“In the world full of safe colors like black, red, and white, yellow shouts, ‘Look at me. I am happy!’”

~ Joy Sewing

The most commonly used phrase linked to the color yellow is yellow dirty fellow. While it is the most common expression for the color yellow, this connotation is entirely different from the symbolism of this color! In fact, yellow is the color of happiness and joy! We will delve into the color psychology of yellow in this article but first, let's make one correction. The only reason to explain the emergence of this phrase for the color yellow is probably that it is the only color in the visible spectrum that rhymes with the word fellow! Poor yellow!

Did you know that the lover of the color yellow is called a Xanthophile? Yellow is an attention-attracting and vibrant color which comes in many vibrant hues. Perhaps you never knew that there are approximately 145 different shades of the color yellow! It is very common to know the names of different shades of red or blue but different names of the shades of yellow are not as commonly known! It is surprising because yellow is one of the primary colors that is the color that cannot be formed by mixing other colors! Some of the shades of yellow are:

• Saffron
• Citrine
• Tuscany
• Lime yellow
• Honey
• Amber
• Mustard
• Blond
• Turmeric
• Icterine

What Does The Color Yellow Represent?

As per color psychology, yellow is one of those colors that can impact mood! Yellow can impact your well-being, mental state, and even health! One the spectrum band, yellow is sandwiched between green and orange. It is closer to the warm colors which are supposed to have mood-boosting impacts and have a dominant wavelength! No wonder the ancient Greek and Egyptian chromo/ light therapists used yellow for purification and nerve stimulation.

Notice that yellow is the color of energy. Turmeric is the most tried and tested healing ingredient that is known and used for its health benefits for centuries and by many cultures! It is yellow. Sun provides us with vitamin D which strengthens our bones and immunity. Yellow color is used to depict sunshine. The sunflower is a beautiful flower that has seeds that provide us with healthy vitamins and nutrients. Did you know that sunflower is a happy flower, and it represents loyalty and adoration? Here is what this beautiful color represents:

1. Happiness: It is the only color that claims to be the happy color and science already supports this claim. As per scientists, the brain perceives yellow based on its association with the sunlight which is a symbol of happiness. Some scientists found mood-uplifting qualities in this color and therefore they associate yellow with happiness. No wonder the color of Sponge Bob is yellow! It is another favorite color of marketers because it instills positive vibes in the consumers therefore yellow is also frequently used in marketing efforts.
2. Goodness: Yellow remains an unchallenged power of goodness. Among all the vibrant and warm colors yellow unanimously becomes the color of positivity and optimism. It represents a good omen and good vibes.
3. Creativity: Yellow is the color of creativity. If during studies a yellow light is placed or yellow sticky notes or yellow colored highlighter is used, it is found that the creativity levels would increase. The analytical capabilities are improved by this color and the brain solves the problem quicker than usual. This is why a bright yellow bulb appears on top of someone’s head in animation whenever they are having a brilliant idea!
4. Awareness: Yellow is associated with awareness and illumination. Bright yellow leads to visual stimulation which when overexposed creates visual fatigue. Did you know that a yellow color ribbon is also a ribbon of suicide prevention awareness? Suicide prevention awareness is observed every year on the 10^th of September. Depression is one of the causes of suicide among people which is symbolized by the color grey which signals emptiness or blandness of the reality felt by depressed people. Yellow in contrast is the color of joy so it is also used in a powerful suicide prevention and awareness cause!

Negative Symbolism For Yellow

The nerve stimulation of the color yellow is powerful. Overexposure, therefore, leads to overstimulation. This is why it is difficult to read on a yellow background paper. Try reading in a yellow background and you will find that your vision is getting strained. So much that you might feel a headache! This is because the reflected light from a yellow paper towards the retina is of high frequency which creates muscle and nerve strain!

Over-exposure to this color leads to overwhelming emotions which can be challenging to handle. Yellow is also said to be the color of energy. Therefore, overexposure leads to energy build up which may aggravate aggressive tendencies such as confrontation or quarrels. Overexposure to yellow is seen to increase impatience and trigger loss of temper. However, Universally yellow is generally considered a more positive color rather than a negative one!

Some Yellow Things Almost Everyone Loves!

• Pineapples are yellow and they are delicious!
• Corn on the cob! Yum!
• Mango with all its glory is yellow!
• Mc Donald’s remember?
• Yellow Tulips represent cheerfulness and hope!

Conclusion

With all the positive vibes associated with the color yellow, it is safe to say that it is not a color for a dirty fellow and that phrase misrepresents the true symbolism of the color yellow! Yellow is associated with happiness, pleasure, hope, and insightfulness. It represents intelligence and smartness. It is found abundantly scattered around us and in no manner, it appears as an untidy or ugly color. Yellow indeed provokes a complex psychological response. However, personally, psychology and physiology play a prominent role in determining these responses to a specific wavelength or color. What do you think about the color yellow?