by Yolanda Palmer

Created on: November 23, 2009

The Color Red

In the mid-19th century when socialism was on the rise red was the color used to describe the revolutionary movement. The old English word rad is where the word red originated from. This word can be traced even further back to proto-indo European and the proto-Germanic rauthaz root reudh-. Red is the only color traced to the indo European root. The color red is a warm color that happens to be a stimulant.

Red is capable of having physical effects on people. It can raise blood pressure and increase your respiration rate. If you're seeing red this expression can be an indication of anger. Red can represent the good and the bad. Red is a very hot color the can represent conflicting emotions.

Red can characterize emotions of violence and warfare to passionate love. Red signifies both sides of the spectrum from the devil to cupid. Red can evoke a depiction of power. Like the red power tie that many business people wear. The red carpet that's used for VIPs and celebrities can represent power.

Red can also represent emergencies or danger. Like the red traffic light stop signs or stop lights. In china the color red is used to attract good luck, and is the color of prosperity and happiness. In many cultures, red denotes joy, purity, and celebration. In east Africa brides wear the color red.

While in South Africa red is the color of mourning. Red is associated with communism because the Russian Bolshevik's used a red flag to overthrow the tsar. Many of our national flags use the color red. A traditional fortieth anniversary wedding gift is a red ruby. Many people will use the color red to get people to take action and grab their attention.

Red is a good color to wear when you want to stand out and not sink into the background. Use red to suggest confidence combined with speed and even a little danger. Just a little bit of red can go a long way. A small amount of red can be more effective than a large dose of this color. Many shades of red and even orange or pin can combine for a cheerful palette.

When you pair red up with green it becomes a Christmas color. The color blue provides a contrast to read and tones down its heat. Light shades of yellows and pink in color can be harmonizing to red. When coupling red with purple be careful not to overdo it. The combo can be elegant but too much of a good thing can be overpowering. Red can be patriotic no matter the shade when coupled with blue and white. If you're into feng shui then you're defiantly a fan of the color red.

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