What does the color black mean in psychology?

The absence of light has many meanings according to different cultures and depending on the context.

We are in the middle of nature, in a closed night and with storm clouds blocking the light of the moon and the stars. The darkness and blackness make it difficult to see, something broken only by the light of lightning. We do not know what is around us, if something or someone is lurking there or even if we are about to plunge off a cliff.

In this context, something frequent throughout the history of mankind, blackness is obviously something frightening and distressing. And the truth is that the color associated with the absence of light, black (although in nature it is practically impossible to find total darkness), has dragged throughout history this conception and has acquired a certain symbolism that endures even today, and can cause different effects on our psyche and our behavior (something that in fact has been observed both by psychology and by other sciences and even arts). What does the meaning of black mean in psychology? Let's see it throughout this article.

The absence of light

Before we begin to assess what the color black implies, it is necessary first of all to assess what this color is. In general, the perception of color is produced by the arrival to the eye of specific wavelengths of light that are produced by objects absorbing part of the light and reflecting the rest in such a way that it can reach our eyes. In other words, colors come from and are in fact the product of our eyes' capture of light.

In the case of black, this is not the case. Traditionally black has been considered as the total absence of color, as opposed to white which would imply the mixture of all colors. But in reality, rather than the absence of color (after all, we do not cease to perceive it, and also at the level of pigment in the background the mixture of all colors would give black), we should speak of the absence of light. And this is because at the visual level, if we see a black color it is because the object in question (or the dye that impregnates it) absorbs all the wavelengths of the light that reaches it, and therefore cannot be reflected on our retina.

In the same way we see this color in total darkness, and for the same reasons: black is the product of the absence of light reaching our eyes. In short, we could say that the perception of black is, in reality, non-perception. But the truth is that it is complex that no light is reflected at all, something that allows us to detect different types of black.

What does the color black mean?

As with the rest of the colors, black has acquired a symbolic and psychological meaning over time. (in turn influenced by symbolism) according to those elements that have been associated with that color. Specifically, the most evident linkage of black is with darkness and night, that is to say, the absence of light. And in this sense it has been given a series of links, mostly negative. In fact, we are probably facing the color that has received the worst consideration, being its union with others the reason that its symbolism turns towards the negative.

In this sense, we link black with the unknown, the frightening, the dark and even the evil. It is a color associated with what scares us and what we cannot see (something logical considering that in the absence of light the only thing visible is blackness). This also means that it is associated with aspects that are also unknown to us and frighten us, the best known being death (it is one of the colors most associated with mourning, although not the only one). It is also related to loneliness, suffering, sadness and longing.

It is also associated with cruelty, lies, manipulation, betrayal and concealment. It is considered denial, the antithesis of the visible (for example, if light red represents energy and passion, its association with black is usually linked to violence and excess) and danger. In addition, it has also has also been associated with individualism and introversion..

On the other hand, although traditionally the negative aspects with which it is related are usually valued, the truth is that black also has more neutral or even positive connotations. It is the color of mystery (which does not always have to be negative), seriousness and elegance, as well as nobility. Perhaps because of its association with death, it is also often associated with strength and power, with the absolute and with dominance and autonomy. Also of rebellion against the established. And even though it may seem strange, sometimes even with peace and the end of pain. It is also a symbol of simplicity, order and inner life.

Psychologically, black tends to generate a sense of doubt and mystery, and can generate both fear and curiosity. It is associated, according to Eva Heller, with youth and impartiality. In addition to this it generates a sense of elegance, often suggests security and strength, as well as distinctiveness.as well as distinctiveness. Its practical use often leads to an appreciation by others of greater trustworthiness and even attractiveness. It also tends to give the impression of sobriety and formality. But it can also provoke feelings of intimidation, distance and arrogance if given in excess. It also tends to generate a sense of protection to the wearer and attenuation of the emotional, even to the restriction and inhibition of their expression.

The use of black in everyday life

Although it has traditionally been a color frowned upon, black is used in a large number of areas and contexts.

Probably one of the contexts in which the use of black is most known is at funerals, being one of the most widespread colors of mourning in Western society. However, black is appropriate for a great number of celebrations, some of them much more cheerful. For example, it is the color that the bride and groom usually wear at weddings, due to its its association with strength, security and formality..

Beyond specific social events, black is often used because it is stylish and can be easily combined with almost any color. It is usually worn by people who do not like to draw attention to themselves. In some cases, it can also be used to give the impression of being mysterious or rebellious. In addition, it is a color that tends to absorb heat, something to avoid in already hot environments or to look for in colder ones.

It is a color that is also useful in the workplace, giving a sense of seriousness and professionalism in job interviews.. In many professions it is usually a common color due to the aforementioned relationship with seriousness and impartiality, as in the case of judges.

As for its use in homes and inside buildings, it usually gives an impression of masculinity and sophistication. However, it is not advisable to paint a room entirely black, as it will give a feeling of constriction and smallness and is likely to be linked to psychic states. will probably be linked to depressive psychic states.. As for business meetings, its link with concealment makes it not entirely appropriate beyond specific elements.

However, the use of black decorations and elements as a contrast will generate the aforementioned feeling of sobriety. As with clothing, the fact that it absorbs heat can also be valuable.

In marketing and advertising, it is often used in brands that intend to generate a vision of elegance and exclusivity, strength and purity. It is generally linked to luxury, together with gold.

The color black in different cultures

The meaning of black is usually the one we have talked about before, but it is necessary to take into account that different cultures have a different relationship with this color.

Specifically, in desert places black is usually linked to rain, being the storm clouds of that color. In ancient Egypt it was a symbol of growth and fertility.. Nowadays, African tribes such as the Masai also relate black to life and prosperity, since it is usually associated with rain.

Other cultures such as the Japanese link it with femininity, as well as with mystery. In ancient China it was considered the king of colors. These cultures usually link black with the water element, as well as with childhood. It is thought that this color gives us spiritual strength, being linked to the energy known as chi. It was also considered beautiful, to the point that in ancient times it was considered beautiful to dye one's teeth this color.

As far as religions are concerned, Christianity often identified it with evil, death and pain, but also with the rejection of material things. Also in the case of Judaism it has been associated with death and unhappiness, and in the case of Islam it is associated with evil, death and pain, but also with the rejection of material things. in the case of Islam it is associated with Pain and sadness. (although the Kaaba in Mecca is black, it is thought that it was originally white but was dyed by the sin of men). In India it is also associated with nothingness and evil, although it is used as protection against it: the goddess Kali has a complexion of this color, being the goddess who fights against evil.