation, prayer and piety.
In Christianity, this color is identified with the sky, therefore it is considered divine, and also symbolizes humility and faith. Blue, in contrast to the too defiant red, was encouraged by the clergy, and it can often be found in the decoration of temples:
- The domes of Orthodox churches were painted blue; it is abundantly present in the stained glass windows and murals of Catholic cathedrals.
- For Muslim mosques, blue is also characteristic, and it can be called one of the favorite colors of this religion.
In heraldry, which also took shape in the Middle Ages, blue, or rather azure, symbolizes:
- generosity
- honor,
- loyalty,
- impeccability.
This is what this color has on the Russian flag.
At present, the symbolic meanings of blue are not only preserved in the consciousness of society, but are also complemented by the attitude towards this color as respectable and respectable. Therefore, it is often used in company logos and in advertisements.
