Neeti, our Fashion expert, tells us about White colour. In her scholarly and illuminating take on the subject, she says that in colour psychology, White is the colour of new beginnings, hopes and it literally means wiping the slate clean, so to speak. It is like a blank canvas, pure and stark, waiting to be written upon. White is totally reflective, awakening openness, growth and creativity. You can’t hide behind it as it amplifies everything in its way. Here’s her weekly column exclusively for Different Truths.

Last time I introduced you to the world of colours and colour schemes!

Colour is a silent language of expression! It’s a powerful non-verbal communication that is very dynamic and changes its statements from one day to another, depending on the mood of the wearer! Culture and society plays a very important role in deciphering and imparting meaning to a particular color.

Let’s begin with the softest and purest colour, White!

In Russian language it means beautiful!

What’s interesting is, on one side, it is the colour worn the brides in western countries but on the other hand, it is worn during mourning by Indian Hindu widows. On one side, a celebration and on the other side, a tragic moment of loss. In Nigeria, it is also the colour of sacrifice. One can’t forget the symbolism of White Flag to depict truce!

But the question is, is White a colour? Actually, White is the colour we see due to reflection of all colours. What black hides, white brings to light! A part of the symbolic Yin & Yang!

Adding white to any hue makes it lighter, called Tints of that colour.

In colour psychology, White is the colour of new beginnings, hopes and it literally means wiping the slate clean, so to speak. It is like a blank canvas, pure and stark, waiting to be written upon. White is totally reflective, awakening openness, growth and creativity. You can’t hide behind it as it amplifies everything in its way.

The colour white is cleanliness personified, the ultimate in purity! This is why doctors and nurses wear white coats as it also symbolises freedom from any impurity and infection.

White is a colour of protection and encouragement, offering a sense of peace and calm, comfort and hope, helping alleviate emotional upsets. It creates a sense of order and efficiency, a great help if you need to de-clutter your life.

Any print or motif looks good on a white background as it bring out the other colour’s hue properly. It is perfect for hot Indian summers, as it reflects heat and thus makes a person feels light and cool. One can’t imagine a summer wardrobe without White and prints/motifs on white. It’s a safe and neutral colour for any occasion and a classic colour that never goes out of fashion.

But the other side of the coin is too much white can be cold and isolating. It implies a feeling of sterility and disinterest, providing little stimulation for the senses. It is not warm and inviting but sometimes seems detached and lonely.

Too much white can cause feelings of emptiness; it can be too pristine and immaculate, making you feel as though you can’t make a move for fear of upsetting it or creating a mess. It’s a favourite of perfectionists for the reason it also talks about discipline and order!
So here I summarise with a poetic expression of the color White!

The ‘Unassuming White’ 

Pure and innocent

Dispelling the darkness of the night

Reflecting all colours of the light

Is the colour of peace, the colour White!

White Doves, white Roses

White Rabbits and swans

Soft, pristine White snow

White Lotuses, that bloom at dawn!

Representing equality and fairness

Cleanliness and hygiene

It’s a neutral, impartial color,

New directions, it means….

When space gets crowded

Just clutter is in sight

Then it’s time to add some simplicity

And introduce ‘white’!

Sometimes it’s accused to be cold…sterile and aloof,

But whatever said and done,

The power of White

Needs no proof!

See you next week with intense Black and endless shades of Grey!

Till then, stay pure and listen to the song ‘White flag’ by Dido:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-fWDrZSiZs

Reference:

http://www.empower-yourself-with-color-psychology.com/color-white.html

©Neeti Banga

Poem by author.

Pix sourced by author from Net.

Neeti Banga

Neeti Banga, a fashion professional, is currently a faculty at her Alma Mater, NIFT, New Delhi. Her poems and short stories have won national and international awards. These are published in various anthologies. Her Poetry anthology, 'The Dewdrops...a journey begins', with two co-poets is a best seller. Wild, nomadic and romantic at heart, her gypsy soul finds solace in expression through painting and writing. She is penning her short story collection and her debut novel.

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