Meaning of the Colour Green

Meaning of the Colour GreenPlants, nature and the environment are things that spring to mind when thinking of the colour green. From a positive perspective, it is also linked to fertility, money, growth, freshness, healing, success, harmony, honesty and youth. Greed, envy, nausea, poison, corrosion and inexperience are the negatives associated with green.

From a global perspective, green is used on traffic lights all over the world. It also symbolises ecology and the environment, as well as being universally associated with nature.

Variations of the Colour Green

  • Light green: Shows immaturity, youthfulness and inexperience.
  • Emerald green: This is said to be an inspiring and uplifting colour, that is associated with emotional wellbeing and the creation of ideas.
  • Jade green: Symbolises trust, confidentiality, tact, diplomacy and generosity.
  • Lime green: Inspires youthfulness, naivety and playfulness. It also helps to clear the mind of negativity and create a feeling of anticipation.
  • Dark green: Associated with ambition, greed and jealousy.
  • Aqua: Helps to calm the spirit, offers emotional healing and protection.
  • Olive green: Traditional colour of peace.
  • Yellow green: Associated with sickness, cowardice, jealousy, conflict and fear.
  • Grass green: This is said to be the colour of money and is associated with self-confidence, nature and health.

Cultural Links

Below are some of the meanings of the colour green associated with specific cultures.

  • China: Represents disgrace.
  • Japan: Signifies eternal life.
  • Celtic cultures: The Green Man was the god of fertility.
  • Islam: Symbol of Islam and is associated with paradise.
  • North Africa: Symbolises corruption.