PEOPLE - Color Psychology > Black

By Color Psychology: How Colors Impact Moods, Feelings and Behaviors

Black is real sensation, even if it is produced by entire absence of light. The sensation of black is distinctly different from the lack of all sensation. -Hermann von Helmholz

The Color Psychology of Black

·         Black absorbs all light in the color spectrum.

·         Black is often used as a symbol of menace or evil, but it is also popular as an indicator of power. It is used to represent treacherous characters such as Dracula and is often associated with witchcraft.

·         Black is associated with death and mourning in many cultures. It is also associated with unhappiness, sexuality, formality, and sophistication.

·         In ancient Egypt, black represented life and rebirth.

·         Black is often used in fashion because of itsslimming quality.

·         Consider how black is used in language: Black Death, blackout, black cat, black list, black market, black tie, black belt.