Dixya Poudel

Very often moods are described through an array of colours. Anger is fiery red but so is passion. Yellow is cheery and uplifting. Blue is soothing and so is green. It isn’t thus surprising that hospital gowns are blue-green as the particular colour references sanguinity and good health. While purple is regal, white is pure. Black might mean several things such as obscurity, lack of colour or simply darkness.

People use colours in everyday life to reflect their moods but it occurs rather subtly. Without our conscious knowledge we avoid certain colours if they clash with our temperament. Some people are bold in their wardrobe shades while others are muted and understated. Ultimately, colours have an important role in not just wardrobes but also in interior design, palette, decor and even health.
Besides individual preferences, colours can be used in psychology as well. Its healing powers were well-known in ancient times and today, colour therapy is used to boost the moods of people. Psychologists use art such as drawing and painting to uncover hidden feelings in their patients.

Likewise, global organisations know that people are subtly and universally affected by colours which is why they spend huge amounts of money and human resources to create their organisations’ logo. The blue in the logo of Facebook and even the red, green and yellow in Google isn’t a chance design, instead it is a carefully calibrated step to reach out to potential users.
Each of us has a favourite colour that we prefer in our clothes, home decor, vehicles and even make-up. And make-up is an integral part of a woman’s beauty routine. Celebrities are known for their top-notch makeup and many even have a trademark colour in their choices of lipstick or hair colour. Life would really be bland if it were only muted in tones which are why fashion industries are particular in their choice of hues and shades while creating their products.

Architects and interior designers know the influence of palettes and shades and as such, green spaces in homes and workplace have become quite popular. Today, greenery is encouraged in urban areas to not just counteract pollution but also to soothe the eyes and calm the mind. There is even a term in Japanese language called ‘shinrin-yoku’ which translates to forest bathing. Its healing power is attributed to the rich green hues in trees that prompt a feeling of elevated calmness and reduced stress. Consequently, forest bathing is a growing therapy in Japan.

Meanwhile, colours aren’t isolated instead they are mixed and matched with patterns. Even nature has patterns such as the stripes in zebra, tigers and brightly coloured birds. Nature is thus an example of how beautifully diverse its creations are in colours. Further, in human lives, patterns are known to bring subjects to better focus.

Likewise, in Hinduism, there is a festival of colours called Holi or Fagu Purnima during which people spray paints to one another in a playful manner. The element of surprise adds vivacity to the festival that is well-known for its colourful celebrations. On this year’s Holi, people are looking forward to revitalising the dullness and monotony of the current times. Instead, it is time to unleash the inner child and prioritise colours to revive the dreary ambience.