Did you know that black is not considered a color scientifically? It is actually a complete absence of light.
Throughout history, black has been associated with darkness, evil, and suspicion. However, there are many positive meanings that have been attributed to the color.
Join us as we explore some of the deepest and darkest facts about black!
Black is achromatic, which means it lacks any hue, just like white and grey.
There is no true black color, so black pigments and dyes are a combination of other pigments that reflect the least amount of light possible.
The word for black in Old English, “blæc,” also meant “dark” and “ink.”
Black was one of the first colors used in art by humans. Charcoal was used initially, followed by burnt bones and ground manganese powder for a darker pigment.
In ancient Egypt, black was associated with fertility as it represented the rich soil from the Nile. It was also the color of Anubis, the god of the underworld who protected the dead.
In ancient Rome, craftsmen and artisans wore black to hide dirt and grime. Black was also the color of mourning, and families only changed their black togas for white ones after the mourning period.
Black has been associated with evil and darkness, while white symbolizes good and holiness in Christianity. The devil has been depicted with black skin since the Middle Ages.
The color black has been associated with power and authority since the 13th century when judges and court officials began to wear it.
Most police forces around the world wore black until the 20th century, when blue was used to appear less menacing to the public.
The color black was adopted by fascists, including Mussolini’s “Blackshirts” and the infamous SS in Nazi Germany.
In Islam, black is significant as it was the color of the banner carried by the Prophet Muhammad’s soldiers.
Priests and monks from different Christian denominations wear black robes as it represents penitence and humility.
Black has different meanings in paganism, including protection, stability, force, and dignity.
Black panthers are not a separate species, but rather are jaguars or leopards with recessive genes that cause an excess of melanin in their skin, giving them a black appearance. Despite their black color, their fur still retains its characteristic markings. The phrase “in the black” refers to profitability, as accountants originally used red ink for losses and black ink for profits. The Model T Ford, the first mass-produced car, was only available in black for its first eight years of production. Black is often associated with secrecy, such as in covert military operations or black budgets for classified government activities. The New Zealand rugby team is known as the All Blacks because of the color of their uniform. Although black has been associated with some of history’s worst individuals, it remains a fashionable color. It is a primal color that dominates the night sky, which is mostly black.
FAQ
1. Why is black considered a symbol of mourning?
Black has long been associated with mourning in many cultures. In the West, it started during the Roman Empire, where black was worn to signify mourning. The trend continued throughout the Middle Ages, where widows would wear black for a year after their husband’s death. In Victorian England, the practice became more widespread, and black became the accepted color for mourning. Today, black is still commonly worn at funerals and is associated with grief and loss.
2. Is black really a color?
Technically, black is not considered a color because it does not have a specific wavelength of light. Instead, black is the absence of color or light. When all colors are absorbed, no light is reflected, and we perceive the object as black. However, from a design perspective, black is often used as a color because of its strong visual impact and its ability to make other colors stand out.
3. Why do some cultures associate black with evil?
Black has been associated with evil or negativity in many cultures throughout history. In ancient Egypt, black was associated with death and the underworld. In medieval Europe, black was associated with witchcraft and the devil. In some African cultures, black is associated with bad luck or evil spirits. These associations may stem from black’s association with darkness, which is often linked to fear and the unknown.
4. Why is black often associated with sophistication and elegance?
Black is often associated with sophistication and elegance because of its simplicity and versatility. Black can be dressed up or down, and it always looks sleek and polished. It is also a timeless color that never goes out of style. Black is often used in high-end fashion and luxury brands to convey a sense of exclusivity and refinement.
Zayn Anderson is a prolific writer with a passion for uncovering the world’s intriguing facts. Armed with an insatiable curiosity, he delves into various subjects, from history and science to nature and technology.