The Color Spectrum Is Filled With Spiritual Symbolism
When we think of traditional African fabrics and designs we think of bright, inviting colors. But none of these colors are random.Numerous African cultures associate different colors with different spiritual meanings. What does your favorite color say about you?
#1: Yellow
The rich sunshine of yellows and gold are used to celebrate wealth, beauty, femininity, and fertility. Oshun — Orisha of rivers, fertility, and love— is often draped in flowy yellow fabrics.
#2: Natural Colors
Numerous African cultures associate green with nature, new beginnings, and physical and spiritual growth. Osain, Orisha of natural forests and herbalism, rocks green, brown, sienna, and other earth tones.
#3: Black and White
Anti-Blackness wants us to believe white means “good” so black means “evil.” While many African communities associate white with “purity,” black is also very spiritual.
Black is used for marking periods of mourning, but it also is a color that honors spiritual maturity.
#4: Red
Some people avoid wearing red because for many it represents tension or violence spilling from both the spiritual and living worlds.
But the Xhosa tribe honors red as representing their ancestors’ blood. It’s no coincidence that Oyá, Orisha of storms and protector of the dead, is depicted as wearing maroon.
Adorning ourselves doesn’t always have to be wearing flashy stones, beads, and charms. Incorporating subtle or loud colors into your wardrobe is another way to adorn yourself.
Which colors are you naturally drawn to?
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