Color is generally what the eyes see when light shows on an object and part reflected back unto the eye. Without the presence of light, color cannot be seen or perceived and it is the reason why capturing devices are not able to capture objects as they are in reality in the presence of certain saturations of light. The human has the knowledge of what objects look like and hence can tell of their color even when a different saturation of color is reflected.
As known widely, the primary, secondary and tertiary colors have their respective meaning or symbolism that varies from country to country.
What is Color Psychology?
This is the emotional, psychological etc meaning or symbolism ascribed to colors which determine its effect on the audience. It therefore means that color and its use is interpreted differently in different countries and cultures. Artists, designers and what have you become mindful of this significant term 'color psychology' to ensure their outputs are accepted by the audience because it aligns with their general perception of the colors used. The Ghanaian perception of color is not so different from general meanings and uses but then there are a few beliefs that influence color choices in many uses.
Four major colors are strongly identified with the country and these are the colors of the Ghana National flag. You will notice the Pan-African colors (red, black, green) in addition to yellow.
Colors, meaning(perception) and uses
Red - Red for every citizen of Ghana and as part of her flag represents the fight and toil of the forefathers of the motherland for independence.
Red suggest heat, fire, blood, energy and enthusiasm. When groups want to publicly advocate for certain actions, the color you see people wear is red which shows the energy in their move. However, red is also used at funerals.
Yellow - It stands for the mineral resources of the country. During the celebration of festivals among many tribes in Ghana, the costume of chiefs, queen mothers and elders normally is yellow or gold and as such can be said to have an association with the rich cultural and mineral heritage of the country. Most of the prestigious attires of chiefs and celebrants have very vibrant shades or hues of yellow telling of the pride of the nation and her people
Green - The vegetation and all that nature has blessed the country with is what the green represents in the national flag. So, it shows the rich agricultural wealth of the nation. Green symbolizes newness or freshness.
Black - A representation of the identity as Africans. Black in certain instances stand for strength or power. Culturally, it is a colour used to mourn families among other uses.
White - The color white is associated with newness, joy, happiness. During ceremonies of joy like marriage, outdooring, festivals, graduation among other religious ceremonies, white is dressing to observe all over. This perception cuts across the regions and once white is worn , then the impression is that there is joy.
Brown - Well it is a color associated with the earth and it symbolizes decay. However, its use is not so much as the others.
Blue - Suggest love and peace. Its extensive use is mostly during festivals, ceremonies like marriage etc.
One of the cultural assets of Ghana in which colors are extensively used to create various impressions is in her kente cloths. Having known the fact that the nation prides herself with the original traditional kente cloths and its myriad of designs, that tell different stories culturally, colors play a major role in telling those stories.
These clothes with their carefully selected choices of color help to tell different stories and narrations. Paintings, Graphic Design, sculpture and wood artists do carefully use colors to tell stories that resonate with the audience which helps achieve the aim of every message sent. Understanding what the people think and understand of a color is key to ensuring every work goes well with the cultures and their beliefs.
Color psychology is therefore, what color represents or stands for whether symbolically of which ever way to a group of people. Modern influences do impact and may even reform some of the perceptions the people might have already about certain colors.
Good work bro
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