Ash is one of the least noticeable and most modest in the color spectrum. Many people call it a shade of boredom, melancholy, mediocrity and try to avoid it in interior design and clothing. However, few people are aware that until the 19th century, all royal nobility and high ranks dressed exclusively in ash and dark blue tones, considering bright materials a sign of vulgarity and bad taste. The smoky color is obtained by mixing red, dark blue and green and depends on which of them predominates and the tint groups are formed. The color gray and its derivatives have their own meaning in psychology and influence the consciousness of an individual in different ways. I will talk about how to use color and where to apply it to improve the emotional background in this article.
What means
In an esoteric sense, the color represents Saturn, the deities of time, the formation of maturity and the beginning of aging. A party of the same name has even been created in Germany, which has been defending the rights of older people for many years. Esotericists perceive the planet with rings as a scrupulous judge who, through long and grueling tests, cleanses us from moral dirt inside. That is why one of the direct characteristics of the gray color is an attraction to spirituality. Monks and parishioners of many occult groups wear precisely such robes.
Also, the nickel metallic color signifies great power. It is not for nothing that the expression “gray cardinal” was born in medieval France. In addition, in those days, all the nobility mostly dressed up in graphite tones. During the reign of the king, Cardinal Richelieu had a large piece of influence, but few people knew that he was only a puppet in the hands of a more significant figure - the monk Joseph, who wore a dark gray cassock.
Negative properties include dullness and facelessness. Preferring the role of a “gray mouse,” people strive to destroy their unique “I” and merge with the world around them. Also, such shades are considered primitive and mean poor origin. In Rus', the expression “gray little peasant” was common in everyday life, meaning a narrow-minded commoner.
Negative values
Speaking about the meaning of gray, one cannot fail to mention its negative aspects. For example, one of these definitions is dullness, a person’s reluctance to stand out from the crowd, banal boredom. By the way, you probably know that those people who blend in with others without even trying to reveal their individuality are usually called gray mice. Often this color symbolizes a certain primitiveness, a special, low origin. By the way, in the Russian Empire it was customary to call a person from the class of commoners a gray peasant.
Characteristic
To most accurately describe what the gray color symbolizes, you need to imagine a fine sunny summer day, when everything around is fragrant, riotous and shimmering with bright reflections, but suddenly, the sky is covered with lead clouds, it becomes almost dark and featureless.
Another association is old photographs, in which all the details are conveyed through many shades of ash - from pale to dark and even gloomy, almost black.
Gray temples are a symbol of wisdom, aging, years lived, but endless respect and compassion. It is also the embodiment of internal experiences - fear, anxiety, confusion. Finally, grayness is something that has been passed and forgotten, covered with a layer of dusty grains of sand and covered in a dense cobweb.
A dark shade has a depressing effect, can spoil the mood and even cause apathy and depression, while light colors create a neutral, calm environment and do not cause internal rejection.
Green color and woman's character. What girls love green?
Color of grass, foliage. This is the color of optimism, determination, healthy ecological space, knowledge, growth . Green color in any interior pacifies, calms, and allows you to be closer to natural sources . Do not forget, however, that there are many shades of green - from delicate light green to sea green, which have additional characteristics from the complementary color that is also included in its spectrum.
Women who love green things in their interiors or clothes are very proud and principled . They are always ready to zealously defend their own opinion, and will not tolerate injustice . These women know how to control not only their emotions and strengths, but also the people who are nearby. They have the desire to assert themselves, to achieve heights in education and career . In relationships, these women are maximalists who are very strict and demanding of themselves and their chosen one. It is impossible to establish control over this woman; she will always be independent , like those forces of nature that are reflected in her favorite color.
What does it symbolize
Before you choose the gray color of clothes or shoes, wall cladding or flooring, you need to know what it means and how it is treated in other parts of the world:
- Christian countries wear anthracite when they feel sad, are in mourning, sadness, want to isolate themselves from the world, erect imaginary borders. It is a connotation of sorrow, humility and detachment.
- In the east it is an attribute of humiliation, anger, betrayal and meanness.
- In Europe - the tone of high society, world progress, technical equipment.
- For most African tribes, this is a symbolism of ashes and loss.
From light to dark
As already written above, the color gray has many shades. Let's look at them a little:
- Light gray
This shade speaks of lightness. It is much closer to white and carries purity and transparency. Light gray color can calm the nervous system and relax you.
- Dark grey
This shade not only gives calmness, like the previous one, but can also have a difficult impact on the human psyche. It does not cause excitement, but it can create a painful internal state.
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When choosing this or that shade of gray, be careful. The regularity of a particular color in your environment will create an impact on your reality.
Properties
Light gray is a neutral color that is used to smooth out the brighter colors of the color spectrum. Even red in combination with ivory causes less aggression and becomes softer.
Psychologist Daria Milai
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Walls painted in the Gainsborough color, named after the English artist and representing gray hair, visually expand the space and give a feeling of lightness and airiness.
Nickel is a neutral shade, used to mark the border with other colors, the fullness of which cannot be appreciated without its presence.
Everything about a person who likes the color gray - psychology
Those who have favorite metallic shades look modest and faceless in appearance. It is mainly preferred by older people, sad, apathetic and depressed people. They want to be invisible, to hide from others behind a curtain of gloom.
These are tired of life and communication, antisocial people who love peace and quiet. Such representatives of society rarely rush into the abyss, avoid risks, and are prone to long thoughts and a long search to identify an acceptable solution.
These are good analysts, logisticians, accountants, and economists. Their boring pursuit of goals, complete emotionlessness and modesty make them attractive to managers in all spheres of activity. However, when establishing communication with such a person, it is worth considering that, just like herself, she sets high demands on others, is distinguished by moral principles and perseverance, and cannot stand public events. Usually these are excellent employees, but difficult people to communicate with.
Practical and conservative people, they like to use things that they are sure of, even if the whole world has already switched to popular new products. They use hidden methods to remain unnoticed and get out of the water dry. On the other hand, these are pleasant interlocutors - they listen without interrupting, give practical advice, and are endowed with compassion. These are reliable candidates for friends and partners who will never reveal your secrets and will help you in difficult situations. To better know the person who prefers the shade of ash, sign up for my personal consultation.
Red color and girl's character. Who loves red?
This color speaks for itself. It is the color of victory , triumph , vitality, activity and optimism . This color will be happy to share energy, stimulate action, and ignite. But with its excess, red can suppress weak people, irritate them, and disturb them .
Psychologists say that the classic red color is more of a “masculine” color, speaking of strength, power, and energy. Women who prefer red in their clothes or interiors have some qualities of the “stronger” sex - masculinity, hot temper, a great will to win, optimism and courage. These women are very difficult to win; they will be the first in everything they undertake. Women who like the color red are very fond of communication, they make a lot of acquaintances. They are proud and willful, but they are altruistic and will always selflessly help their neighbor if necessary.
What does rejection of the color gray mean?
Those who don’t like gray hair strive for brightness, contrast and variety. These are people who love adventure, travel and a change of scenery. They avoid uncertainty and want to clearly understand the end result, their condition and position.
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Those who refuse and do not accept this color are afraid of being defeated, want to attract attention to themselves, success, communication and recognition of society are important to them. They do not understand people who are delighted with the silver color, considering them boring and secretive.
Yellow color and feminine character
So light and warm , its characteristics are very similar to orange, but it has many more tint nuances. This is joy and delight, the color of the bright sun, dandelions and buttercups in the meadow. The color yellow exudes joy, warmth, optimism and sensuality . But it is very difficult to combine with other colors, because it is self-sufficient .
Women who prefer yellow to all other colors are very sociable, curious, and courageous . They are not interested in the opinion of society, they are purposeful and original . Such women very easily adapt to any living conditions , and will also accept any character of their man. This woman will never become boring and dull, she always strives to develop and learn, and will strive for something new all her life.
Shades
Unlike other tones of the color palette, gray hair does not have a clear beginning and end, getting lost between contrasting black and white. Such a scattering of completely opposite colors makes the gloomy palette rich and varied:
- There are metallic tones: nickel, pewter, steel and platinum;
- gray as an old man's hair - Gainsborough;
- French, monsoon shade;
- silver, like the precious metal of the same name;
- rich and dark, like wet asphalt;
- gray – gray-blue;
- light and light - ivory;
- gray-blue, like a thundercloud or the evening surface of the sea;
- the so-called cadet - blue-gray;
- almost black – charcoal gray;
- illegible, with various inclusions, but overall airy - ashy;
- light, like granite - stone.
These are not all of the lists; in fact, there are many more of them. In fact, depending on the time of year, the position of the sun's rays, everything can turn into a retro color - from the sea, the sand of trees and grass, to the silhouette of a person or animal.
Aversion to gray
We've dealt with those who love this color. But what about those who simply won't accept any shade of grey? Psychologists say: these are people who hate routine. They vitally need a flow of fresh emotions, without this they will feel depressed. These people are easy-going and able to quickly make acquaintances with new people. Punctuality is not familiar to them, and following a schedule is more like hard labor. These are spontaneous people, and therefore they choose creative professions for themselves; exact sciences repel them.
As you already understand, gray may seem like an ordinary color only at first glance, but in fact it is fraught with a huge amount of wealth. Behind him lies an elusive nobility that attracts people to him. He reminds us of the wisdom of older people, of the hardness and inaccessibility of rocks, of the power and grandeur of huge thunderclouds. Yes, this shade has many interesting associations, the main thing is to take a closer look at it!
Physiological and health effects
Platinum gray causes lethargy, inhibits active movement, and slows down all processes in the human body. He, like a sponge, is filled with lightning speed with various excitements and emotions. That is why it is often used in the process of meditation, to treat inflammatory diseases, neutralize stress, and lower blood pressure.
“Gray environment” helps you focus on one goal and clearly move in the right direction to achieve it. Calmness and detachment prevent you from being distracted and fixated on solving the problem. However, for good results, the concentration of color should be in moderate quantities and accompanied by a harmonious combination with other shades of the palette. Its excessive presence can develop from a calming stage into a depressing one.
Color functions
Each color has a function; it subconsciously affects a person. Colors carry with them an emotional charge. All this includes the psychology of color - the effect that color causes on a subconscious level. Gray, along with black and white, has become a favorite color in minimalist interiors.
For modern society, gray color has become a godsend. Life in a hurry, the pursuit of the best, flashy advertisements, bright colors in clothes, a crazy rhythm of life. Coaches motivate people to act, influencers proclaim to be active here and now. If you have an idea, implement it, if you have an opinion, speak up, if you want to change, change now.
Chronically elevated levels of stress drive people into emotional disorders; people cannot cope with the aggressive pressure of the capitalist world. They come home and see... gray. The color of calm, peace, relaxation, harmony and balance, the color of stability.
It erects a barrier between the frantic world and our personal space, where we can simply relax. Gray color envelops the inner world with a protective shell, allowing you to focus on the most important thing, put yourself in order and restore your strength.
What does the color gray mean in psychology?
Ash helps to cope with emotions of any format. After all, not only grief and disappointment, betrayal of loved ones or problems can knock you out of your working rut, but also spontaneous joy, excessive cheerfulness and a sudden feeling of happiness. The metallic tone restrains character, makes a person more strict, pragmatic, calculating and balanced, not allowing him to be led by his emotions and approach business with a clear mind. Therefore, we recommend using the shade during important and responsible events - business meetings, negotiations, exams.
Gray gives the owner confidence and self-sufficiency. A person feels protected from problems, the negative influence of the surrounding world, free from extraneous opinions and demands. It, like a protective shield, repels any psychological attacks and helps to dissolve in the bustling crowd, if appropriate and necessary.
In large doses, the tone causes melancholy, sadness about the past, thoughts and regrets about wrong actions, unfulfilled dreams. It does not need to be worn by depressed people, but it is shown to those who boldly stand on their feet and do not need support or praise from others, symbolizing independence.
In some cases, the color of wet asphalt eliminates bad habits and chronic addictions.
Turquoise color and feminine character. What girls love turquoise?
This color is quite complex and contradictory. It is delicate and light, but combines different shades of blue and green, being both warm and cold. Although this color is not bright and not intrusive , many people subconsciously avoid turquoise items in their wardrobe or interior.
Women who love turquoise-colored things are very secretive, arrogant and proud . They have a very complex, florid character ; it can be difficult to get along with them and find common ground. These natures have a very rich imagination , they can never exactly decide on their requirements and desires, and often seem disorganized, eccentric and wayward to the people around them.
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Why is it used in advertising?
A retro palette is often used as a background; it does not carry a load and does not attract unnecessary attention. It is widely used for advertising household appliances and innovative new products, as it is associated with technical progress. The tone of wet asphalt and ivory evokes the atmosphere of a metropolis, which is why real estate agencies and recruiting organizations also prefer it in their advertising campaigns.
Silver indicates the elitism and high quality of the product and evokes a feeling of reliability. No wonder Apple chose it for their logo. The labels of most famous automobile brands are also made in silver-pearl palettes.
Who can be recommended to use
By itself, the metallic tone looks featureless, but in combination with other colors it can not only sparkle with new colors, but also significantly transform the appearance. Pale ladies and bright blondes will suit the monsoon shade, rich graphite will complement dark brown-haired women and brunettes. Everyone, without exception, suits traditional dark gray or lightened - Gainsborough or zircon with a barely noticeable shine.
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In clothes
Its combination with white and purple looks great. The unusual color of a black pearl will be complemented by bright yellow and fresh light green.
Although it is believed that the best uniform, emphasizing the reliability and high status of the enterprise, will be asphalt, it is better to dilute it with things and accessories of more positive shades - wear a bright tie, brooch, scarf. A pastel blouse, sweater or jacket in a sunny color in combination with a silver jumpsuit, sundress, trousers will not take away the business focus and responsibility that envelops the client, but, on the contrary, will emphasize the desire for lightness and creativity.
The charcoal tone depresses the nervous system, which is why explosive choleric people are advised to fill their wardrobe with appropriate things. It is not recommended for melancholic people to wear a blue palette, despite their attraction to similar colors. It has a neutral effect on sanguine and phlegmatic people.
For girls, in addition to the wardrobe, makeup is important. And here silver-gray will also come to the rescue. After all, black mascara or eyeliner in an everyday look can look intrusive and even vulgar, while shimmering mother-of-pearl is ideal for creating daytime and evening makeup.
In the interior
In interior design, gray, platinum and nickel are simply irreplaceable colors. Such kitchen facades look discreet and discreet; bedroom furniture has a relaxing effect. Household appliances – refrigerators, TVs, toasters, kettles – look stylish and expensive. Shiny chrome details create bright accents. In combination with black and white, gray forms new minimalist interior styles - loft and hi-tech. Light cladding materials give the room lightness and visually expand the space.
Coal is also indispensable when decorating office rooms. Its deeper and darker shades promote intellectual work, calmness, and regularity. An atmosphere of rigor and concentration will reign in the work rooms. However, it is worth taking into account that a long stay in such walls is tiring, fatigue occurs, and productivity decreases. Therefore, an excess of metallic presence needs to be diluted with joyful colors: yellow, orange, green: various decorative elements - rugs, flowers.
Test
To understand yourself, experts recommend using a color test. To do this, you need to quickly decide on your favorite and least favorite colors. They are offered in a list of twelve options. These are black, blue, brown, green, grey, orange, pink, purple, red, turquoise, white and yellow.
The breakdown of characteristics is as follows:
- black – confidence, firmness, determination, authoritarianism;
- blue – conservatism, calmness, love of comfort, anxiety;
- brown – ambition, determination, reliability, desire for success;
- green – desire for recognition, authority, isolation, tactlessness;
- gray – reliability, intelligence, desire for recognition, calmness;
- orange – sociability, sociability, friendliness, impulsiveness;
- pink – sensitivity, passion, self-centeredness, obsession;
- purple – creativity, intellectuality, spirituality, restlessness;
- red – confidence, determination, passion, temper;
- turquoise – self-esteem, renewal, relaxation;
- white – purity, self-expression, desire to experiment, generation;
- yellow – optimism, energy, activity, thirst for change.
Gray has its most positive characteristics when used sparingly and tastefully. It can significantly improve a person’s life if you choose clothes and decorate your home with full responsibility.
What are the positive aspects
Not everyone sees dejection and detachment on the metal spectrum. You can look at it in a completely different way: dark shades, close to black, are associated with elegance, moderate drama and mystery. Lighter ones - ivory, blueberry-cream - belong to lightness, freedom and have a calming effect. This is a multifaceted color that can convey the entire spectrum of human emotions.
A gray cat will make your home cozy and soft, a metallic outfit will be indispensable in creating a sophisticated look for an interview. It is a conservative and serious color used in many contexts. It reflects modernity, reliability, safety, modesty. Represents self-control, accuracy, wisdom, high knowledge. In moderate doses, it creates a feeling of calm and tranquility.
Negative characteristics in psychology
If you have an affinity for elephant tones, then most likely you have the following qualities:
- fear of communication;
- frequent depression, sadness and depression;
- melancholic views, fear of loss and withdrawal from the world and ultimately loneliness;
- lethargy, low activity, facelessness;
- reluctance to experience new emotions and update your life.
Grayness, the love of dull days without sun characterizes a pessimist or a dejected realist.
Blue color and feminine character. Who loves blue?
Very soft, it can soothe . Different from deep blue, cyan is the color of the morning sky, clear water, and planet Earth. It evokes slight sadness and nostalgia, but is capable of inspiring, delighting and enveloping . Blue-colored things make even gray days bright and clear.
Women who tend to choose a soft blue color in their wardrobe or interior items are quite conservative and strict , although they are capable of reflection and change . These are respectable mothers and housewives , they put the interests of their relatives above all else, and even inclined to sacrifice for the sake of their loved ones. Women who love the color blue can easily cry even from a slight insult or a sensitive series. They are very careful and incapable of rash actions. Strength in their character is harmoniously combined with softness and tenderness.
