Meaning of the colour White
‘Working in white makes people look into it. White is ethereal. There’s a purity to it, it makes things look elevated in a way. There’s a whole palette of white…’— Jonathan Milne, artist.
White is the colour of purity, cleanliness and innocence. It suggests clarity and balance. Associated with simplicity, graces and perfection, White promotes self-reflection, openness and support.
On the negative side White is seen as bland, boring, cold, clinical and distant.
It’s the colour of the Moon and some dwarf stars.
On the negative side White is seen as bland, boring, cold, clinical and distant.
White calcite or chalk as pigment has been used by humans since the Palaeolithic period.
In Ancient Egypt, White linen was associated with the goddess Isis, her priests and priestesses. White linen was also used for mummies. White represented death and corresponded to the barren desert.
For some civilisations, such as the Ancient Greeks, White was associated with mother’s milk.
In Post-Classicism, the White unicorn became the symbol of purity, chastity and grace and was often associated with virgins in portraits and tapestries.
In nature, White is the colour of snow, clouds, glaciers and sunlight. The White dove symbolises peace. White is also used by some animals as a form of camouflage, especially in winter, when their coats change to white: the Artic fox or the Snowshoe hare, for example.
White in Christianity is also a symbol of sacrifice and virtue. Popes have been wearing White since 1566, when a Dominican monk started the practice.
For Islam, White is the colour of the pilgrims’ clothing at Mecca.
In Judaism, during Yom Kippur – the ritual of atonement – the rabbi and the congregation wear White to restore the bond with God.
In the Japanese Shinto religion, brides wear white kimonos. White kimonos are also placed in the deceased’s coffin as symbols of death. The White gravelled areas in the niwa (gardens), are a representation of water, rivers or even waterfalls.
White is the colour of mourning in Korea, but in China and other Asian countries it also means reincarnation.
In India, White is the colour of divinity, serenity and purity.
White robes are destined only for the lama of the monastery in Tibetan Buddhism.
In Alchemy, Albedo, whiteness, is the stage where light and clarity are brought to the First Matter.
In Feng Shui, White represents innocence, purity, the element Metal, the Northeast and autumn. It is also associated with the masculine yang.
Gabriel, the Archangel of revelation is associated with this colour.
White is linked to the Crown and the higher chakras.
White Crystals
White crystals represent pure light and are pure energisers and cleansers. They can restore calm and order quickly.
They are not suggested if you need vitality, stimuli and energy.
Snow Quartz
It’s used to work on emotions, when feeling overwhelmed, when in need of inner cleansing and self-reflection.
crystal system: Hexagonal
Apophyllite
It helps to reduce stress, worries or anxiety, for self-introspection, to correct imbalances and remove blockages.
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Magnesite
It’s used to reduce both physical and mental stress, for self-care, to bring a positive attitude, self-love and respect.
crystal system: Hexagonal
Selenite
It aids clearing negative behaviours, for self-reflection and understanding, to stabilise emotions and gain perspective.
crystal system: Monoclinic
Stilbite
It’s helpful when opening to higher vibration, improving creativity, finding new life direction, when you need deeper inner cleansing.
crystal system: Monoclinic