Purple is warm and cool. Explore the meaning and symbolism of the color purple and colors that go with purple and the light and dark shades of purple from palest orchid to deep dark violet and indigo.
Shades of Purple: These words are synonymous with purple or represent various shades of the color purple: amethyst, eggplant, indigo, lavender, lilac, magenta (see fuchsia), mauve, mulberry, orchid, plum, pomegranate, puce, royal, thistle, violet, wine.
Pantone selected the color Blue Iris (PANTONE 18-3943) as the 2008 Color of the Year telling us: "Combining the stable and calming aspects of blue with the mystical and spiritual qualities of purple, Blue Iris satisfies the need for reassurance in a complex world, while adding a hint of mystery and excitement."
Purple has a special, almost sacred place in nature: lavender, orchid, lilac, and violet flowers are often delicate and considered precious. Because purple is derived from the mixing of a strong warm and strong cool color it has both warm and cool properties. A purple room can boost a child's imagination or an artist's creativity. Too much purple, like blue, could result in moodiness.
The color of mourning for widows in Thailand, purple was the favorite color of Egypt's Cleopatra. It has been traditionally associated with royalty in many cultures. Purple robes were worn by royalty and people of authority or high rank. The Purple Heart is a U.S. Military decoration given to soldiers wounded in battle.
- Deep or bright purples suggest riches.
- Lighter purples are more romantic and delicate.
- Use redder purples for a warmer color scheme or the bluer purples to cool down.
- A deep eggplant purple with neutral tans or beige is an earthy, conservative color combination with a touch of the mystery that purple provides.
- Green and purple can be a striking combination in deep or bright jewel tones or use lighter shades for a cheerful, springlike feel.
- Pink and purple has feminine appeal.
Good purple
- Purple cow - something remarkable, eye-catching, unusual
- Purple prose - exaggeration, highly imaginative writing (also has negative connotations)
- Purple speech - profanity, raunchy language
- Purple prose - exaggeration, colorful lies
- Purple haze - state of confusion or euphoria, possibly drug-induced, specific type of potent cannabis (marijuana), specific type of LSD
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- Yes, my special color is the color purple
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