From art to apparel and home décor, purple is one of the most popular color trends in the modern world, but in the ancient world, purple was very rarely seen in nature, and thus became a prominent designation for royalty and wealth. Purple is the “most powerful visible wavelength of electromagnetic energy,” and the deeper meaning of purple corresponds to supernatural and cosmic energy. It is also the most difficult color for the human eye to perceive and distinguish from other colors, which adds to its mystical qualities.
From East to West, purple symbolizes magic, the sub-consciousness, and creativity. In Christianity, violet corresponds to Advent and Lent, and in Buddhism, amethyst is considered sacred to Buddha. In India, purple is associated with healing and luck, and in Egypt it means virtuous or faithful. Although there are nuances of meaning and shade, variations of the color purple are recognized as a powerful symbol of spirituality all over the world. In as far back as 25,000 B.C., purple was one of the first colors used by artists to create prehistoric art. Tyrian purple, also known as royal or imperial purple, was extracted from sea snails and used by ancient Phoenicians.
In contemporary culture, purple is connected to bravery (the Purple Heart), flowery language (Purple Speech) and even drug-induced states of consciousness (“Purple Haze”). From books like “The Color Purple” to songs like “Purple Rain,” the rich metaphorical meaning of purple continues to influence culture and creativity. In color therapy, purple is used to enhance energy, mindfulness, imagination, and meditative states.
If the color purple speaks to you, there are many art options available to highlight its cosmic energy in your home! For a light purple with a truly spiritual yet contemporary vibe, consider the “Elephant Yoga, Namaste Pose” print to adorn your walls. For a more traditional look that has an equally astral feel, the art print “From a Distance” features gorgeous, gradient hues of purple in a landscape scene that is both realistic and dreamy at the same time. For the dark, royal purple lover, “Violet Botanicals II” is a perfect choice. Find more art to feed your purple passion at Fulcrum Gallery!
