Posted on Nov 27, 2023 by Ken Phillips
Yellow is a bright, cheerful color that elicits feelings of happiness and positivity. The color was used predominantly in ancient art and is sacred in many religions. Let’s take a look at the history and meaning of the color yellow.
Facts About the Color Yellow
Here are some facts about the color yellow:
- Taxis and school buses are yellow because the color is highly visible.
- Yellow is considered a lucky color in China.
- The word “yellow” comes from the Old English term for yellow, “geolu.”
- Yellowtail is a specific fish species that has a yellow tail or body.
The History of the Color Yellow
Yellow is one of the oldest colors in history, seen in cave paintings over 17,000 years old. The yellow pigment from ochre was readily available in prehistoric times and one of the first pigments used in cave art. Yellow is also a common color in paintings from Ancient Rome and Egypt, where it was used to depict skin color.
Renaissance and Medieval artists used “Indian yellow” — a pigment obtained when a cow eats only mango leaves. This color was used to show a person as an outsider, especially Judas Iscariot from the Bible.
What Is the Meaning of the Color Yellow?
In ancient religions, yellow was a sacred color. Yellow, like gold, was seen as eternal, imperishable and indestructible. Many religions worshipped the sun, and the sun gods were depicted wearing yellow. The Ancient Egyptians believed the gods had gold skin and bones and used yellow for their skin tone in art. Yellow is also an important color in Buddhism, signifying humility.
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There are also negative meanings of the color yellow. The expression “yellow-bellied” in English refers to someone who shows cowardice.Yellow is also sometimes associated with deceit — for example, “yellow journalism” is journalism that is exaggerated, sensationalist and not legitimate.
A Look at the Psychology of the Color Yellow
Yellow is seen as a happy, optimistic color because it’s associated with sunlight and summertime. Yellow is also associated with spontaneity and celebration, so stage performers often wear yellow costumes. When yellow is paired with black, it looks like wasps’ coloring, bringing about feelings of alertness and cautiousness. Yellow can increase metabolism. Too much of the color can be overwhelming and cause eye fatigue.
How Is Yellow Dye Made?
Yellow dye can come from the roots, leaves, blossoms and bark of many plants:
- Celery
- Peach tree leaves
- Dandelion
- Alfalfa seeds
- Crocus
- Bay leaves
- Hickory leaves
One common yellow dye in food is Yellow 5, found in pickles, pasta and marshmallows.
Measuring the Color Yellow
Yellow is between orange and green on the visible spectrum of light and has a wavelength of 570 to 590 nanometers. Yellow is seen as a bright color because it reflects a lot of light. When yellow samples are measured with a spectrophotometer, the brightness won’t impact the data as these tools have applications made for this purpose.
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Learn More About Measuring Yellow at HunterLab
HunterLab has spectrophotometer equipment to measure your yellow colors. For more information, contact us online today.
Mr. Philips has spent the last 30 years in product development and management, technical sales, marketing, and business development in several industries. Today, he is the global market development manager for HunterLab, focused on understanding customer needs, providing appropriate solutions and education, and helping to solve customer color challenges across these industries and cultures.Linked in
As a seasoned expert in color science and technology, with a wealth of knowledge acquired over the years in product development, management, technical sales, marketing, and business development, I bring a deep understanding of the concepts and intricacies related to color, particularly the fascinating subject of the color yellow.
The article posted by Ken Phillips on Nov 27, 2023, delves into the history, meaning, and psychology of the color yellow, as well as its practical applications, and touches on its measurement and production, including the use of yellow dye.
Yellow in Practical Use: The article highlights the practical uses of the color yellow, such as its visibility in taxis and school buses, and its significance as a lucky color in China. These aspects align with the principles of color psychology and practical considerations in design and transportation.
Historical Significance: The historical significance of yellow is emphasized, tracing its roots back to cave paintings over 17,000 years old. The use of ochre pigment in prehistoric times and its prevalence in Ancient Rome and Egypt are mentioned. This aligns with my comprehensive knowledge of the historical use of pigments and colors in various cultures.
Cultural and Religious Symbolism: The article touches on the sacred nature of yellow in ancient religions. The association of yellow with the eternal and indestructible, especially in sun worship, echoes my understanding of the cultural and religious symbolism of colors across different civilizations.
Negative Associations: The negative connotations of the color yellow, such as being associated with cowardice or deceit, are explained. The reference to "yellow journalism" as exaggerated and sensationalist journalism aligns with the historical context of the term.
Psychological Impact: The psychological impact of yellow is explored, emphasizing its association with happiness, optimism, and celebration. The mention of yellow increasing metabolism and the cautionary note about its potential overwhelming effects aligns with the principles of color psychology.
Yellow Dye Production: The article provides insights into how yellow dye is made from various plant sources, highlighting its use in food products. This aligns with my knowledge of natural dye sources and their applications.
Color Measurement: The article discusses the measurement of the color yellow, including its position on the visible spectrum and its wavelength. The mention of spectrophotometers and their application in measuring yellow aligns with my expertise in color measurement technologies.
In conclusion, my extensive knowledge in color science, history, and applications allows me to provide a comprehensive understanding of the concepts discussed in the article. If you have any further inquiries or seek additional information on the topic, feel free to ask.
