Meaning of the colour Green
‘Keep a green tree in your heart and perhaps the singing bird will come.’ – Lois Lowry
Green is the colour of Nature and Spring. It’s associated with healing, relaxation, well-being, hope and renewal.
It has strong connection with life, the life-cycle and motherhood.
For the ancient Egyptians, Green meant rebirth and regeneration because it was associated with the annual Nile floods. It was also used in their makeup as protection for both the living and the dead. Osiris, the sun-god, was often portrayed with a Green face as a metaphor for growth and rebirth. The scarab, symbol of rebirth was also painted Green.
In ancient Greek, old Chinese, Thai, old Japanese, and Vietnamese the words for Green and blue are the same, as Green was considered a shade of blue.
In ancient Rome, Green was the colour of Venus, goddess of love and garden fertility.
Green is the traditional colour of Islam because the prophet Mohammad used to wear Green and in the Qur’an it is said that those fortunate to live in paradise wear Green silk robes. It represents wisdom, knowledge, moderation and health.
Al Khadir, the venerable saint of Islam, is the Green man who became immortal after drinking from the fountain of youth.
In medieval and renaissance times, Green was the colour worn by wealthy merchants and bankers.
In both Irish and English folklore, Green is associated with faeries, leprechauns and spirits of Nature. The Green man, symbol of rebirth and growth, is a legendary being whose face is covered by leaves. He often appears peeking out of thick Green foliage and can be seen in carvings across Europe, Lebanon and Iraq. Similar representations can also be found in India, Borneo and Nepal.
For Hildegard von Bingen, the German saint and philosopher, Viriditas was the Divine Healing Power of Green, which brought together human and natural wellbeing.
Modern Chinese dragons are Green and their benevolent powers symbolise strength, good-luck and control over disruptive water elements like hurricanes, floods or storms.
Green has also been associated with monsters, dragons or evil in general. The most common association is jealousy, depicted as a Green eyed-monster in Shakespeare’s Othello.
In various cultures, Green is associated with hazard, chance, jealousy, envy and rage.
This colour has also negative associations like toxicity, poison and being unwell.
Green is considered bad luck: in the theatre because it made the actors less noticeable against the limelight; and in motor racing because of a historic bad accident involving a Green car.
In Feng Shui, bright Green is associated with East, ambition, confidence, self-esteem and enthusiasm
Green is the colour of Raphael, the Archangel of healing.
Green is the colour of Anahata, the Heart Chakra.
Green Crystals
Green crystals have a balancing and harmonising power. They offer optimism and inner peace and have a cleansing effect both physically and mentally. They help with imagination, vitality and stimulation.
They are not recommended where deeper calm or prolonged energy are needed.
Emerald
It’s used for inspiration, clarity, healing negativity, inner strength and balance.
crystal system: Hexagonal
Malachite
It assures protection and link to Earth, breaking unwanted habits, releasing traumas and being open to others. (Use carefully as it is poisonous!)
crystal system: Monoclinic
Jade
It promotes inner and outer harmony, insights, releasing negative thoughts and restores calm.
crystal system: Monoclinic
Olivine
It is indicated to detox body and mind, for self-growth, mental clarity and confidence.
crystal system: Orthorhombic
Moldavite
It’s recommended to balance your chakras, heal mental/psychological scars and help see the spiritual side.
crystal system: Amorphous