The Healing Power of the Color Green
The color green holds a deep and multi-layered significance, both spiritually and symbolically, across various cultures and throughout history...
The Psychological and Healing Power of Green
Studies have shown that green is a calming color that promotes relaxation and reduces stress. It is commonly used in spaces where mental clarity and calm are required, such as in hospitals.
For instance, it is no coincidence that surgeons wear green during operations. This is not only because green contrasts with red (the color of blood) but also because it helps them maintain focus and composure during high-stress situations.
One particularly compelling example of green’s impact on mental health is the case of Blackfriars Bridge in London. After the bridge was painted green, the number of suicides dropped by 40%, illustrating the color’s potential to influence mood and behavior.
Green in Nature & Ancient Tales
In nature, green is omnipresent, symbolizing life, fertility, and growth.
Plants, trees, and landscapes covered in greenery not only rejuvenate our eyes but also improve our mental health.
Spending time in nature is scientifically proven to reduce anxiety, lower blood pressure, and promote overall well-being.
The vibrational frequencies of living beings, align with the energy that green emits, bringing harmony between humans and nature.
Historically, many cultures recognized the importance of green.
The ancient Egyptians used different colors for chromotherapy, a form of color-based healing, where green was applied to heal the heart and balance emotions. Similarly, color therapy continues to be utilized in modern holistic medicine.
The green-skinned children of Woolpit
One of the most intriguing tales is about the green-skinned children of Woolpit, a small village in England. This legend dates back to the 12th century when two children, a brother and sister, were found with green skin. The villagers were baffled by their appearance and could not understand the language they spoke. Despite being offered food, the children would only eat raw beans. The boy eventually died, but the girl survived and gradually lost her green hue.Once she learned to speak English, the girl explained that they had come from a strange underground world where everything was green. The mystery of their origins remains unsolved, but some researchers speculate that their green skin might have been caused by dietary deficiencies or exposure to arsenic, a toxic element found in the area.
Green in Dreams and Symbolism
In dreams, green is a powerful symbol. Dreaming of the color green is often interpreted as a sign of success, good fortune, and happiness.
The color green in dreams symbolizes transformation, rejuvenation, and growth. It represents new beginnings and connects us to nature, aiding in spiritual awakening and enlightenment. By interpreting green in dreams, we can gain insights into our subconscious and guide our personal development and self-discovery.
Green in Cultures and Religions
The color green carries diverse meanings across cultures.
In Ireland, it's associated with luck and national identity, while in Indonesia, it was historically restricted.
In China, green symbolizes wealth, fertility, regeneration, hope, harmony, and growth. It also represents purity and cleanliness. However, Wearing a green hat signifies infidelity.
South Americans associate green with danger and death, while in India and some Eastern countries, it symbolizes new beginnings, prosperity, peace, and health.
Historically, green represented fertility and was worn by brides in the Middle Ages, and Egyptian women used green eye shadow. Green jade has been a sacred stone in Asia.
In the U.S., green can indicate inexperience ("greenhorn"), jealousy ("green with envy"), or success in gardening ("green thumb"). It also refers to money ("greenback") and is used in "green rooms" for TV guests.
Designers are favoring green for its calming effects and positive associations with health, relaxation, and balance.
Green is also linked to environmentalism and sustainability, with "green technology" and "going green" reflecting ecological awareness.
Reflecting on the symbolism of green, we see that while it universally represents life, growth, and renewal in Christianity, other cultures also hold meaningful interpretations. Ancient Egyptians linked green to resurrection, Celtic traditions to fertility, and Islamic culture to paradise. In Asian cultures, green symbolizes harmony and balance. However, some cultures, like in South America, view green negatively.
Green in Christianity
In Christianity, green symbolizes life, hope, and God’s blessings. It represents vitality and renewal, as seen in Genesis with God creating green plants, and in Jeremiah, where a green tree symbolizes steadfast faith. Psalm 23 uses green pastures to signify God’s care and abundance. In the Song of Solomon, green reflects the vitality of love, while Ezekiel and Revelation use green to symbolize restoration, divine power, and eternal renewal. Throughout the Bible, green signifies God’s life-giving presence and the promise of new creation and hope.Green in Islam
In Islam, green is regarded as a sacred color, frequently mentioned in the Qur'an and closely associated with Paradise. The Qur’an describes the dwellers of Paradise as being adorned in green silk garments. They will recline on green cushions and wear silver bracelets, a representation of eternal peace and purity. This spiritual connection suggests that the color green symbolizes life, renewal, and tranquility in the afterlife. One of the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) described the souls of the martyrs being placed into green birds and carried to Paradise, indicating green’s connection to martyrdom and the divine. The Prophet himself had a deep affection for the color, and many historical Islamic symbols, such as the green dome of the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina, reflect this reverence. The Ottomans, following this tradition, even restricted the use of green out of respect, forbidding people from wearing green socks or shoes.Hazrat Hidr (Al-Khidr), a revered figure in Islamic tradition who is often associated with green. According to tradition, wherever Hidr is present, that place turns green. Stories of this mysterious figure appear across many cultures, including Western folklore, where he is known as the Green Man. In the aftermath of the Great Flood, Hazrat Noah sent out a pigeon to find land. The pigeon returned with a green olive branch, symbolizing hope, renewal, and the continuity of life another instance of green's deep connection to new beginnings.
It is also believed that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) saw the angel of revelation in his true form only twice. The Angel Gabriel is described as having 600 wings adorned with pearls, rubies, and diamonds, filling the entire horizon. He was also seen sitting on a throne provided by God, with his wings and the soles of his feet being green.
PRACTITIONER'S NOTES
If Religion had a color, it would be Green.
Green is a Divine color: what I like to call "The color of Angels" and "The hue of Revelation."
There’s also a profound reason why plants are green: it symbolizes the divine essence of life, renewal, and tranquility.
Green is a color deeply associated with vitality and peace, reflecting a sense of the heavenly and the harmonious.
The color green rejuvenates the heart and enhances spiritual awareness.
"View the world with a heart aglow in verdant light." Embracing green brings you closer to seeing life’s truths, as it opens the heart and stimulates the third eye and reveals deeper insights, that is if you are seeking truth.
Immerse yourself in nature’s greenery, and let your senses fully experience the tranquility and clarity it offers.
When you're feeling down or emotionally guarded, wearing green clothing can help lift your spirits and boost your confidence. Remember to eat edible green vegetables and consume herbs that are good for you as they are essential for your overall well-being and health.
However, be aware that the color green can also heighten sensitivity, which may lead to challenges if you’re not feeling grounded. To address this, take time for self-reflection to identify any areas where you might feel lacking, such as in faith or self-belief. Otherwise, it could lead to what I refer to as the "Dark Green Eye," stirring feelings of envy and jealousy, which may in turn lead to the influence of the "Evil Eye."
If you have deuteranopia and cannot perceive the color green, there's no need to worry. Stay close to trees and plants, as they contain chlorophyll. Use your sense of smell and touch to connect with the natural world. It may describe what you are trying to see.
Traditional art, particularly painting, can be therapeutic. Creating art with the color green, such as landscapes, can have a soothing and uplifting effect on your mood.