Purple is warm and cool. Explore the meaning and symbolism of the color purple and colors that go with purple and the light and dark shades of purple from palest orchid to deep dark violet and indigo.
Shades of Purple: These words are synonymous with purple or represent various shades of the color purple: amethyst, eggplant, indigo, lavender, lilac, magenta (see fuchsia), mauve, mulberry, orchid, plum, pomegranate, puce, royal, thistle, violet, wine.
Purple is royalty. A mysterious color, purple is associated with both nobility and spirituality. The opposites of hot red and cool blue combine to create this intriguing color.Pantone selected the color Blue Iris (PANTONE 18-3943) as the 2008 Color of the Year telling us: "Combining the stable and calming aspects of blue with the mystical and spiritual qualities of purple, Blue Iris satisfies the need for reassurance in a complex world, while adding a hint of mystery and excitement."
Purple has a special, almost sacred place in nature: lavender, orchid, lilac, and violet flowers are often delicate and considered precious. Because purple is derived from the mixing of a strong warm and strong cool color it has both warm and cool properties. A purple room can boost a child's imagination or an artist's creativity. Too much purple, like blue, could result in moodiness.
The color of mourning for widows in Thailand, purple was the favorite color of Egypt's Cleopatra. It has been traditionally associated with royalty in many cultures. Purple robes were worn by royalty and people of authority or high rank. The Purple Heart is a U.S. Military decoration given to soldiers wounded in battle.
