A New Take On Colors

            We may not realize, but colors are a key element in our lives. Beginning in childhood, we are exposed to a diverse assortment by means of books, toys, and pictures. There’s something about colors that enhances our senses, as well as transforming our mood.

            For example, take a second to look at the colors below and reflect on how you feel:

Yellow.

Green.

Red.

Blue.

            How did you feel? Happy? Sad? Angry?

            It is believed that colors are shades of our perception. They can affect our state of being and influence our subconscious mind, and it is believed that the more vibrant a color, the stronger the affect it has on our inner self. 

           

Yellow: power

Green: life

Red: sense of belonging

Blue: communication

            So my real question now is, how are these colors perceived in Native American culture? In addition, how were colors applied to their everyday lives? We always see photographs with their bodies covered in vibrant paints, jewelry, and attire.

            The picture above is a good representation of the array of vibrant colors that can be found in the traditional Cherokee dress. But what do some of these colors symbolize for them?

Yellow: sunshine, day and dawn; as a face paint it symbolized death and only worn by those in mourning

            Green: plant life; earth; as a face paint it is worn under the eyes and believed to empower night vision

            Red: wounds; sunset; thunder; earth; day; as a face paint it symbolized violence

            Blue: the sky, water, female, clouds, lightning, sadness

            Although these are just a few of the main colors that we see in our everyday lives, there are many more that have much meaning that I may explore further in the semester as we further engage in my curiosity with their dress.