What does the color black mean in psychology?

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

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

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The absence of light

Before starting to assess what the color black implies, it is necessary first to assess what this color is. In general, the perception of color is produced by the arrival at the eye of certain wavelengths of light that are produced when objects absorb part of the light and reflect the rest in such a way that it can reach our eyes. In other words, the colors come from and are in fact the product of our eyes catching light.

In the case of black, it is not so. 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, more than the absence of color (after all we do not stop perceiving it, and also at the level of pigment in the background the mixture of all colors would give black), we should talk about the absence of light. And this is because on a visual level, if we see a black color it is because the object in question (or the tint that impregnates) absorbs all the wavelengths of the light that reaches it, therefore it cannot be reflected in 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 from reaching our eyes. Ultimately we could say that the perception of black is, in reality, not perception. But the truth is that it is complex that no type of light is reflected at all, something that allows us to detect different types of black.

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What does the color black mean?

As with the rest of the colors, black has acquired over time a symbolic and psychological meaning (in turn influenced by symbolism) based on those elements that have been associated with that color. Specifically, the most obvious link between black is with darkness and night, that is, the absence of light. And in this sense they have been granted 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 reason that its symbolism turns towards the negative.

In this sense, we link black with the unknown, the terrifying, 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 makes it 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.

Also with cruelty, lies, manipulation, betrayal and concealment. 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 are considered. Plus also has been linked to individualism and introversion.

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

Psychologically, black tends to generate a feeling of doubt and mystery, being able to generate both fear and curiosity. It is associated, according to Eva Heller, with youth and fairness. In addition to it generates a sense of elegance usually suggests security and strength, as well as distinctiveness. Its practical use often leads others to appreciate greater reliability and even attractiveness. It also tends to give the impression of sobriety and formality. But it can also cause feelings of intimidation, distance and arrogance if it is given excessively. It also tends to generate a feeling of protection for the user and attenuation of the emotional, even restricting and inhibiting its expression.

The use of black in everyday life

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

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

Beyond specific social events, black is often used since it stylizes and is easily combined with almost any color. Its use is common in people who do not like to attract attention. 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 feeling of seriousness and professionalism in job interviews. In many trades 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. Despite this, it is not advisable to paint a room completely black, since it will give a feeling of constriction and smallness and it will probably be linked to depressive-type 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 sensation of sobriety mentioned above. As with clothing, the fact that it absorbs heat can also be valuable.

At the marketing and advertising level, it is often used in brands that seek to generate a vision of elegance and exclusivity, strength and purity. It is generally linked to luxury, along with gold.

The color black in different cultures

The meaning of black is usually the one we have talked about previously, but it is necessary to bear in mind that different cultures have a different relationship with that color.

Specifically, in desert places, black is usually linked to rain, storm clouds being that color. In ancient Egypt it was a symbol of growth and fertility. Nowadays, African tribes like the Maasai also often associate black with life and prosperity, because they are often associated with rain.

Other cultures such as the Japanese link it with femininity, as well as with mystery. In ancient China he was considered the king of colors. These cultures often link black with the water element, as well as childhood. This color is thought to give us spiritual strength, linking with the energy known as chi. It was also considered beautiful, to the point that in the past it was considered beautiful to dye your teeth that color.

With regard to religions, Christianity often identified it with evil, death and pain, although also the rejection of the material. Also in the case of Judaism it has been associated with death and unhappiness, and in the case of Islam, it is associated with pain and sadness (Although the Kaaba of Mecca is black, it is thought that it was white in its origin but was colored by the sin of men). In India it is also associated with nothingness and evil, although despite this it is used as protection against it: the goddess Kali has the complexion of this color, being she the goddess who fights against evil.