The Meanings of Red

Pure Red is the hottest Primary Color. It's the most visually stimulating, most intense color on the Basic Color Wheel.

In fact, Red is so intense that people suffering from temporary blindness due to a brain injury will begin to perceive red long before they see any other colors.

Women seem to be more attracted to cool Reds which lean toward Violet. This range of preferences spans all the way from Cherry Red toward Magenta and Fuschia. When lots of white is added to these Reds to create Cool Pastel Pinks, the meanings of red changes dramatically. The subconscious and conscious color psychology becomes soft and ultra-feminine.

Men, on the other hand, are generally more attracted to warm Reds which lean toward Orange. This range of preference begins somewhere near Tomato Red and leans toward Indian Red and Brick. When Black or Grey is added to create Warm Shades and Tones, the resulting Reddish Browns are very masculine.

In my paint swatches above you can see how Red can be varied by adding more Blue or more Orange. Each one of these swatches is still called Red even though they've been altered quite a bit. The meanings of Red with each variation will be different.

When choosing color schemes be careful about how much Red you use. A little can go a long way.

Positive Meanings of Red
* Virility, Sex
* Passion, Love
* Heat, Daring
* Boldness, Independence
* Action, Dynamism
* Energy, Speed
* Attention Grabbing, Sexy
* Fun, Excitement
* Vigor, Vitality
* Courage, Strength

Negative Meanings of Red
* Danger, Evil
* Aggression, Anger
* Violence, Death
* Blood, Martyrdom
* War, Revolution

Meanings of Red in Other Cultures
* In Russia Red symbolizes Communism and revolution.
* In China, brides wear Red and it is considered a Good Luck color.
* To most Asians Red means Happiness and Prosperity.
* In India Red is a symbol of life-giving purity.
* In the Middle East the color symbolism of Red is Danger and Evil.
* In Greece Red is considered a dominant male color.
* In Japan Red is considered a life-giving color associated with female reproduction.
* In Christianity, Red combined with Green is associated with Christmas.
* To some Native Americans specially the Cherokee, Red symbolizes the East and Sacred Fire.
* In South Aftica Red is the color of mourning.
* In Amsterdam the Red Light district is a legalized zone of prostitution.

Phrases Using the Word Red
* The term "red-blooded American" is often used to indicate patriotism.
* People who are called red necks are considered ignorant and crass,
* Being "in the red" means being in debt and comes from accountants using a red pen for negative figures.
* Being caught in "red tape" means being tied up by unnecessary details.
* If a criminal is caught red handed it means the evidence is obvious.
* A "red letter day" is considered a fantastic and memorable event.
* To paint the town Red means to celebrate and have a party.
* Celebrity events often usher stars down a Red Carpet so "giving someone the Red Carpet treatment" means making someone feel special.
* Taking the Red Eye means flying overnight.
* Communism is sometimes called the "Red Menace" in much of the Western World.
* "Seeing Red" is commonly used to describe people who are uncontrollably angry.

Uses of Red in Popular Culture
* In the United States and Canada Valentines Day is celebrated with Red Cupids and decorations.
* In retail items on sale are often called "red ticket items and have red sale stickers.
* Red Traffic Lights and Stop Signs indicate stop.
* Fire Engines in many countries are painted Red.
* OSHA Coding in Red signals danger, stop, and fire protection equipment.
* The Red stripes in the US flag symbolize hardiness and valor.
* The Canadian flag is entirely Red with a red maple leaf and two red stripes.
* In baseball a team in the US is called the Cincinnati Reds.
* In rugby a team in Queensland, Australia is called the Reds.
* In hockey a team in the US is called the Detroit Red Wings.
* During special ceremonies Christian priests wear red robes to symbolize the blood of martyred saints.
* In popular culture, the Devil is often associated with Red and has red skin.
* In Ancient Rome, Roman soldiers carried Red battle flags to indicate their power.
* In Eastern philosophy Red is associated with the Root Chakra at the base of the spine and rules sexual energy.
* In Astrology, Red is associated with Gemini.
* A Red Ruby is the traditional gift for a 40th Wedding Anniversary.
* Children love the fairly tale Little Red Riding Hood.
* Dorothy wore magical Ruby Red Slippers in the Wizard of Oz.
* Movie titles with Red include "Red Dragon,", "Hunt for Red October," "Reds," the "Red Violin," "The Scarlet Pimpernel," "The Thin Red Line" and "Crimson Tide."

Red in Nature
* blood, raw meat
* fall season, autumn red leaves
* heat, fire, flame
* sunset, sunrise
* fruit such as apples, cherries, strawberries, raspberries, cranberries
* vegetables like red potatoes, red peppers, tomatoes, red cabbage
* red deer, red oak
* red earth, red rock
* rust, ochre
* birds like cardinals, orioles, robins
* flowers like roses, carnations, poppies
* gems like rubies, garnets, carnelians

Red in Color Therapy
* The color itself and the subconscious meanings of Red is proven to stimulate brain wave activity. To some it can increase the heart rate and elevate blood pressure.

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