If we observe the Earth from space, it is very easy to guess why it is also called the blue planet.

It is obviously the high presence of seas and oceans in our, occupying these three quarters of the world. But if we see it blue it is not because of water itself, but because of how our eyes perceive the refraction and absorption of light.

Colour has had great implications at a symbolic level since ancient times, and today it is even known at a scientific level that the perception of a particular colour can have effects at a psychic level both on us and on other beings. What does the color blue mean in Psychology? We will discover this throughout this article.

What is this color?

Blue is one of the primary colors that human beings are capable of perceiving, and one of the three types of cones that we have in our eye are capable of detecting directly. It is important to note that colour is not an entity or property per se of light, but rather an effect of the perception of light refraction on objects . Thus, things are not blue but we perceive them as blue.

Specifically, we could consider that the colour blue is the perception through vision of the reflection of light with a wavelength of between 460 and 482 nm , including in fact a wide range of tones depending on how much it is mixed with the other basic colours.

What does the color blue mean in Psychology?

The colour blue has and always has had a great effect on the human psyche, largely because of the symbolism and association of colour with elements we perceive from that colour and which generate concrete emotional experiences for us. Specifically, the color blue is often linked to water in almost all its forms, especially to seas and oceans, as well as to rain. It is also associated with the color of the sky.

These associations are, in fact, the ones that usually give it its meaning both in the positive and the negative. Generally, light blue (sky blue, like morning or calm water) has a more innocent and pure symbolism, while dark blue is more related to maturity and hardness (more typical of storms, waves and sunset).

These effects and their possible practical application are studied in what has become known as the psychology of colour. Within this, it has been observed that blue is usually linked to introspection, shyness and tolerance, but probably its best known link is with the idea of serenity and calm . This is one of the colours most related to calmness and control of the situation, as well as to peace, understanding and protection. It is also linked to caring for others and to trust and credibility. Lighter shades are often associated with innocence and generosity, while darker shades are related to intelligence, power, and self-confidence.

Similarly, blue is often linked to mental and emotional stability, as well as to reason (also intelligence) and a way of dealing with rational reality. It has been observed that the contemplation of blue favours control and deepening of breathing, as well as helping in meditation processes. It also seems to favour creativity and cordiality, as well as understanding between people.

Other meanings

Other concepts that a large part of the world symbolizes with this color are freedom, loyalty, harmony, fidelity, seriousness and truth . The colour blue is also associated with strength and authority, physical energy, intelligence and sport. Likewise, it has traditionally been associated with masculinity, modernity and technological development.

On the other hand and like the rest of the colors, blue can also have negative connotations or make day-to-day life more difficult. For example, as has been said, it is associated with the capacity for introspection and control. But it is also associated with leading to excess: especially dark colours are associated with hyper-controlled behaviour and lack of spontaneity. It is also associated with self-centeredness and detachment, as well as with concealment and not revealing one’s identity or weaknesses.

It is not unusual for the color blue to identify rigid and conservative, melancholic and emotional people . In the field of mood it is therefore common for there to be a link between blue and sadness or depression, as well as passivity.

Practical Utilities

Knowledge of these effects on the human psyche can be very useful, as it can be used to promote specific emotional states and contribute to improving mood and mental health.

For example, along with white it is often used in hospitals (especially in areas dedicated to children), schools and meditation centers, yoga and in the practice of relaxation activities. It is also common to appear in the common and rest areas of offices and the offices of different types of professionals. In sport it is quite common. It is also used in bedrooms, where it is linked to a greater perception of tranquillity and facilitates sleep. Also in the kitchen, where it makes it easier to eat less.

In a less innocent and more interested way, it is also often used in the world of advertising and marketing for these same reasons. Many brands use it because of its link to credibility, truth and power , as well as its association with leadership. Similarly, and due to the above, it is also commonly used in different shades in different political events and election campaigns.

Blue in other cultures

So far we have commented on the role and value of the color blue from the point of view of Western psychology. However, we have to take into account that blue can acquire different shades depending on the culture we are in.

This color receives important consideration in many religions . Examples of this are Egypt or India, where it is considered sacred to the extent that in the Hindu religion the god Krishna (one of the main and most important deities of their pantheon, symbol of love and care but also severity) has skin of this color. Judaism usually links it to holiness, as well as Christianity (for example, the Virgin’s clothes are usually represented in blue).

In Muslim countries blue is considered a colour linked to protection as it is the colour of the sky , as well as to economic power. Indigenous peoples in South America often link it to the spiritual and the sacred, being part of the clothing of some of their most important gods.

In China it is linked to healing and harmony, and can symbolize wood and is considered a color of good fortune. However, sometimes blue is frowned upon and associated with pornography and even evil. In fact, formerly people with blue eyes were frowned upon in that country, being considered unnatural. In Korea, the meaning of blue eyes is related to death, which is in fact the color of mourning. In Eastern Europe, it is often associated with immortality. In Belgium, unlike most of the world where it is linked to the male, it is associated with girls.