The Lighter Side of Dark
Since time immemorial the color black has always been associated with negativity. “Black” shadow of death, “black” money,” black” magic. Somehow every wrong aspect of life inevitably earns the adjective black. Ever wondered about the positive side of this color? Let us have a look at the lighter side of this dark color.
Black color has always been an epitome of mystery and charm. The color black symbolizes curiosity -the yearn to learn more.
It is also a sign of protest. Just like the black circle against a white background became a symbol of a silent yet violent protest in the “Nirbhaya case”.
The color black has great mythological significance as well. In context of Hinduism Goddess Kali -the slayer of evils is the greatest symbol of power. Her name literally translates into” The Black Goddess”. Ancient Egyptians highly regarded the color black as Anubis the god of underworld took the form of a black jackal to offer protection against evil to the dead. The Egyptians considered black a lucky color because it was the color of the rich fertile black soil flooded by the river Nile.
The world of art is incomplete without the color black. If there would have been no black color none of the colors would have got their depth. Vincent Van Gogh, the great artist used black color to outline his paintings. This color is so powerful that it recedes into the background and enhances other colors yet it does not lose its significance.
The fashion world also acknowledges the fact that black clothes impart a slimmer figure.Also, it is a color of professionalism.
People do not realize the psychological influence this color has in their lives. A melancholic person always seeks the shelter of darkness. The darkness gives them the assurance that it will absorb all their pain and agony. Even psychological studies state that this color gives protection from emotional stress. It evokes the sense of potential and possibility.
Aren’t the seeds of hatred towards this color sown right from childhood when parents narrate bed time stories in which a “Kala”Rakshas is eventually killed? Why is evil always depicted by the color black? Doesn’t this indirectly lead to the development of a racist attitude in the tender minds of children? Apartheid, slavery and unfair treatment of Indians in Australia were the repercussions of such racist approach which still humiliate humanity.
So we guess it is time to break free of the stereotypical attitude towards darkness. After all “it is our light not our darkness that most frightens us”.
(Co -written with Navodita Kandari)
Published on 26 April 2014
Originally published at http://throughdlukinglass.blogspot.com.
