Good luck is something we all strive for in life. We all want good fortune, success, and happiness. One way many cultures and traditions try to invite good luck is through colors. Certain colors are thought to attract positivity, prosperity, and blessing. So what is considered the luckiest color according to cultures and beliefs around the world? Here we will explore the history behind lucky colors and look at examples from different places.
Red
Red is commonly associated with good luck, success, and happiness in many cultures. In China, red is a traditional symbol of joy, prosperity and good fortune. There are several reasons behind this:
| In Chinese culture | Red symbolizes |
| Fire | Energy, warmth |
| The sun | Positive yang energy |
| Blood | Life force, vitality |
Chinese people traditionally wear red for important events like weddings, Chinese New Year, and birthdays. Red envelopes with money are given as gifts for good luck. People also decorate with red for protection and fortune. Red lanterns, banners, clothing, furniture and more fill homes and streets during Chinese New Year.
In Indian culture, red represents prosperity, fertility and beauty. Brides traditionally wear red wedding dresses. Red powder called ‘kumkum’ is used in rituals. Red tassels decorate wedding clothes to invite good luck. Red is part of religious ceremonies, festivals, weddings and special occasions.
The color red stimulates, excites, and motivates people. It raises pulse and blood pressure. So red can give a rush of energy and confidence. This invigorating quality of red relates to the concepts of vitality, luck and success.
Orange
Orange is another shade associated with good fortune. In Japan, orange tones are said to represent courage, friendliness and confidence. Ancient Japanese wore orange clothes to prevent evil spirits.
In India, orange symbolizes warmth, creativity and happiness. Orange flowers and fabrics decorate homes and wedding venues. Saffron-colored robes are worn by Hindu and Buddhist monks. Orange powder called sindoor indicates a married woman. Orange is a holy, auspicious color for religions across India.
The vibrant, energetic hue of orange is believed to attract good luck in parts of the Middle East as well. Orange can energize, inspire and increase optimism. Many people feel more joyful surrounded by warm orange tones. The color relates to adventure, trying new things, and social communication.
Yellow
Yellow has multiple positive meanings across cultures. In Egypt, yellow conveys vitality and gold was called the “flesh of the Gods” because it never tarnished. Yellow sunflowers symbolized loyalty and faithfulness.
In some Native American tribes, yellow represented harvest, bounty and home. Cows were covered in yellow dust before rituals. Yellow corn pollen was used as a blessing. Some chiefs wore yellow feathers and clothes.
In Mexico, yellow symbolizes sun, corn, fertility and prosperity. Yellow paper decorations are used to invite good fortune. Yellow flowers like marigolds are part of Day of the Dead celebrations.
In parts of India, yellow or golden turmeric is considered highly auspicious. Yellow clothes are worn during spring festivals like Vasant Panchami. Yellow flowers, foods and powder pigments are used in rituals for health and luck.
The sunny, joyful energy of yellow can uplift moods. Yellow activates memory, original thought and inquisitiveness. It relates to optimism, confidence and self-esteem. This makes it a color of inspiration, wisdom and good cheer.
Green
Green has symbolic meaning in Islam. It was believed to be Prophet Mohammed’s favorite color. Many mosques feature green interiors, and green is also used in flags of some Islamic countries. Green represents nature, growth, harmony and safety.
In Celtic culture, green stood for fertility, abundance and prosperity. The mythical ‘little people’ known as leprechauns are always depicted wearing green. Their four leaf clovers also became symbols of Irish luck.
In parts of Asia, green is connected to wind and wood energy. Green jade pendants are thought to attract wealth and success. Green is also sometimes linked to prosperity in the United States.
The color green promotes balance and growth. It can increase focus, intuition and insight. There is a sense of renewal, vigor and freshness associated with lush greens. Healing green tones are said to reduce anxiety and encourage open-heartedness.
Gold
Gold is universally associated with wealth, affluence and material success. It represents abundance. In ancient Egypt, gold was called the skin of the sun gods, indicating divine beauty and eternal value. Gold has an aura of royalty, luxury and prestige.
Across Europe, gold was seen as a symbol of fortune and triumph. Medieval art depicted celestial beings with golden halos and golden crowns. Kings, queens and emperors wore golden jewelry and embellishments. Gold thread and fabrics decorated palaces.
In China, golden objects symbolized advancement, accomplishment and good luck. Yellow-gold was believed to bring wealth. Chinese New Year decorations and clothing often featured golden hues. Yin energy was associated with gold metal.
The precious metal of gold is difficult to tarnish or destroy, so it came to represent longevity, perfection and immortality. The rich, glamorous color gold simply exudes success, achievement and prosperity. Gold tones uplift, inspire and boost confidence.
Conclusion
There are many shades considered lucky across cultures. Vibrant hues like red, orange and yellow connect to vitality, warmth, prosperity and wisdom. Green relates to nature’s bounty and growth. The richness of gold tone universally symbolizes material success.
Each color has unique symbolic meanings and qualities. But in general, bright, energetic colors are seen as lucky, while darker, muted shades may be perceived as unlucky. Surrounding ourselves with positive, uplifting hues that increase optimism, relaxation or concentration can help attract good fortune.
So while specific lucky colors may vary by culture, the sense of hope, inspiration and positivity they instill is universal. Colors that lift our mood and energy can invite the brightness of opportunity, fortune and blessings into our lives. Choosing colors mindfully with intention can become part of inviting the luck we seek.
