Purple

The Color Purple.

In ancient Egypt, purple was associated with royalty and power, reserved for pharaohs and high-ranking officials. The dye used to create purple came from the glandular mucus of the sea snails found in the Mediterranean, making it a precious and costly commodity. Weird huh?!

One of the most famous purple dyes in history is Tyrian purple, named after the city of Tyre in Phoenicia (present-day Lebanon). The Phoenicians were renowned for their mastery of extracting the purple dye from the murex snails, creating a vibrant and long-lasting hue. In order to make the dye, one needed to crush the shells, extract its purple mucus and then expose it to the sun for a specific period. The process made the color so rare and expensive that wearing it was a symbol of status and wealth. Tyrian purple became synonymous with luxury, wealth, and royalty, adorning the garments of emperors, kings, and high-ranking individuals in ancient Greece and Rome.

Because of its preciousness, purple's association with power and royalty continued throughout history. In the Byzantine Empire, purple was the color of emperors, symbolizing their divine authority. The Byzantine rulers were known as "born in the purple," signifying their privileged royal heritage. In medieval Europe, purple was a color associated with nobility and wealth, often seen in the attire of kings, queens, and bishops.

Purple also holds deep religious and spiritual symbolism. In Christianity, purple is associated with penance, repentance, and preparation. It is the liturgical color of the seasons of Advent and Lent, representing introspection, purification, and anticipation. Additionally, purple is linked to spirituality and mysticism, often representing wisdom, enlightenment, and the divine connection.

The wavelength of purple light, situated at the end of the visible light spectrum, holds a unique place in the realm of healing. Purple light is often associated with spiritual and emotional healing, as it is believed to have a calming and soothing effect on the mind and body. Its energy is known to promote balance and harmony, encouraging a sense of inner peace and tranquility. Purple is associated with the crown chakra, also known as Sahasrara in Sanskrit. Situated at the top of the head, the crown chakra represents our connection to the divine, higher consciousness, and universal wisdom. It is the gateway to spiritual enlightenment and transcendent experiences. The purple color associated with this chakra symbolizes the integration of all colors and the highest level of consciousness. When the crown chakra is balanced and activated, it facilitates spiritual growth, deep understanding, and a sense of unity with all beings. It invites us to embrace the vastness of existence, tap into our intuitive wisdom, and experience a profound connection with the divine source of life. The color purple was also a symbol of various social and cultural movements. During the women's suffrage movement in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, purple represented loyalty, dignity, and the pursuit of gender equality. In the civil rights movement, purple became a color of solidarity, unity, and the fight against racial injustice.

In contemporary society, purple continues to hold diverse meanings. It is often associated with creativity, imagination, and individuality. Purple can evoke a sense of mystery, spirituality, and transformation. It is a color that embodies both power and sensitivity, balancing strength and compassion. Purple is also commonly associated with luxury, elegance, and artistic expression.

Here are a few questions to help you reflect on your own relationship with #thecolorpurple.

• What emotions or feelings come to mind when you think of the color purple?

• Do you have any personal experiences or memories associated with the color purple? If so, what are they and how do they make you feel?

• How often do you incorporate the color purple into your surroundings, like in your home decor or clothing choices? Is there a reason behind your affinity or lack of affinity for this color?

• In what ways do you find the color purple inspiring or uplifting? Does it have any specific effects on your mood or mindset?

• Are there any particular objects or symbols that are purple and hold significance to you? What do they represent and why are they important in your life?

• Are there any areas of your life where you could benefit from the qualities associated with the color purple, such as increased calmness, spiritual connection, or emotional healing?

• Take a moment to visualize yourself surrounded by the color purple. How does it make you feel, and what positive changes or intentions does it evoke within you?

I hope you enjoyed taking a closer look at the color purple with all its richness and glory. As we encounter the color purple in our daily lives, remember its colorful journey to get here, giving you creations that you know and love like the cartoon Barney the Dinosaur, the song ‘Purple Haze’ , or the Wonka candy logo.