Green is a dynamic color with a long history working behind it. The spectrum in which green falls is said to be full of energy. The color itself is a winning mixture of yellow and blue. On the color wheel, green's complementary color is considered to be red. Common connotations for the color green include nature, growth, grass, hope, youth, health and even envy. Not only does the shade of green have strong associations with such objects and emotions, but it is pervasive in the natural world as well. Green is found in natural minerals including emerald. Animals that are adorned with this lively color include frogs, lizards, reptiles, fish, insects, and birds. Due to the persistent green of foliage, the color is often found in wildlife as a means of camouflage. While the cultural meanings of the color green may be contradictory and confusing, the association of the color with the natural world is perhaps its strongest association, and undeniable. Other meanings that green carries include fertility, regeneration and rebirth.
The friendliness and natural appeal of the color green make it a powerful color to incorporate into any canvas paintings, and green paintings remain among the most popular in the world. Our word for the color is a hybrid of the Germanic, Romance, Slavic and Greek languages. In fact, for thousands of years, green has been a distinct color defined by its own name among all major world languages. Among the many meanings masked within these words include associations with words like “rank” and “blue leaves.” In ancient Egypt green was symbolic of resurrection and was closely associated with the powerful god Osiris, who had green skin. In medieval literature green was associated with love and the natural desires of human beings. In ancient China the color green was associated with sex because of the practice of prostitutes wearing green scarves to indicate their profession.
Its strong folkloric associations also indicate prosperity, and this is most likely due to its connection to the natural world. This connection to the notion of richness and prosperity is evident in the coloring of money in the United States. In China it is associated with the east, with sunrise, and with life and growth. In Thailand it is considered the most auspicious of colors.
Green artwork, and all decorative elements in this shade are associated with the wood element in feng shui. Due to its history and connotations, it makes sense that the color green is thought to be nourishing to health, and provide energetic effects when used correctly in decorative schemes. It is ideal to use green color paintings in areas of your home or office, or any space that have come to represent your health and aspirations. Ideally, you should use green pieces of artwork in the East, South and Southwest sections of your living space. Incorporating green into your home has numerous positive effects and can be used liberally!
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