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Color Symbolism
Definition: The definition of color symbolism is
the use of visual images that reflect the social
customs and beliefs as symbols in a specific
culture. A symbol is something that represents
an idea, a legend, a process, or a being. The
purpose of a symbol is to communicate meaning.
In ancient Egypt color symbolism conveyed
meaning at a glance.
The
Color Symbolism of Ancient Egypt
The Color Symbolism used
by the ancient Egyptians was extremely important
and conveyed a range of silent messages to
everyone who lived in ancient Egypt. The ancient
Egyptians used six basic colors in their artwork
- white, black, red, yellow, blue and green. The
colors were not chosen randomly, each of the
colors had special meaning, significance and
symbolism. The color symbolism and the same
meanings of colors were used from each
generation to the next and the color symbolism
of ancient Egypt remained the same for over 3000
years. The use of color symbolism was evident in
the numerous wall paintings in the artefacts,
tombs, temples and monuments of the ancient
Egyptians and understanding color symbolism will
bring a new perspective and unlocking the
secrets of the art of Ancient Egypt.
Examples of Color Symbolism -Osiris
Colors were often used purely as
symbolism, rather then for realistic
accuracy of a subject. An example of
this are the depictions of the god
Osiris. Osiris was the ancient
Egyptian god of death, the
Underworld and rebirth and depicted
in human form but with green colored
skin.
The green colored skin of Osiris
symbolizes Fertlity, Vegetation, New
life, Joy, Growth and Regeneration.
This example of color symbolism also
conveys the legend and mythology of
Osiris in which he is murdered but
was resurrected by the gods as the
god of the underworld giving the
hope of new life after death to
humankind.
The color symbolism of his white
shroud, partially mummy-wrapped at
the legs, is a reminder that he was
the first to undergo the process of
mummification and symbolizes
omnipotence and purity.
The color symbolism and symbols of
Osiris continue. His white headdress
was the Atef Crown a symbol of Upper
Egypt. The plumes are believed to be
of the sacred Bennu bird who
featured strongly in the creation
myth.
Osiris wears the beard of a deceased
pharaoh, a reminder of the myth that
he was the first pharaoh of ancient
Egypt.. This type of beard is called an “osird” or “the divine
beard” that was distinguished with an upward
pointed curl that symbolized that the person
wearing it was dead. Living
Pharaohs
were depicted with beards that have
a straight edge. The hair and beards
of ancient Egyptians were depicted
as black. The color symbolism of the
red colored belt represents life and
also the stars of Orion that were
associated with Osiris.
The color symbolism of blue and
gold. Gold was often paired with
blue in Egyptian royal regalia
symbolizing. Osiris holds the royal
regalia of the crook and flail. The
color blue symbolized items that
were imperishable, eternal and
indestructible and the gold color
symbolized divine authority, birth
and re-birth. The Flail symbolized
the king's role as provider of food
for the people and the crook
symbolized the king's role as the
'shepherd' of the people.
This simple image is a perfect
example to conveys meaning of color
symbolism to the ancient Egyptians.
Every picture tells a story...
Color Symbolism of Ancient Egypt
To the people of ancient Egypt colors possessed
meaning and symbolism. Understanding the
symbolism of colors in ancient Egypt is a
necessary element when studying the history,
culture, civilisation and art of ancient Egypt.
Color was considered an integral part of
the nature of an item or object. The ancient
Egyptian word for color was 'iwen' which could
also could also be translated to mean "nature",
"being" or "character".
Color Symbolism in Hieroglyphics
Color symbolism was also used in Hieroglyphics,
the ancient Egyptian form of writing. The colors
used in hieroglyphics demonstrated the dual use
of colors. Some hieroglyphics reflected
the realistic colors seen in nature such as
green plants and blue water whilst others
were assigned colors to which they are
symbolically linked such as knives which were
often colored red, signifying danger. The
symbols and colors of hieroglyphics did not vary
for over 3000 years.
Ancient Egyptian Blue Color Symbolism
Blue symbolism: To the ancient
Egyptians the color blue symbolized the Sky,
Water, the Heavens, Primeval Flood, Creation and
Rebirth. The color blue also symbolized
birth and rebirth because the annual flooding of
the River Nile brought fertility to the land.
For comprehensive facts and information refer to
the
Color Symbolism & Meanings of Blue.
Blue
Colors
of
Ancient
Egypt
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Egyptian Blue |
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Egyptian Blue 2 |
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Azurite |
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Lapis Lazuli |
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Indigo |
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Ancient Egyptian Red Color Symbolism
Red symbolism: To the
ancient Egyptians the color red symbolized life,
fire and victory and was also used to convey
anger, hostility and chaos. The color red was
deemed to be a powerful color because of its
association with blood. The color red invoked the protective power of the blood of
Isis. For comprehensive facts and information refer to the
Color Symbolism & Meanings of Red.
Red
Colors
of
Ancient
Egypt
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Red Lead |
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Red Ochre |
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Madder |
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Carmine |
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Ancient Egyptian Green Color Symbolism
Green symbolism: To the ancient
Egyptians the color green symbolized Fertlity,
Vegetation, New life, Joy, Growth and
Regeneration. The Egyptian name for green was
'wadj' which also meant "to flourish". For comprehensive facts and information
refer to the
Color Symbolism & Meanings of Green.
Green
Colors
of
Ancient
Egypt
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Malachite |
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Verdigris |
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Chryscolla |
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Turquoise |
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Ancient Egyptian Yellow Color Symbolism
Yellow
symbolism: To the ancient Egyptians the color
yellow symbolized items that were Imperishable,
eternal and indestructible. Any objects
portrayed as yellow in ancient Egyptian art
carried all of these meanings. Gold (newb)
represented the flesh of the gods. For
comprehensive facts and information refer to the
Color Symbolism & Meanings of Yellow
Yellow
Colors
of
Ancient
Egypt
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Orpiment |
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Lead Antimonite |
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Yellow Ochre |
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Ochre |
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Realgar |
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Gold |
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Ancient Egyptian Black Color Symbolism
The
ancient Egyptian concept of black covered
different shades of the color. The Black colors
of Ancient Egypt were ivory black and lamp
black. Black symbolism: To the ancient Egyptians
the color black symbolized death, the night and
the Afterlife, endurance and stability. Black
was also associated with fertility and
regeneration of the land. For comprehensive
facts and information refer to the
Color Symbolism & Meanings of Black.
Black
& White
Colors
of
Ancient
Egypt
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Chalk White |
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Lead White |
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Silver |
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Ivory Black |
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Lamp Black |
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Ancient Egyptian White Color Symbolism
The
ancient Egyptian concept of white covered
different shades of the color including the
different shades of grey. The white colors of
Ancient Egypt were chalk white, lead white and
silver. White symbolism: To the ancient
Egyptians the color white symbolized Purity,
Power, Cleanliness and Simplicity. The color
white was also a symbol of Upper Egypt. For
comprehensive facts and information refer to the
Color Symbolism & Meanings of White.
The
Color Symbolism of Ancient Egypt
Discover fast, interesting fun facts about the
symbols and meanings of colors for kids with some amazing, cool and quick
information about ancient Egypt and Egyptians.
Ideal for children, homework, schools, teachers
and kids of all ages! Find fascinating fun facts
about Color Symbolism for kids and the history, culture and
civilisation of the ancient Egyptians and ancient
Egypt.
Interesting, fun facts about the symbols and
meanings of colors for research,
schools, students and kids of all ages.
Egyptian Color Symbolism |
