Orange (colour)

Kleurenovergang van rood naar geel

Doritos

Single wrapped slice of processed cheese

Countries with orange on their flags

Orange is a color that is located between red and yellow on the spectrum of visible light. Human eyes perceive orange when observing light with a dominant wavelength between roughly 585 and 620 nanometers. In painting and traditional color theory, it is a secondary color of pigments, created by mixing yellow and red. It is named after the fruit of the same name.

Etymology

The word orange derives from the Old French word orenge, which came from the Old Italian narancia, and was originally derived from the Arabic nāranj, and ultimately from the Sanskrit nāraṅgaḥ, meaning orange tree. The first recorded use of orange as a color name in English was in 1512, in a will now filed with the Public Record Office.

In nature and culture

Orange is a very visible color, so it is often used to attract attention, such as in road signs and advertising. It is also associated with autumn and the harvest, due to the color of the leaves and the season when orange fruits and vegetables are most abundant. Orange has a very high visibility, so it is also used to signal caution, for example in life vests, prisoner uniforms, and other instances where high visibility is needed.

In Hinduism and Buddhism, orange is a sacred color associated with the third chakra, which represents energy and enthusiasm. Similarly, in Western cultures, orange is often associated with creativity, joy, and vibrancy.

Shades and variations

There are many different shades and variations of orange, including amber, which is a more yellowish-orange; burnt orange, which has a bit more red in it; and peach, which is a softer and more pastel shade. Each shade evokes different feelings and associations, and they are used in different contexts to achieve different effects.

Use in design and art

In design and art, orange is used to draw attention and evoke a sense of energy and vitality. It can be used as an accent color to provide contrast or to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. In the Renaissance and Baroque periods, artists used orange to create a sense of depth and to attract the viewer’s eye.

Symbolism

Orange is a color of liberation, from the chains of oppression and the solemnity of tradition. It encourages freedom of thought and respect for mutual differences. It symbolizes balance, warmth, enthusiasm, vibrant energy, and a positive outlook on life.

In politics and religion

In politics, orange has been associated with movements and parties advocating for change and reform. The use of orange in religious contexts often symbolizes joy and happiness, and is used in festivals and celebrations.

See also

• Color wheel
• Complementary color
• Primary color
• Secondary color