14 Spiritual Meanings of Color White, Symbolism, & Psychology
Different cultures, traditions, and religions often give different symbolic meanings to each color. Likewise, people perceive colors differently on different occasions. In addition, every individual’s experience with different colors is diverse.
In this article, we will try to cover the most common symbolic and spiritual meanings ascribed to the color white, along with its representation in different scenarios. So, stay connected.
Purity, virtue, innocence, and delicacy are among the attributes of the color white. It brings a relenting, calming, balancing, purifying, and clarifying effect. Positive traits include being clean, elegant, simple, and good. Negative qualities include being bland, cold, empty, and baseless.
Key Takeaways
What Does Color White Mean?
The color white is the lightest color that is visible to human eyes. This color is made up of a combination of all other colors and has no hue (achromatic).
White is considered a neutral color because it can be used in any design. It can also be combined with other colors to create more vibrant and colorful designs.
Objects that are white, such as snow, milk, chalk, paper, or cotton, reflect all visible light waves and scatter them equally. This is why white objects appear bright and evenly lit in a room.
Black objects, on the other hand, absorb almost all of the light rays that hit them and can appear darker than white objects.
In digital displays, such as computers and television, the color white is created by a mixture of red, blue, and green light. White pigments, especially titanium dioxide, are responsible for this color.
According to color psychology and spirituality, the color white is often used to represent purity or cleanliness, lightness, and innocence.
White Color Psychology
All wavelengths of visible light are included in white. It is a mixing of all the best attributes of the different colors in the spectrum, containing both the positive and the negative effects of each of them.
Based on color psychology, white is believed to possess the following characteristic features and meanings.
1) Sterility
The color white is often used in hospitals and by hospital workers to create a sense of sterility. White is also the color of medical uniforms and surgical drapes. It is believed that the color white symbolizes purity and cleanliness.
2) Purity and Virginity
Different cultures have their own unique meanings for colors, and this is especially true when it comes to wedding attire.
A bride’s wearing of white usually signifies her purity and virginity, while blue was once considered to carry these meanings for a bride.
Today, there are many different color choices that brides can make to reflect their individual personalities and styles.
3) Spaciousness
The color white is often associated with spaciousness and emptiness. Rooms painted completely in white can seem spacious, but can be empty and unfriendly if not used properly.
Paintings and other decorations in a room should be chosen to complement the color of the walls, instead of using a predominately white color.
4) Freshness and Safety
Many popular brands such as HP, Volkswagen, Starbucks, Levi’s, Ford, and many others use the color white for their business. White is used in marketing and branding to convey feelings of safety, purity, freshness, and cleanliness. It is also used to create contrast.
Positive Features and Meanings
White has many positive meanings, from purity to freshness. It’s associated with things like new beginnings and cleanliness, which makes it a great choice for wedding dresses and other celebratory outfits.
In the business world, white can symbolize efficiency and order, while in the home it can denote simplicity and calm.
Negative Features and Meanings
The color white has few negative connotations, often associated with coldness, isolation, and starkness. In some cultures, white is also often seen as a symbol of death and mourning.
What Does the Color White Mean Spiritually?
The color white has a spiritual meaning for many people. Many cultures have their own interpretation of what colors represent, and white is no exception.
In many spiritual traditions, white symbolizes purity, innocence, and the divine. It’s also often associated with light and knowledge.
Some believe that white represents the soul, while others believe it symbolizes the heart. Whatever your beliefs may be, there’s no denying that white has a variety of spiritual meanings.
The color white carries both positive and negative spiritual meanings and connotations. In some belief systems, white represents purity, innocence, and new beginnings.
On the other hand, in some cultures and religions, white represents death, mourning, and coldness. Consequently, wearing or using white in a religious or spiritual context can have different meanings for different people.
Positive Spiritual Meanings of Color White
The color white is believed to represent the following positive spiritual traits or characteristic features.
1) Purity
Many brides in Western societies wear white bridal gowns at their weddings for two reasons. First, in keeping with a relatively conservative, established school of thought, it is considered natural and healthy for women to be virgins and pure at the time of marriage.
While love is looked upon as the purest institution in the world, it is most frequently defined as a partnership between a man and a woman who are also committed to one another.
Numerous principles and virtues of purity, innocence, virginity and fidelity are typically ingrained in relationships that incorporate couples.
2) Peace and Calmness
When it comes to colors, white is generally considered the most neutral of all. This makes it a great choice for everything from bedrooms to boardrooms.
But beyond its practical applications, there’s something special about white that has spiritual significance as well. It is the color of peace and calmness.
For example, the followers of Hinduism consider a pair of white pigeons a messenger of peace.
3) Knowledge, Wisdom, and Truth
In Eastern culture, the color white is often seen as a color of knowledge, wisdom, and truth.
For example, the followers of Hinduism worship Saraswati, a Goddess of Wisdom and Knowledge. White is the favorite color of Lord Saraswati. She is often depicted as a beautiful woman dressed in pure white.
4) Cleanliness
Spiritually and psychologically, we associate white with being pure. This is evident in the products sold to us. Soap, shampoo, conditioners, and other household products are packed in a white bottle to show their cleanliness and how unique they are.
White clothes, papers, and towels are some examples of what we believe are clean when they are white, and any stain or dirt is clearly visible in the white background of these items.
5) Balance and Harmony
In the meantime, white is considered by psychology enthusiasts to be a neutral element. For this reason, we assign it the meaning of balance, which means that it is neutral in and of itself. White holds the full range of colors in its spectrum; in other words, it is balanced in itself.
Not just that, the color white is an equal balance of every color. Raising or lowering its hues with another color and it is no longer white.
6) Spiritual Protection and Healing
The light radiating from white helps us preserve our emotions and promote our peace of mind. It is effective at cleansing our minds and invigorating our thoughts.
In environments primarily composed of white hues, your soul will be renewed, and your body will be protected. White colors are attributed to being benign. They ward off invaders and purify their environments, making them esteemed.
7) Divinity
The “divine” is often realized as a mental illustration of light that provokes a sensation of wholeness or completion deep within (a notion related to the similar feeling induced by meditation). To connote the color white, the spiritual realm turns to it as a synonym for light.
Thus, white light is believed to be the most prolific with respect to the other colors. Commonly seen in the images of divine beings, God’s beard or white garments, angels’ wings, or in real life, the most spiritual beings are seen surrounded by a white light.
According to Hindu beliefs, the dead body is wrapped in a white sheet as a soul transitions into light after death, with light being represented by the color white.
The ideal shade of the highest magnitude of the soul is white, which represents spiritual purity at its very zenith. No muddling, murky shades, or gray shades intact from interfering with its capability and perception to connect with divine power.
8) Joy, Faith, and Hope
White is thought of as sacred and a symbol of faith in the Christian communities, and in the Wiccan religion, it is the color most closely associated with spiritual practice and making contact with God.
The Color white is also the color of joy and tranquility, and it can be used to foster these feelings in someone else or in a group. Similarly, doves, which are a symbol of hope, are typically white.
9) New Beginning, Renewal, or Rebirth
Since white is an indicator of promising opportunities ahead, it reminds us that we should keep an open mind. White is the canvas that informs us that we are what it takes to be successful, so early opportunities should not be allowed to go unutilized.
White serves to remind us that we are capable of letting us be our best selves. A powerful message, it encourages us to become better even when we do not realize it. White only asks us to fulfill our capabilities.
Only by walling away old and unpleasant thoughts from your mind, can you prepare yourself to make brand-new, happier beginnings. Thus, white is somewhat regarded by others as a color known to symbolize a fresh start.
If you want to see yourself from a new perspective and relinquish your outdated, childish self, be sure to grab a white garment from your closet.
10) Open-Mindedness
Due to the skill-based judgmental characteristics of the color white, it will never condemn you for your wrongdoings through harsh criticism. In fact, white encourages you to reflect on your own mistakes so that you may grow and learn.
White knows how to be a friend on the path of self-exploration, so it provides patience and guidance. With assistance from the color white, we become capable of blossoming to a fuller degree of being.
Negative Symbolisms and Representations of White Color
The color white is believed to symbolize or represent the following negative spiritual traits or characteristic features.
1) Coldness or Unfriendliness
Color white negative meaning can be coldness and unfriendliness. It is often used to describe people who are unapproachable, aloof, and unyielding.
It also indicates the coldness of one’s soul or the lack of personality. It can also signify a partner’s unwillingness to compromise or deal with conflict.
2) Emptiness
According to some, the white color is symbolic of emptiness and can be viewed as a negative representation.
The reason for this is that white is the color of neutrality, which can be seen as a lack of emotion. Additionally, it is the color of snow and ice, two things that are often considered cold and lifeless.
3) Boring and Plain
Interestingly, many people believe that white is one of the most boring colors to wear. This is likely due to the fact that it is often associated with being plain and having no personality.
4) Sterility
The color white is often viewed as sterile or clinical in nature. This is due to the fact that white is the predominant color seen in medical settings. White can be a calming and soothing color, but it can also be intimidating and clinical.
Color White Spiritual Meaning and Symbolism in the Bible
What is the prophetic or biblical meaning of the color white according to the holy scripture?
In the Bible, white is typically associated with purity, things that are good, innocence, honesty, and cleanliness. Today, in society, white is typically associated with these same qualities.
According to biblestudy.org, white is the most frequently mentioned color (79 times) in the New Testament, whereas it is the third most cited color in the Old Testament, after the color blue (50 times) and red color (47 times). (source)
In the Bible, the color white is used to represent purity, righteousness, wisdom, holiness, God’s dedication, or joy.
These are the sections of the Bible containing the meanings of the color white. (Daniel 7:9, Matthew 17:2, Mark 9:3, Luke 9:29, Revelation 1:12 – 14, 6:11, 19:8, 20:11, Revelation 6:2, Daniel 11:35, 12:10, Psalm 51:7, Isaiah 1:18, Revelation 3:18, 7:9, 13 – 14, Revelation 1:14, 2Chronicles 5:12, Mark 16:5, John 20:12, Acts 1:10, Revelation 4:4, 19:14, Ecclesiastes 9:8).
According to Revelation, two horses, which claim to be prophetic, are clearly white and represent truth and righteousness.
This is the essence made from a number of commentaries (Adam Clarke’s Commentary, JFB Bible Commentary, etc.). What you realize is that this and other similar prophetic steeds belong to God.
Color White Spiritual Meaning in Different Cultures
Color has always been a powerful tool for influencing our emotions and behavior. However, the way we associate different colors with different emotions and behaviors is far from universal. In fact, the spiritual meaning of the colors is very diverse in different cultures.
For example, in some cultures, the color white is considered the color of purity, while in others it is associated with death and mourning.
1) Western Cultures
A white dress is often seen as the most traditional and respectable wedding dress. In Western cultures, white symbolizes purity, peace, cleanliness, and virginity, which is why brides usually wear a white dress on their wedding day.
White has always been considered the color of innocence, so it makes sense that this would be the color most commonly chosen for a wedding gown.
2) Eastern Cultures
According to Eastern cultural beliefs, white represents mourning. To enter into a new life, one must shed the old and enter into a new phase. In East Asian cultures, wearing white signifies that one has completed the mourning process.
The color also signifies purity and innocence. It is said that when a person dies, their soul leaves their body and travels to the Heavens in a white garment. In some cases, it is also viewed as a sign of respect for the dead.
3) In Hinduism (esp. in Nepal and India)
In Hinduism, the sons of the deceased parents should wear white clothes without touching anybody for 13 days after the death of their parents.
After this death ritual (Kriya ceremony), sons and the widows of the dead men have to use only white clothes for 1 year, and they are not allowed to eat outside and should maintain purity and cleanliness.
The follower of Om Shanti (Brahma Kurami), the sub-branch of the Hindu religion, also wear white clothes throughout their lives to maintain peace of mind, and purity. (source)
4) Brazil
On New Year’s Eve in Brazil, women traditionally wear a special type of white dress that is believed to represent peace and purity. It is believed that the white cloth will bring happiness and prosperity in the new year.
5) Peru
In Peru, white is related to good health and angels. The Peruvian people have a long history of associating white with purity and goodness. This tradition has influenced the country’s culture and beliefs, which continue to this day.
Many Peruvians believe that white protects them from bad luck and negative energy. They also believe that angels inhabit white spaces and that by living in a white house or wearing white clothes, they can attract these divine beings into their lives.
6) China
Death is depicted in Western cultures using black. However, within the Chinese traditional attribute system, death is symbolized by white.
In any case, it is a distinctive contrast to the concepts that underlie Western culture. A bridal dress, for example, is usually white. This signifies purity.
The Chinese perceive white as one of the unluckiest colors. It is one that they associate with death and mourning, so it’s the color they wear at funerals. (source)
7) Japan
When paired with red, white is a color that symbolizes both mourning and celebration in Japan. White is the color of purity and innocence, making it especially symbolic when paired with red.
Initially, white was only worn at funerals to show respect for the deceased. However, as society has evolved and changed, so has the way in which white is used.
Today, white can be worn at any time to show respect or admiration for something or someone. (source)
Color White as the Chakra Color
In the chakra system, the color white is associated with the seventh chakra or crown chakra. This chakra energizes our spiritual side by connecting with our inner self and our connection to the infinite.
When we inquire into what life is all about, what happens after we die, what is our purpose, etc., we are focused on the energy which is located in the crown chakra.
The highest form of experience revealed by the crown chakra encourages an awareness of ourselves and the outside world at higher elevations.
The Crown chakra sits at the top of the chakra system. Located at the crown of the head, this chakra relates to mystical thinking, awareness, oneness, and unconditional love. Activating the crown chakra is the last component needed before entering a heightened sense of consciousness.
Meaning, Symbolism, and Representation of Shades of White
Although white color lacks pure shades or hues, the impure shades or variations of the color white are employed in a variety of ways in art and design. They can represent neutrality, cleanliness, innocence, or purity. They can also represent daylight or the sun.
1) Ivory
The ivory color is a warm hue that can represent the pureness of white with the added warmth of yellow. It is often used to represent elegant and sophisticated characteristics, making it a popular color choice for garments and accessories.
2) Pewter
Pewter is an impure hue of white color that retains the seriousness and neutrality of gray. It is a great color to use when you want to show that you are professional, but don’t want to be too flashy or attention-grabbing. Pewter can also be a good color to use if you want to make a more conservative or traditional statement.
3) Beige
This impure shade of white retains the meaningful properties of both white and brown colors. It carries the warmth of brown and the lightness of white color.
Beige is a color that is often overlooked, but it has a lot to offer. It is a warm color that is comfortable and relaxing, and it can be versatile depending on the situation.
Beige can be used to create a variety of different looks, and it can be paired with other colors to create more interesting combinations.
4) Snow White
The hue of snow white is often associated with purity and innocence. It has been said that the color represents the soul of a woman and that it is an ideal color for a bride. Additionally, it is thought to bring peace, calmness, and happiness.
5) Eggshell White
The eggshell white color is one of the most spiritual colors in the world. The color has been used throughout history to represent purity, innocence, and spirituality. Many cultures believe that the eggshell white color represents the souls of newborn babies.
Color White in Dream Spiritual Meaning
There are many different spiritual meanings of the color white in a dream. For some people, it can symbolize purity and innocence. For others, it may represent light and truth.
In some cases, it may represent new beginnings or a time of peace. No matter what the meaning, it’s always interesting to explore what the white color means to you personally.
White is frequently seen in a dream to represent the manifestation of justice, goodness, perfection, truth, or completeness of works.
To witness it can mean you have to examine something in real life. Things are related to your business or your inner world.
1) Being White in a Dream
According to dream books, if you were wrapped in white color in your dream, it may mean that you need to work on yourself in order to improve your life. The color white represents purity and innocence, so it may be indicative of a need for self-improvement.
If you’re struggling with something important in your life, dreaming about being wrapped in white may be a sign that you need to work on resolving that issue.
2) Irritating White Color in a Dream
If you dreamed of the irritating white color, it means that your life is sad and there are more disappointments than bright moments. It’s time to change things up and make some changes in your life.
If the dream was particularly upsetting, you may need to seek professional help. However, if you’re willing to make some changes and put in the effort, you can turn your life around.
3) Dull White Color in a Dream
If you see the dull white color in your dream, it means that you will have to face some life test, in front of which you will be weak.
This could mean that you will be forced to confront a difficult situation, or that you will need to rely on your strengths to get through it. Be prepared for the challenge, and don’t let the color dull your spirits.
4) White Paint on Ceiling Dream Meaning
In dreams, ceilings represent the uppermost part of a structure, which can symbolize society or the world. A white ceiling in a dream may suggest the restoration of broken friendships or the attainment of some goal. It can also indicate the imminent resolution of financial difficulty.
5) Dying Hair White in a Dream
Women often dye their hair in bright colors in dreams to symbolize the onset of favorable innovations that will bring joy and happiness. In this case, the dream interpreters promise many interesting meetings and a lot of positivity.
According to books dedicated to dreams, if a man was dying his hair black, white, or any other color, it suggests that he would lose his reputation or social position in the community.
He may face disgrace, failure of plans, deterioration of relations with family members, and a decrease in income.
6) White Objects, Animals, and Flowers in a Dream
Dreaming about white animals, objects, or flowers can symbolize joy, sublimity, and positive events. For example, dreaming about a white dove may represent the peace and purity that comes from having an inner life.
Alternatively, dreaming about a white tiger may reflect the power and majesty of a successful conqueror. Conversely, dreaming about a white rat may suggest fear or anxiety because of its association with pests.
Sometimes, when people have dreams about white flowers or clothes, it means that they are mourning. This is because white is the color of mourning in many cultures. It is often associated with sadness and grief.
White Gemstones and their Spiritual Meanings
White crystals can help you rid your home of negative energies. White crystals have magical cleansing, healing, and protective properties. A white crystal’s symbolic meaning is to connect with the moon and enhance spiritual energy.
Similarly, white gemstones are believed to aid to start new chapters, remove bias and earlier judgments, uncover the innocence in others, and remove emotional clutter and emotional conflicts.
Not only that, white holy crystals and stones infuse the surrounding energetic field with love and vibrations of the highest intention.
1) White Quartz
White quartz is used in crystal healing and high-vibration healing practices. It is a very good gem to create healing spells with. It’s also commonly used to purify your personal aura, enhance your energy field, and help you design your goals.
2) White Calcite
White calcite is utilized for protection and cleaning vibes. It can also enhance fidelity. It is said to be the stone of undying love and is used in spells to make fidelity last.
White calcite is a multipurpose cleansing and protection stone that’s valued for use in magic for purification, divination, fortune, money, and psychic talent.
3) Moonstone
The moonstone is a beautiful and spiritual stone, with many meanings. It is said to be a stone of intuition, feminine divine energy, and lunar energy. The moonstone is believed to help to connect you with your intuition and inner guidance.
Moonstone is a lunar mineral, popular in witchcraft for attracting money and inspiration. It can be included in enchantments to enchant living people to become devoted to you. Moonstone will help you achieve psychic ability and become linked to the spirit world.
4) White Mookaite
Are you looking for a powerful stone to help you invoke light and cleanse your body? If so, white mookaite is the perfect option!
This stone has been used in spells to protect and cleanse people for centuries. When you wear it, your energy field will be protected and cleansed.
If you are looking for a way to transform negative energy into positive in your magical practice, white mookaite rocks may be a good choice.
These stones have a long history of being used for this purpose, and their energies are believed to be protective and cleansing. You can use them in spellwork to attract good luck or ward off negative energy.
5) White Tourmaline
This is another powerful white gemstone with spiritual energy. White tourmaline can cleanse one’s body of negative energies and aid as a protective stone.
When you wear this stone, your body and mind will be free from various conditions and stored toxins. It can also enhance protection and easy healing.
6) Cryolite
Cryolite is a mineral that has been used for centuries for spiritual purposes. It is said to have the power to connect people with their divine nature. Cryolite is also said to help people connect with their soul contracts and sacred purpose.
7) Dolomite
Dolomite is a type of sedimentary rock made up of tiny, mineral-rich white crystals. It is found in many places around the world, including the United States. Dolomite has many spiritual meanings, including peace, focus, and meditation.
8) Selenite
Selenite is a type of white mineral that has many spiritual meanings. One of its most popular beliefs is that selenite can help open up connections to and communication with spirit. Selenite is also thought to be helpful in deterring negative energy and bringing good luck.
Final Words
In conclusion, white is a color that is often associated with purity and virginity. It has spiritual meaning and symbolism that varies depending on the culture.
In general, white represents new beginnings, hope, purity, and innocence. It can be used to represent a fresh start or a blank canvas. White is often used as a symbol of peace and serenity.
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