Historical Significance:
Yellow is among the oldest colours used by humans, evident in prehistoric cave art made with yellow ochre. Historically, yellow pigments were derived from natural minerals or from plant sources. In Ancient Egypt, for instance, yellow was often associated with gold, considered the colour of the gods, immortality, and power. The mummies of pharaohs were often encased in gold-coloured coffins, symbolizing the sun and divinity. In the Roman Empire, yellow was the colour of the goddess Demeter, representative of agriculture and the harvest.
Cultural Meaning:
Yellow's cultural significance varies worldwide. In Eastern cultures, particularly in China, yellow has historically been the colour of royalty, power, and luck. Chinese emperors often wore yellow robes, and the Yellow River, one of China’s primary rivers, holds significant cultural value. However, in some Western contexts, especially in the Middle Ages and Renaissance, yellow sometimes had negative connotations, associated with jealousy, betrayal, or cowardice. In contrast, in modern Western cultures, yellow is usually seen as a cheerful and optimistic colour.
Symbolic Meaning:
Universally, yellow is linked with the sun and its life-giving energy. It symbolizes warmth, hope, happiness, and enlightenment. As the brightest colour perceived by the human eye, it's often used to attract attention and signify caution, as in traffic lights and warning signs. In the world of flowers, a yellow rose represents friendship. Additionally, in the chakra system prevalent in some Indian traditions, the solar plexus chakra, which stands for personal power, self-confidence, and control, is symbolized by the colour yellow.
Yellow is a highly visible colour and therefore is used for many safety products.
It's a happy and energetic colour making it a common choice in designing children's products.
Softer yellows are often used for gender neutral baby items.
Light yellows give a calmer feel than bright yellows.
Dark yellows can sometimes look antique and can be used in designs where a sense of permanence is desired.
Brands | Ikea | Lipton | McDonalds | Pokémon | CAT | Shell
The complimentary / opposing colour = PURPLEYellow-bellied (describes someone who is a coward)
“I have these new policies towards my life, like: I will not accelerate when I see the yellow light.” - Elizabeth Gilbert
“I was for years in the yellow period, you know.” - Josef Albers
"There is a sun, a light that for want of another word I can only call yellow, pale sulphur yellow, pale golden citron. How lovely yellow is!" - Vincent Van Gogh
"White is too brilliant to be seen, so yellow is its filter, its costume, revealing that pure light has not only brightness but emotional resonance and depth." - Richard Grossinger