Are you a purple person? What comes to mind when you think of the hue?
The first association you make with the color is likely along the lines of “royalty” or “regal.” That’s because purple is indeed largely associated with royalty, says Dr. Michele Leno, PhD, licensed psychologist and host of “Mind Matters with Dr. Michele.
Laura Morris, co-author of “Mindful Living: A Guide to the Everyday Magic of Feng Shui” and co-founder of the Mindful Design Feng Shui School, says that the symbolism of purple connotes elegance and abundance, too.
Keep reading to learn more about what the color historically has meant in society, from coronations to strength.
What is the meaning of the color purple?
Here are a few of the more common meanings of the color purple, according to Morris and Leno.
Adventure
Leno says purple embodies a sense of adventure and reflects an upbeat energy. This can also spill into the realm of sensuality: “Purple roses are viewed as sensual and passionate,” says Leno.
Abundance and wisdom
In feng shui — a Chinese framework for interior design rooted in the concept of “chi,” and nine squares for organizing living — Morris says that purple is an auspicious color symbolizing wealth and abundance.
“A combination of fiery red and relaxing blue, purples and violets can harmonize and invoke elegance and abundance,” she says.
Remember, abundance can extend beyond the financial into the realm of finding joy and fulfillment in many areas of life, from friendship to health.
“Purple is also the color of the crown chakra, connected to wisdom and spirituality,” adds Morris, who further comments that darker blackberry or eggplant tones in particular invite wisdom with abundance.
Royalty and nobility
“Rich purples conjure associations with wealth, nobility and splendor,” says Morris, sharing that this is linked to the fact that historically, purple pigments were expensive, so the colors were only available to the ultra-wealthy classes.
Gratitude
“Softer, lighter purples can also help us shift our mindset and cultivate not only prosperity but contentment and gratitude,” says Morris.
As reflected in amethyst crystals and the crown chakra, Morris says that lavender purples inspire us to see wealth and overflowing abundance in all aspects of our life, not just our bank account.
“Lavender is a serene purple with blue undertones, and calls in the qualities of the amethyst: Tranquil, enlightened and abundant,” she adds of this shade’s multiple meanings.
Power
“Deep colors are attention-grabbers,” says Leno, noting that purple is similar to red in that it is easy to process and recognize.
If your favorite color is purple, here’s what it says about your personality
Morris says those who love purple may exude prosperity or even a regal air. “Or it may indicate there’s a longing for this kind of expression in your life,” she adds.
Within the principles of feng shui, Morris further explains, red is fire, inspiration and life force, while blue is relaxing, healing and spiritual. Thus, if you’re a purple lover, you may also embody (or seek to embody) a combination of these qualities.
Well, beyond being a king or a queen (hear, hear!) and emitting an inspirational and spiritual aura, what else might loving purple say about you?
Leno says people who like purple may be viewed as calm and caring.
That said, Leno concedes that color preference may not represent personality type at all. “People tend to choose colors based on how they make them look and feel. Although colors have traditional symbolism, color meanings are much more diverse and subjective,” she explains.
And if you love purple, go ahead and incorporate it into your wardrobe, jewelry and interior design. “Those who choose colors based on what they represent may instantly feel attractive and uplifted when wearing purple, simply because they believe in the color’s deeper meaning,” says Leno. “They experience a self-fulfilling prophecy.”
