Historical Significance:
White has been symbolically and practically significant throughout human history. In ancient civilizations, white pigments were often derived from natural materials like chalk, gypsum, and kaolin clay. The colour became synonymous with purity, light, and divinity. Many ancient Greek statues were originally painted but weathered over time to their current white marble state, later influencing the Neoclassical movement, which regarded white as pure and virtuous. White was also traditionally associated with cleanliness, leading to its use in healthcare settings and scientific laboratories.
Cultural Meaning:
White varies in its cultural significance around the world. In Western societies, it is commonly associated with purity, innocence, and beginnings, often used in weddings and christenings. In Eastern cultures, white is traditionally the colour of mourning, symbolizing the emptiness and the void left by the departed. In various Asian cultures, white represents purity and knowledge. In the Japanese Shinto tradition, white is used to symbolize purity and is the colour of sacred rituals and ceremonies.
Symbolic Meaning:
The colour white embodies a wide range of symbolism. It is most commonly associated with purity, cleanliness, and peace. The colour can evoke feelings of freshness, clarity, and simplicity. In a broader sense, white symbolizes neutrality and balance. It can also represent new beginnings, providing a clean slate or tabula rasa. The versatility of white lends itself to diverse contexts, whether it be the white flag used internationally to signify truce and surrender or the white garments worn in various religious rites to signify purity and connection to the divine.
White is a strong neutral colour and can work well with just about any other colour.
It’s associated with healthcare, purity and cleanliness. It’s often used for packaging for cleaning products.
It is often used to lift or brighten darker colours that run the risk of being too heavy.
Brands | Apple | White Company | Dove | Mazda | Michelin
The complimentary / opposing colour = BLACKA white lie. (a lie that is told to stop someone being upset or affected by the truth)
White as a sheet. (a person suffering from shock)
White elephant. (an expensive but useless possession)
Wave the white flag. (indication of surrender)
“Being glamorous is about strength and confidence. It's black and white - dramatic. You have to be strong.” - Catherine Zeta-Jones
"I call white the most powerful non-colour; it's clean, optimistic, powerful." - Jason Wu
"I have said that black has it all. White too. Their beauty is absolute. It is the perfect harmony." - Coco Chanel
"Never underestimate the power of a fresh coat of white paint." - Jeremiah Brent