Theories Cognitive Psychology The Color Psychology of Orange By Kendra Cherry Kendra Cherry Facebook Twitter Kendra Cherry, MS, is an author and educational consultant focused on helping students learn about psychology. Learn about our editorial process Updated on October 06, 2021 Fact checked Verywell Mind content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Cara Lustik Fact checked by Cara Lustik LinkedIn Cara Lustik is a fact-checker and copywriter. Learn about our editorial process Print How does the color orange make you feel? Orange can be a very strong and energetic color. Like yellow and red, it can be very attention-grabbing, which is perhaps why it is often used in advertising. People often describe the color orange as bright, happy, and uplifting. In some cases, however, it can seem too bright and overwhelming. Much like purple, orange tends to be a controversial color. People tend to either love it or hate it. Verywell / Cindy Chung Orange Color Meaning and Psychology How does orange make you feel? Do you associate orange with certain qualities or situations? It is important to remember that the symbolism and associations of the color orange are not universal. Cultural differences often play a role in how people relate to color. In the United States, people might associate orange with prison uniforms, while in other countries, the color is linked to royalty and spirituality. The way we see orange used in the environment plays a major role in how we feel about it. If you associate the color with pleasant autumn evenings spent with family and friends, then you will likely have strong positive associations with the color. Orange Is Energetic Orange is often described as an energetic color. It may call to mind feelings of enthusiasm and excitement. Because orange is a high-energy color, many sports teams use orange in their uniforms, mascots, and branding. A 2018 study published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology found that orange was seen as an exciting color that could increase energy levels and make it more difficult to engage in difficult tasks such as studying. Another study found that the color orange was associated with feelings of playfulness and vibrancy. Orange Is Attention-Getting One study found that orange is considered a highly stimulating but friendly color. It is an attention-grabbing color that tends to stand out visually, which is why it is often used for traffic signs and advertising. Research has shown that longer-wavelength colors such as orange and red tend to induce higher levels of arousal. Orange Is Happy People also commonly describe the color orange as bright, happy, and joyful. Orange is the color of bright sunsets and fruits like oranges and tangerines, so many people might associate the color with the beauty of the setting sun or the refreshing taste of citrus. Research also suggests that consumers respond to the color orange in a number of different ways. It is perceived as a playful, friendly color when used in consumer marketing and products. Shoppers also tend to associate it with more inexpensive products. Orange Is Spiritual The color orange is often associated with spiritual practices including meditation and compassion. In Southeast Asia, Buddhist monks wear orange robes that symbolize simplicity and letting go of materialism. The tradition dates back thousands of years to the time of Buddha. Robes were often made using bits of unwanted cloth that were then dyed using vegetable matter and spices such as turmeric and saffron. Today, the garments are often referred to as saffron robes. Orange Is Autumnal Orange is also linked to autumn and the color of dying leaves and pumpkins. The color is also heavily linked to Halloween in the United States, so it can sometimes have a dark or even cartoonish association. Frequently Asked Questions What color complements orange? Complementary colors are those that are located directly opposite one another on the color wheel. The complementary color for orange is blue. What does the color orange mean in a dream? The content of dreams is most often a reflection of waking life. If the color orange features prominently in your dream, it might be an indicator of something that might be on your mind. Thinking about how the color makes you feel or what imagery or memories it evokes might offer you clues about what it means. Why is the color orange associated with Halloween? Halloween is an autumn holiday, the one time of year when the color orange is most abundant in nature. This natural association with things such as the changing of leaves, pumpkins, and fall harvest explains why orange is associated with Halloween. The Psychology of Colors 3 Sources Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Tham DSY, Sowden PT, Grandison A, et al. A systematic investigation of conceptual color associations. Journal of Experimental Psychology: General. 2020;149(7):1311-1332. doi:10.1037/xge0000703 Costa M, Frumento S, Nese M, Predieri I. Interior color and psychological functioning in a university residence hall. Front Psychol. 2018;9:1580. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01580 Patil D. Coloring consumer's psychology using different shades the role of perception of colors by consumers in consumer decision making process: A micro study of select departmental stores in Mubai City, India. Journal of Business and Management Research. 2012;7(1):60-73. By Kendra Cherry Kendra Cherry, MS, is an author and educational consultant focused on helping students learn about psychology. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit