What started out as an excuse to fill a post with a series of gorgeous green images, turned into a research exercise. Green, as it turns out, is more than just a colour.
Green is a symbol of life, growth, and vitality. From the rolling hills of the countryside to the leafy canopy of a forest, green surrounds us in nature, representing the planet’s most abundant and life-giving hue.
When we think of green, we think of renewal, tranquillity, and the restorative power of nature. It’s a colour that uplifts and reassures, subtly encouraging balance and serenity in our often busy and often-chaotic lives.
Green and Nature: A Timeless Bond
At the heart of green’s magic is its deep connection to the natural world. The Earth’s landscapes are bathed in varying shades of green—emerald forests, grassy meadows, and lush valleys.
This dominance in nature is no accident; green is the colour of chlorophyll, the pigment in plants that makes photosynthesis possible, allowing them to convert sunlight into energy. In this sense, green is literally the colour of life, as it is essential to the survival of plants and the ecosystems that depend on them.
Just being surrounded by green spaces has been shown to reduce stress and improve mental well-being. In a world where we’re often glued to screens or rushing through the bustle of urban life, taking time to immerse ourselves in green spaces offers a refreshing break.
Scientific studies support this; spending time in green environments can reduce anxiety, improve mood, and even boost cognitive function. This is why parks, forests, and gardens have become places of refuge for so many.
The Psychological Power of Green
On a psychological level, green is a colour that evokes calmness and balance. It sits in the centre of the colour spectrum, which might explain why it’s often seen as a harmonious and grounding colour.
In colour psychology, green is associated with balance and emotional stability. It is neither as stimulating as red nor as calming as blue, but rather offers a perfect middle ground—a place where emotions can settle and restore themselves.
Interior designers and wellness advocates often encourage the use of green in spaces where relaxation and calm are desired. Whether it’s a pale sage on the walls of a bedroom or the deep, rich green of houseplants, bringing green into your home can create an environment of peace and renewal.
As well as that, green has long been associated with new beginnings and growth. Think of the expression “turning over a new leaf,” which symbolises change and a fresh start.
This idea of growth and renewal is embedded in our experience of the seasons, particularly spring, when new shoots of grass and leaves start to emerge after a long winter, bringing a sense of hope and new possibilities.
Shades of Green: A Spectrum of Emotions
Though green is often associated with calm and renewal, it also offers a wide emotional range depending on its shade. Light greens like mint and lime are often seen as fresh, youthful, and energetic, adding vibrancy to any space or setting. These shades can inspire creativity and curiosity, making them a popular choice for design and branding aimed at younger audiences.
Deeper greens like forest or emerald, on the other hand, evoke feelings of stability, luxury, and wisdom. These darker shades can add a sense of richness and depth to interiors or fashion, making them a go-to colour for creating a sophisticated atmosphere.
There’s also olive green, which carries a sense of warmth and earthiness, bridging the gap between nature and the human experience. This particular shade often feels more grounded and is popular in clothing and home décor because of its versatility.
Green in Culture and Symbolism
Green holds a variety of meanings across different cultures. In many Western cultures, it symbolises luck (think of four-leaf clovers or the green associated with St. Patrick’s Day) and prosperity, as it’s the colour of money in many countries. In Eastern cultures, green is often linked to fertility, rebirth, and good fortune.
In religion, green is frequently tied to themes of renewal and eternal life. In Christianity, for example, green is the liturgical colour used during “Ordinary Time,” which signifies hope and life. Similarly, in Islam, green is a sacred colour that represents paradise.
The darker side of green
However, green carries some negative connotations and superstitions in various cultures. One of the most common associations is with envy and jealousy, giving rise to the phrase “green with envy.” This links the colour to negative emotions like rivalry and discontent.
In Western theatre and film, green has historically been considered unlucky. Performers in the past believed wearing green on stage would bring bad fortune, especially in productions that didn’t go well. This superstition may have stemmed from early-stage lighting, where green lights made actors appear sickly and ghost-like, evoking feelings of doom.
In some parts of the world, green can symbolise inexperience or immaturity, as in the phrase “greenhorn” to describe someone new to a job or situation. Additionally, in some cultures, especially in the East, green can have associations with illness or death. For instance, in ancient Chinese art, green is sometimes linked to the supernatural and malevolent spirits.
Embracing Green in Our Lives
Despite its darker side, there is no doubt that green remains a symbol of life, growth, and vitality. It has the ability to positively influence our lives. Whether through the natural beauty of a forest walk, the calming presence of a houseplant, or the vibrant pop of green in our wardrobe, this colour encourages us to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with the world around us.
In a world that sometimes feels overwhelming, green reminds us of life’s balance and the promise of renewal. It’s the colour of nature, health, and hope—a colour that invites us to embrace harmony in both our environments and ourselves.
