Colour has been investigated and used for more than 2000 years throughout history
Many different civilizations have experimented, and have learned and used colour. We are still learning today about how colour affects us all and its importance in our lives.
Earliest Times of Colour
The ancient Egyptians have been recorded to have been using colour for cures and ailments. They worshipped the sun, knowing that without light there can be no life. They looked at nature and copied it in many aspects of their lives. The floors of their temples were often green - as the grass which then grew alongside their river, the Nile. Blue was a very important colour to the Egyptians too; the colour of the sky. They built temples for healing and used gems (crystals) through which the sunlight shone. They would have different rooms for different colours. We could perhaps relate our present methods of colour/light therapy to this ancient practice.
There are lists on papyrus dating back to 1550 BC of colour "cures". Their deep knowledge and understanding of the healing powers of the colour rays was nearly lost when, later on in history, the Greeks considered colour only as a science. Hippocrates abandoned the metaphysical side of colour, concentrating only on the scientific aspect. Fortunately, knowledge of colour was passed down through the ages by a few.
The Chinese also apparently practiced Colour Healing. The Nei/ching, 2000 years old, records colour diagnoses.
Early Colour Studies
Some of the early studies and theories about light were done by Aristotle. He discovered that by mixing two colours, a third is produced. He did this with a yellow and blue piece of glass, which when brought together produced green. He also discovered that light travels in waves. Plato and Pythagoras also studied light.
The Middle Ages
During the Middle Ages, Paracelsus reintroduced the knowledge and philosophy of colour using the power of the colour rays for healing along with music and herbs. Unfortunately, he was ridiculed and many of his manuscripts were burnt. Today, he is considered a pioneering doctor and healer, very much ahead of his time.
Isaac Newton (1642 - 1727)
A pioneer in the field of colour, Isaac Newton in 1672 published his first controversial paper on colour, and forty years later, his work 'Opticks'. Newton passed a beam of sunlight through a prism. When the light came out of the prism it was not white but was of seven different colours: Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo and Violet. This spreading into rays was called dispersion. He learnt that passing the rays through a prism again turned them back into white light.
Modern Day Thinking
We are now aware of the effect of light deprivation on people suffering Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) during winter. Today, we can freely choose and buy products of any colour. Historically, pigments like violet/purple were expensive, reserved for the wealthy, like Roman officials. Wearing black, which dominated certain historical periods, can enhance other colours and provide space for reflection.
Before the last war, red was prominent, symbolizing courage and pioneering spirit. Later, pale blue became popular as an omen of peace and healing.
The Future of Colour
We are now using colour in very positive ways again. Businesses optimize work environments, hospitals and prisons consider its effect on occupants, and cosmetic companies have 'colour therapy' ranges. Colour has a great deal to offer and is found all around us in nature. Expanding our awareness of colour can make it a way of life, not just a therapy.