"I think it pisses God off if you walk by the color purple in a field somewhere and don't notice it." (Alice Walker)
The Greek legend
An old legend tells us about the color purple "argaman". The story is about the Greek god, Hercules, and his lover (a mermaid), that walked along the beach together with their dog. The dog found a small conch shell, and bit the snail out with its teeth, leaving his mouth stained with the color "argaman." The mermaid then asked Hercules to use the same color for her dress otherwise he would not be able to see her again. Hercules, wanting to fulfill her wish, began collecting many shells...
The color of the upper class
In ancient Greece they used to produce purple coloring from snails. It was considered a luxury reserved only for the very wealthy. Thousands of snails were required in order to produce this color. For this reason purple remains a symbol of wealth in present times.
In the Roman Empire, Julius Caesar proclaimed that only the emperor could wear this color. During the time of Emperor Nero the mere selling of this color became an offence punishable by death.
In the west It symbolizes monarchs and sovereign authority.
In South America at one time this color was a symbol of pride and splendor.
Portraits of the XVIII European aristocrats in purple ( img source)
Cleopatra - Elizabeth Taylor, Caesar - Rex Harrison, "Cleopatra" (img source)
Elizabeth - Cate Blanchett, "The Golden Age" (img source)
Victoria - Emily Blunt, "Young Victoria" (img source)
Jokers Jack Nicholson, "Batman" and Heath Ledger, "The Dark Knight" (img source)
Disney's villains (img source)
The color of mourning
In England, during the Tudor dynasty, the color purple signified mourning and also the color used by liturgy in religious events. In 1782 George Washington devised the first badge of military merit. It was in the shape of a purple heart. In 1932 this badge was revived and awarded to soldiers who were either wounded or died in service.
What does the Purple look says about you?
In the Tanach (Jewish scriptures), when using the term "argaman" the reference is to a woolen fabric that is dyed with purple coloring.
The color that compliments everyone.
The color purple that verges on pink fuchsia blends very well with cooler colors.
But the warm purple color is best suited for warmer colors.
In order to attain an elegant look it is possible to combine purple with a hue of eggplant tones together with black or dark blue colors.
In order to attain a youthful, exuberant look, lilac colors are the most compatible.
Jewelry that suites the purple look
- When wearing cooler purple colors, then jewelry made fromwhite metals such as silver is very complimenting.
- When wearing warmer purple colors, then jewelry made from yellow and red gold, including copper is most flattering.
- Jewelry made from cream tone pearls will suit the purple look.
- Wearing colorful jewelry and using purple clothing as a background will accentuate those jewels and make them pop.
- Jewelry made from purple stones or other purple materials which differ slightly from the color tone of your clothing.
Purple Jewelry
These jewels are made from gemstones or other purple colored materials. From a spiritual perspective it is believed that this color will enhance your intuition. If you need to make an important decision you may want to wear a piece of jewelry bearing purple tones and see what happens...
Purple gemstones
From a spiritual point of view those stones are associated with granting understanding and patience, balancing your inner energy, and spiritual awakening. The color purple is the color of the Third Eye Chakra.
