White is special. In fact, this is not even a color, but a shining light, into which all the colors of the rainbow have merged. It is not for nothing that since ancient times, white is considered divine, and even the name of a good god in ancient Slavic mythology sounds like Bel-god. And the words “good”, “prosperity”, “shine” also have a connection with white. In white there is no energy of any particular shade, therefore, its influence on a person is more associated with associations.
Physics and physiology of white
In the 17th century, Isaac Newton, as a result of an experiment with a prism, discovered that a ray of light transmitted through it was split into several different colors, of which Newton counted seven. The scientist called the combination of these colors a spectrum. But it turned out that if a multi-colored rainbow ray is passed through a prism again, then it again becomes an ordinary white light. That is, we see white color when the surface of an object reflects all the rays of the visible spectrum. Artists, by the way, know that this is a great rarity, therefore, pure white, without impurities, color is rarely found in nature.
The effect of white on physiological processes is largely determined by associations. Therefore, while investigating the influence of color on a person, I. Goethe paid little attention to white, and Max Luscher did not include it at all in his color personality test.
The most noticeable physiological effect of this color is the feeling of coolness, which is largely due to the association with snow. But the cold whiteness of the room does not create a refreshing atmosphere of blue, but the impression of a soulless and endless kingdom of the Snow Queen.
Studying the effect of white on a person, scientists have determined that he:
- has a beneficial effect on cleansing the body;
- promotes the removal of toxins;
- activates the endocrine system.
In general, white has a calming effect, but soulless, deprived of living colors, whiteness very quickly begins to oppress and becomes the cause of color hunger, and therefore a decrease in physical and emotional tone. An excess of white in the environment is harmful to humans and especially bad for the development of children.
White color and psyche
The famous abstract artist of the first half of the 20th century V. Kandinsky called white a soulless, cold “nothing”. But this is not death in its finality, but a pause, silence, full of possibilities, and the expectation of the birth of a new one.
White color, despite the generally positive interpretation in culture, has a far from unambiguous effect on the human psyche.
- White refreshes, creates a feeling of spaciousness and light.
- The soulless coldness of white can make a person feel uncomfortable and lonely.
- A large amount of this color in the environment of a person becomes the cause of a devastated state, feelings of disappointment and hopelessness. That is why the white color of hospital walls, sheets, dressing gowns is depressing.
- White can serve as a psychological defense, that white silence in which a person runs away from the troubles of life. But the cold impartiality and indifference of this color quickly evokes the desire to return to color diversity.
Like black, white is associated with visual illusion effects. The objects painted by him seem larger and lighter than they really are. A white room is perceived as spacious and filled with air, but in clothes this color makes you look fat.
White symbolism
The symbolic meanings of this color were formed under the influence of the peculiarities of its perception as light in general, therefore they are predominantly positive.
- White is a symbol of purity and divinity in almost all cultures. White animals were dedicated to good gods and were under their protection.
- This is a symbol of purity and chastity, therefore, among peoples living within the framework of Christian cultural traditions, the attire of brides is white.
- White is a symbol of sinlessness, purity of thoughts and nobility. This is precisely the meaning it has in European heraldry.
- This color is a symbol of peace and honor, the white flag is a declaration of peaceful intentions.
- White is the color of the moon, therefore, like black, it was considered a feminine color.
- White is the personification of all that is good, correct, higher, which is reflected in our speech: white magic; the justified person was called whitewashed; start with a white sheet, rewrite it completely, “white bone” – a noble origin, etc.
But along with positive meanings, there is also a negative symbolism of white, mainly determined by the association with death. In ancient times, white was perceived not only as light in general, but also as the absence of color, that is, the colors of life. Therefore, in European culture, a white shroud is the traditional dress of the deceased, and in India, white clothes are a sign of mourning.
In addition, the later tradition of using this color (as the purest) in hospitals has given rise to its association with disease. Fortunately, now this soulless color is being abandoned in medical institutions.
One more cultural significance of white should be noted. This color is very easily soiled, dirt is clearly visible on it, so clothes require special delicate behavior, neatness and nobility of manners. Always dressed in a white shirt, or even more so in a white suit, a man gives the impression that he is a noble person.
