Symbolic Meanings Of Colors

Black derives its significance from the notion that new things get darker while they mature; and physical aging comes with spiritual maturity. The Akans blacken most of their ritual objects to increase their spiritual potency. Black symbolizes an intensified spiritual energy, communion with the ancestral spirits, antiquity, spiritual maturity, and spiritual potency.

White derives its symbolism from the white part of egg and also from white clay used in spiritual purification, healing, sanctification rites and festive occasions. In some situations it symbolizes contact with ancestral spirits, deities, and other unknown spiritual entities such as ghosts. It is used in combination with black, green, gold, or yellow to express spiritual vitality and balance.

In all its variations, is associated with the yoke of an egg, ripe and edible fruits and vegetables and also with the mineral gold. In some spiritual purification rituals, mashed yam is rendered yellow with oil palm and served with eggs. It symbolizes sanctity, preciousness, royalty, wealth spiritual vitality, and fertility.

Is associated with female essence of life. It is viewed as red rendered mild and gentle and therefore associated with tenderness, calmness, pleasantness, and sweet. According to Akan social though, these attributes are generally considered as essential aspects of the female essence.

Is associated with sense of seriousness, readiness for a serious spiritual or political encounter. It is also associated with blood, sacrificial rites and the shedding of blood. Red is therefore used as a symbol of heightened spiritual and political mood, sacrifice and struggle.

Is associated with the blue sky, the abode of the supreme creator. It is therefore used in a variety of ways to symbolize spiritual sanctity, good fortune, peacefulness, harmony and love related ideas.

Is associated with vegetable, planting, harvesting and herbal medicine. Tender green leaves are usually used to sprinkle water during purification rituals. It symbolizes growth, vitality, fertility, prosperity, fruitfulness, abundance, health and spiritual rejuvenation.

Is viewed in the same way as maroon. It is considered as earth associated color used in rituals and healing purposes. It is also associated with feminine aspects of life. Female mostly wears purple cloths.

Has a close resemblance to red-brown which is associated with the color of mother earth. Red-brown is usually obtained from clay and is therefore associated with healing and the power to repel malevolent spirits.

Derives its symbolism from ash. Ash is used for healing and spiritual cleansing rituals to recreate spiritual balance when spiritual blemish has occurred. It is also used in rituals for protection against malevolent spirit blemish but also with spiritual cleansing.

Is associated with the moon which represents female essence of life. Silver ornaments are usually worn by women and are used in the context of spiritual purification, naming ceremonies, marriage ceremonies and other community festivals. It symbolizes serenity, purity and joy.

Derives its significance from the commercial value and social Prestige associated with the precious mineral. Gold dust and gold nuggets were used as medium of exchange and for making valuable royal ornaments. It symbolizes royalty, wealth, elegance, high status, supreme quality, glory, and spiritual purity.