Superstitions have existed since ancient times. They help people make sense of the unexplainable. While some consider them silly, others take them very seriously. Many common superstitions involve actions, objects, numbers, and even colors.
While colors aren’t present in every superstition, many beliefs are tied to specific hues or colored objects. So, what role do colors play in superstitions?
Why Colors Are Key to Superstitions
Colors are often a major part of superstitions. They are frequently associated with specific symbolism and meanings, making them perfect for anything related to luck, legends, and assumptions. Some color superstitions are related to specific events, while others were made up simply because of how the color looks and feels. Regardless of the reason, many hues make people feel a certain way.
For example, there are legends related to the color of specific plants, animals, and objects. Coincidences and unexplainable situations have led people to believe that things of a particular color cause other events to occur. Yet, the exact same item in a different color typically won’t be involved in the same superstition. Colors can evoke specific emotions, which is likely why people are quick to make assumptions about some colored objects.
The Symbolic Meanings of 11 Color Superstitions
There are lots of superstitions across different cultures that involve color. Some are widely known around the world, while others come from certain regions. According to these superstitions, specific colors could be symbols of luck, misfortune, love, or negative feelings.
1. Green Is Lucky
Green is a symbol of luck in many regions, such as Ireland, the United States, China, Japan, and India. One reason is because green is the color of four-leaf clovers, which are a common symbol of luck. Green is also the main color of Saint Patrick’s Day, which is frequently represented with shamrocks. Green is lucky for some cultures because of its connection to nature, making people think of freshness, life, and vitality when looking at it.
2. A Black Cat Crossing Your Path Is Bad Luck
Animal lovers know that seeing a cat of any color is exciting, but black cats have been believed to be bad luck since the 13th century, when a church linked black cats to Satan. If you cross paths with a black cat, it’s believed to cause misfortune. However, some cultures view black cats positively. In England, it’s believed that black cats scare off evil spirits and bring good weather. In ancient Egypt, they were a sign of good health. The perception of black cats can vary greatly depending on the location and culture.
In some regions, black birds are seen as bad luck, similarly to how black cats are perceived. Specifically, crows are seen as a symbol of death in South Korea, so passing one could cause misfortune. Ravens are considered unlucky in the U.K. because they’re believed to predict doom.
3. White Horses Bring Good Fortune
Black cats may be a common sign of bad luck, but white horses are frequently viewed as the opposite. Many people believe that seeing white horses is a sign of good luck, especially seeing three white horses on the same day. An old superstition in some areas of Texas also states that after you’ve seen 50 white horses, the next man you shake hands with will be the man you marry.
4. Carrying a White Lighter Is a Curse
Several musicians and artists who died young were believed to be in possession of a white lighter when they passed. This led people to think that carrying a white lighter caused some type of curse, leading to bad luck and misfortune. Other color lighters are okay, according to the legend.
Despite people claiming that many artists who died at 27 years old had white lighters, it’s not entirely true. Some of the artists associated with this superstition died before the first disposable BIC lighter was produced, such as Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin. While that disproves a lot of instances of this legend, many people still avoid getting white lighters just to be safe.
5. Yellow Flowers Are a Bad Omen in Love and Relationships
The color of the flowers you choose can have some symbolism behind them, but the meanings of those colors can change depending on the culture. In Russia, you should avoid giving someone yellow flowers, especially as a romantic gift. They could be viewed as a bad omen or a sign that you want to break up. In Iranian culture, giving someone a yellow flower could indicate that you hate them or want them dead.
While yellow flower meanings in most cultures aren’t that extreme, they often indicate friendship instead of romance, so it’s something to keep in mind. If you want to ensure the flowers you gift someone represent romance, stick with red flowers, such as red roses.
6. Red and White Flowers Together Could Symbolize Death
Flower colors are taken very seriously in some cultures. A Victorian superstition states that you should never decorate with red and white flowers next to each other. It’s believed that doing so indicates that a death will occur soon. It’s especially bad to give them in a bouquet as a “get well soon” gift because it suggests that the patient won’t recover.
7. Wearing Blue on Stage Is Bad Luck
In the theater world, wearing blue on stage is sometimes seen as bad luck. So, many people avoid wearing this hue for auditions. This superstition started because blue was once the most expensive dye, so failing theater companies would use blue garments on stage to make themselves look better. Once people picked up on the trick, wearing blue on stage would do more harm than good. Even though lots of time has passed since then, many people still avoid blue to be on the safe side.
Green is another color that’s viewed as bad luck on stage, despite green normally relating to prosperity. There’s a legend that a French actor and playwright collapsed on stage while wearing green, which led to the belief that wearing green during auditions is a bad idea.
8. Green Eyes Are Related to Witchcraft
Green is one of the rarest eye colors in the world, so people were quick to fear those with green eyes back in the day. During the Salem witch trials, people believed green eyes indicated that someone was a witch. While that assumption has gone away in today’s society, witches in the media are commonly portrayed with green skin. Also, green eyes are sometimes used for villains in movies since green can be associated with evil magic.
9. Some Colors Are Considered Unlucky in Interior Design
When designing a room, many people like to follow the Chinese art of Feng Shui, which focuses on reorganizing objects to create harmony and balance in a space. While all colors play a role in design, some are considered unlucky in certain cultures and may evoke negative emotions if overused because of their symbolic meanings. For instance, in some traditions, white is associated with mourning, black is linked to misfortune, and red can feel overwhelming. While these colors may work great as accent colors, using them to paint an entire wall can make a space uncomfortable.
10. Wearing Red During a Storm Is Dangerous
A superstition originating in the Philippines states that wearing red during a storm increases one’s chances of being struck by lightning. It’s unclear exactly how this belief began, especially since lightning is attracted to tall objects and conductive materials, not color. Some may believe that red, as a high-energy color, draws more attention to itself. However, there’s no scientific basis for this superstition.
11. Green Hats Suggest Infidelity
In Chinese culture, some people believe that a green hat is a sign of infidelity. It started back in the Yuan Dynasty, where family members of prostitutes would have to wear green hats in shame. So, some still associate green hats with negative meanings, such as believing a man wearing a green hat has been cheated on. While green has many positive meanings in China, it’s probably best to avoid wearing a green hat if you’re visiting the country.
Superstitions Evolve and So Do Their Colors
Throughout history, countless legends and superstitions have come and gone. Many of these are related to colors due to each color’s unique meaning and symbolism. Some superstitions are widespread, such as saying “bless you” when someone sneezes or wishing on a shooting star, while others are specific to certain cultures and regions.
While many superstitions stem from decades or even centuries of stories and history, new ones continue to emerge. All it takes is for someone to make a connection, like associating a specific color with bad luck. Thus, some color-related superstitions and assumptions are newer than others, and there will likely be many more in the future. Whether or not you believe in them, their stories remain fascinating.
