Meaning of Colors The meaning of colors was important to Native American Indians as each color held a special sacred symbolism. The meaning of colors changed according to the purpose they were put to. The meaning of colors used for face paint held a different symbolism than those colors used for War Paint. The Northwest tribes constructed totem poles that have unique features and colors depending upon the clan or tribe. The meaning of colors, ornamentation, and painted decorations used to adorn sacred Prayer sticks and Talking Sticks also had special meanings and were chosen for the attributes of the colors and how these might influence the outcome of an important event. The Circle of Life, as depicted in the Medicine Wheel also contained different color meanings and symbolism. The Navajo sand paintings have a specific meaning and each color used represents a physical direction. This article provides details of the meaning of colors according to their purpose and the beliefs of the tribes.
Meaning of Colors on Sand Paintings Sand painting designs are based on five sacred colors. The Navajo believe that the colors yellow, blue, white, and black were of great significance and meaning as they represent four sacred mountains and the four cardinal directions. The color red was also used to represent the sunshine and the Spiritual life
Blue meaning: The blue mountains brought the dawn and represented the South
Yellow meaning: The yellow mountains represented twilight and the West
Black meaning: The black mountains brought the night and represented the North
White meaning: When the white mountains rose it was day and represented the East
Meaning of Colors Chart - Meanings of Face and War Paint Colors Every picture of a Native American Indian has a mysterious and secret meaning. The above picture of the Iowa Warrior is a point in case. The paint and symbols on his face had meaning and so did his choice of colors. What was the significance and meaning of colors used by Native Americans? There were so many tribes of Native American Indians it is only possible to generalise the most common Meaning of Colors of the paint they used. The following Meaning of colors chart provides generalized details of each paint color, its significance and its symbolism.
Meaning of Colors Chart - Meanings of Face and War Paint Colors
Color
Meaning of Colors of Face Paint
Meaning of Colors of War Paint
Black
Victory and Success
Power, Aggression & Strength
Red
Faith, Beauty and Happiness
War, Blood, Violence & Energy
White
Sharing, Peace, Purity and Light
Mourning
Yellow / Orange
Intellect and Determination
Willing to fight to the Death
Green
Nature, Harmony and Healing
Endurance and Vision
Blue
Wisdom and Intuition
Confidence
Purple
A sacred color and symbolised power, mystery and magic
Color
Meaning of Colors of Face Paint
Meaning of Colors of War Paint
Color Meanings Chart
Meaning of Colors on Sacred Sticks The meaning of colors, ornamentation, and painted decorations used to adorn sacred Prayer sticks and Talking Sticks also had special meanings and were chosen for the attributes of the colors and how these might influence the outcome of an important event.
Blue symbolized: Intuition, Prayer, Wisdom
Black meaning : Clarity, focus, success and victory
Red symbolized : Life, Faith and Happiness
White meaning : Sharing, Purity, Spirit and Light
Yellow symbolized : Knowledge and courage
Orange symbolized : Kinship, Intellect and Determination
Green meaning : Nature, Harmony and Healing
Purple symbolized : Power, mystery and magic
Meaning of Colors on Totem Poles Totem Poles are sculptures carved into large tress by the indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast of North America. The making of Totem Poles encompassed wood carving and painting. The meaning of colors on Totem Poles are detailed on the following chart.
Meaning of Colors on Totem Poles
Color
Meaning of Colors of Face Paint
Black
Power and Strength
Red
Blood, war & bravery
White
Purity, peace, and death
Yellow
Symbol of the sun symbolizing light and happiness
Green
Represents Nature - the hills, Colors and mountains
Blue
Rivers, oceans, lakes & sky - Symbolizes sincerity and happiness
Purple
Symbolizes reverence, and distant mountains
Color
Meaning of Colors of Face Paint
Meaning of Colors on Totem Poles
Meaning of Colors - The Medicine Wheel The Circle of Life, is often depicted in the Medicine Wheel which contains color meanings and symbolism. The circle and the four equal parts and colors of the medicine wheel represent the lifespan of man and its colors and meanings are as follows:
Birth is represented by the color red
Growth is represented by the color yellow
Maturity is represented by the color black
Death is represented by the color white
The colors and symbolism of the Medicine Wheel also represent the four qualities of a balanced life:
The Spiritual life is represented by the color red
Emotional life is represented by yellow
The Physical life is represented by black
The Intellect is represented by white
Meaning of Colors
Meaning of Colors and interpretation
Native American Meaning of colors
Meaning, symbolism and interpretation of the Meaning of colors
Interesting facts and info for kids and schools
Meaning of Colors
Native American Meaning of Colors for kids
Pictures and Videos of Native Americans The Meaning of Colors. Discover the vast selection of pictures which relate to the History of Native Americans and illustrate many symbols used by American Indians. The pictures show the clothing, war paint, weapons and decorations of various Native Indian tribes that can be used as a really useful educational history resource for kids and children of all ages. We have included pictures and videos to accompany the main topic of this section - the Meaning of Colors. The videos enable fast access to the images, paintings and pictures together with information and many historical facts. All of the articles and pages can be accessed via the Native Indian Tribes Index - a great educational resource for kids.
