The Meaning of Red

Red Power

In the same way that moths are attracted to light, humans are drawn to the color red.  Without any effort at all, red commands attention, and we must look.  There are brighter colors in the spectrum, and according to studies, the most popular color in the world is blue, so what is it about red that makes it such a powerful influence in our lives?

A History of Red

Our prehistoric ancestors saw red in the fires that kept them warm and safe, but even more, it was the color of the blood that coursed through their bodies.  It was the color of survival.  The energy invoked by the color red does not back down, but rather, it fights to the death.  Maybe that explains why red is found in 77.8%  of the world's flags, with white coming in second at 72%.  Moreover, all languages have words for black and white, with red being the next hue to be named.  

The First Chakra

The Vedic Scriptures from India, which are more than 5,000 years old, are the first recorded mention of the chakras.  The chakras are an ancient and surprisingly sophisticated way of linking our emotions to our physical well being and forms the basis of all holistic medicine.  I mention this because the first or root chakra is energized by the color red and represents the will to survive and thrive.  Regardless of the culture or civilization, we seem to attribute similar characteristics to the color red.

If I were to pick one word that best describes the energy of red, it would be passion.  Phrases such as a red hot lover, angry enough to see red, a burning desire to succeed, crimson cheeks, the scarlet letter or rolling out the red carpet,  the meaning of red will continue to be the exuberance of passion.