What does the color gray mean in psychology?

This color is associated with various sensations, and has different uses in clothing and environments.

When we hear of someone who is "a gray person" or who has had "a gray day", it generally refers to the existence of qualities such as sadness or monotony and lack of illusion. On the other hand, it also expresses a certain continuity and trajectory.

The truth is that gray is a very particular color, which has traditionally been given a very neutral symbolism despite having a certain tendency to receive bad consideration. This symbolism and its association to certain elements and vital moments has caused the color gray to have a certain effect and meaning at a psychic level. What does the color gray mean in psychology? We are going to see it throughout the present article.

What does this color consist of?

Before evaluating the symbolic and psychological meaning that is usually given to the color gray, it is appropriate to make a brief comment on what is gray in question. First of all, it should be noted that, as with all other colors, gray is nothing more than the product of the perception by our retinas of the color gray. the perception by our retinas of the refraction, or lack thereof, of certain wavelengths of light..

As with black or white, we are dealing with an achromatic color which is not perceived by the pigments present in our cones but is captured by our rods, which rather than color are dedicated to capture the brightness or the amount of light present in the medium.

Gray is perceived due to an intermediate point between the capture of light and its absence, or the blockage of the former by some object. Technically and at a chromatic level, gray would be the middle point or the mixture between black and white, although depending on the proportions it can be lighter or darker.although, depending on the proportions, it can be lighter or darker.

Due to its situation as a neutral point in principle between both extremes, it also has the particularity that it is its own complementary (although it has an interesting contrast with colors like yellow).

But... what does the color gray mean exactly?

Symbolism and psychological meaning of gray

Despite the fact that it is not one of the most appreciated colors, gray has and has had throughout history an interesting symbolism for the human beinglargely due to its identification with elements of the same color.

It is a color whose meaning is in principle neutral but which easily comes to be seen as negative, and to which we psychologically associate certain connotations (as Eva Heller shows in her psychology of color). It is mainly associated with the color of gray hair (and therefore with aging and age), ash and dust, as well as stone (but not earth). Also, although it is not exactly the same color, it is also linked to silver.

Most of the symbolism associated with gray and the psychological effects that it tends to generate in us stems from its relationship to these elements, as well as its relationship to the elements. its relationship with these elements, as well as the fact that it is a neutral point between black and white (an intermediate point (an intermediate point that not only refers to the chromatic but also to the symbolic of each of them), which in turn have both positive and negative connotations. And if there is something that characterizes the color gray is for being the color of neutrality, a neutrality that can also have flattering and aversive connotations.

From a negative perspective, as it is associated with old age and age as well as ashes, gray is generally linked to the idea of progressive loss, of the approaching end of the world.. In this sense it can be associated with inescapability and cruelty, as well as the passage of time.

It is the color most associated with the stone, from which life is not born (as in the case of the stone). (as in the case of earth) but rather remains stable and unchanging, as well as transmitting a certain coldness and lack of warmth. Although as we have said it is the color of neutrality, this can also be seen from a psychological point of view as indecision and weakness, as inability to position oneself and even as repression (either of one's own or of others) and fear.

The absence of chromaticism is also linked to boredom (which can be facilitated), monotony and routine, apathy and conformity, and lack of ambition, strength and fighting ability. (which can be facilitated), to monotony and routine, to apathy and conformity, and to lack of ambition, strength and fighting capacity. To the lack of character and spontaneity, and to emptiness. Another of its meanings at a psychic level is that of concealment, since it allows easy camouflage, and deterioration.

In addition to the above, it should also be noted that the fact that it is linked to a decrease in the level of brightness also makes it related to phenomena considered sad, such as rain, something that participates in the birth of expressions such as "gray day". It is associated with the idea of a certain loss or reduction of something that was already there, a subtraction or decrease also valued negatively and that at a mental level is often linked to sadness and melancholy as well as to avoidance (and in fact facilitates these mental states).

However, on the other hand, gray also has a much more positive affection and symbolism: on the one hand, its relationship with age speaks of experience and wisdom, of wisdom, of knowing how to be and sobriety (something that in turn generates a certain sense of tranquility and a certain protection). It is related to elegance and the capacity for reflection.

Its neutrality, from a positive perspective, is also linked to the ability to value different points of view. the ability to value different points of view and to remain impartial.. That said, another of its meanings is the idea of permanence, seriousness and tradition, and its resemblance to silver gives a sense of value. It is also a color related to science and objectivity.

It is also linked to modesty and intelligence, as well as self-control, respect and tranquility, favoring communication and the search for fairness in it. Generally, this type of meaning tends to occur more when gray has a whiter and brighter tone.

The use of gray in everyday life

The symbolism of gray is not merely ideological, but also has an application in a wide variety of sectors..

In marketing, it is often used to represent stability, success and experience, something linked to the desire to project reliability and security. It should also be noted that it is linked to elegance and success, as well as to the memory of past times. That is why it is usually used by those brands with greater antiquity or those that seek to represent classic values. For example, car brands or jewelry of great projection. Its link with science also makes gray a frequent color in technology brands.

When used in clothing, it can be used as a concealment mechanism or to avoid drawing undue attention, or to appear sober. It can also be used to enhance specific, eye-catching elements of the wardrobe (e.g. by generating contrast) or the (e.g. by generating contrast) or of the image itself (such as the eyes).

In addition, when used in painting, it can be combined with other colors to provide a mixture of expressiveness and restraint or to seek formal and disciplined environments. That is why it is common in the business environment, although generally looking for contrasts.

Bibliographical references:

• Heller, E. (2004). Psychology of color. How colors act on feelings and reason. Editorial Gustavo Gill.