Blue is a popular color that is associated with many names and meanings. In this article, we will explore the history, symbolism, and names related to the color blue.
Meaning and Symbolism of Blue
Throughout history, the color blue has carried many symbolic meanings. Here are some of the common associations with blue:
- Calmness – Blue evokes feelings of calmness, peace, and tranquility.
- Confidence – Blue can represent confidence, trust, and stability.
- Wisdom – Dark blue is linked to wisdom, intelligence, and truth.
- Sadness – Feeling “blue” refers to feeling sadness or depression.
- Masculinity – Blue is seen as a masculine color in many cultures.
- Tranquility – Light blue can indicate tranquility, understanding, and softness.
- Spirituality – Blue has spiritual connotations in many religions and cultures.
- Royalty – Historically, blue dyes were rare and expensive, so blue became associated with royalty.
- Nature – Blue calls to mind images of the sky and sea.
- Coldness – Blue can give the impression of coldness or frigidity.
As you can see, blue has accrued a wide range of symbolic meanings across history. Many of these associations stem from the rarity and cost of blue dyes in the ancient world. The difficultly in producing blue fabrics and art gave it an air of exclusivity.
Blue in Language and Expressions
The color blue has influenced language and popular sayings over the years. Here are some common English idioms and expressions using the word blue:
- “Out of the blue” – Something unexpected that occurs suddenly.
- “Blue moon” – A rare event or occurrence.
- “Blue blood” – Being of noble birth or from royalty.
- “Blue chip” – A stock with a reputation for quality, reliability, and ability to operate profitably in good and bad times.
- “Blue ribbon” – A prize or honor, originating from blue ribbons awarded for first place in some competitions.
- “Blue in the face” – To become so angry or frustrated as to affect your health.
- “Blue comedy” – Comedy acts or material focused on vulgar or risqué humor.
- “Blue laws” – Laws prohibiting certain secular activities on Sundays.
- “Blue pencil” – The editing or censorship of written material.
This shows how ingrained the color blue has become in the English vernacular. The persistence of these sayings is a testament to the broad cultural associations of blue in the Western world.
Blue Pigments and Dyes
Much of the symbolism around blue stems from the historically high cost and low availability of blue dyes and pigments. Here are some key facts about the development of blue colorants:
- Ultramarine – Made from the mineral lapis lazuli, ultramarine was the finest and most expensive blue pigment used by Renaissance painters.
- Indigo – One of the first blue dyes, indigo comes from several plants but was especially valued from the species Indigofera tinctoria.
- Prussian blue – An important early synthetic blue pigment created around 1706, made with ferrous ferrocyanide salts.
- Phthalocyanine blue – A modern pigment discovered in the 1930s and widely used for its stability and color intensity.
The exorbitant cost of ultramarine, made from rare lapis lazuli imported from Afghanistan, meant it was reserved for only the most luxurious commissions and important subjects in medieval and Renaissance art. Other early blue dyes like indigo and woad were cheaper but still valued for their rarity and durability.
It was not until the 18th and 19th centuries that synthetic blue pigments and dyes became more affordable and widespread. The development of Prussian blue, cobalt blue, and artificial ultramarine expanded the availability and applications of blue colorants.
Famous People Named Blue
Though blue is an uncommon first name, there are a few well-known people named Blue throughout history. Here are some notable people with the first or last name Blue:
- Blue Ivy Carter – Daughter of Beyoncé and Jay-Z, born in 2012.
- Blue Washington – African American actor known for roles in over 150 films.
- Blue Barron – American orchestra leader and jazz musician during the Big Band era.
- Jonny Blue – American singer-songwriter and guitarist, born John Anthony Blue in 1948.
- Blue Miller – Pen name of author and activist Sadie Miller, 1868-1923.
- Blue Mitchell – American jazz trumpeter, born Richard Allen Mitchell in 1930.
Though not a common name, Blue does have longstanding use as both a first and last name. The connections to blue color symbolism like rarity, mysticism, and artistry have drawn some parents and authors to the memorable name.
Blue in Company and Brand Names
In addition to given names, the color blue features prominently in many company and brand names. Here are some well-known business names using blue:
- American Blues Theater – Chicago theater company founded in 1979.
- Blue Apron – Meal kit delivery service, established 2012.
- Blue Cross Blue Shield – Health insurance company, dating to 1929.
- Blue Man Group – Performance art company created in 1987.
- Blue Nile – Online jewelry retailer, founded in 1999.
- Blue Origin – Aerospace company founded by Jeff Bezos in 2000.
- Tiffany & Co. Blue Box – Iconic robin egg blue gift box used by the luxury jeweler since 1837.
Businesses continue to use blue in their names and branding due to positive associations like trust, confidence, and stability. Blue conveys a sense of professionalism appropriate for finance, technology, and other industries.
Gender Associations
Blue is most commonly associated with boys and men in Western cultures. However, this has not always been the case historically:
- Pre-1900s – Blue was more often associated with girls since it was seen as a delicate, dainty color.
- 1900s – Retailers begin marketing blue for boys and pink for girls. Blue becomes linked to masculinity.
- 1940s – A 1943 article firmly declares blue should be for boys and pink for girls.
- Today – Strong gender norms persist, with blue viewed as a color for boys and men.
There is no inherent gender quality to colors, but associations are molded by social norms and marketing influences. The boy-blue connection today stems largely from 20th century consumer culture and reinforcement of gender stereotypes.
Blue in Nature
While relatively rare in flora, blue can be found in diverse organisms across the natural world. Here are some notable examples of blue in nature:
- Blue whales – The largest animals on Earth at up to 100 feet long.
- Blue jays – Common blue and white birds found throughout North America.
- Blue poison dart frogs – Brilliant blue skin serves as a warning to predators.
- Blueberries – Sweet, antioxidant-rich blue fruit native to North America.
- Blue rose – Extremely rare, created by selectively breeding roses for a blue hue.
- Blue eyes – A genetic mutation causes low melanin and blue eye color in some humans.
The scarcity of blue in the natural world adds to its mystery and appeal. Blue flowers like roses, hydrangeas, and irises stand out due to their unicity. Blue eyes similarly intrigue with their piercing, icy hue.
Blue in World Culture and Religion
Blue holds cultural and religious significance across the world. Here are some examples of blue symbolism in different civilizations:
- Christianity – Blue represents heaven, eternity, and spiritual purity through its association with the sky.
- Hinduism – Several Hindu gods including Vishnu, Krishna, Rama, and Shiva are depicted as having blue skin.
- Judaism – Blue is used in the Israeli flag and in tallits (prayer shawls) to symbolize divinity and eternity.
- Islam – Blue is said to symbolize heaven, spirituality, freedom, and confidence in Islam.
- China – Blue symbolizes immortality, prosperity, and new beginnings in Chinese culture.
Across religions and civilizations, blue often represents constants like the sky, water, and the spirit world. It maintains an aura of otherworldliness and mystical power across cultures.
Blue in Politics and Government
Blue is affiliated with certain political parties and positions in many countries. Some examples include:
- Conservative Party – Blue represents the main center-right party in the UK.
- Liberal Party – Center-right liberal parties in Australia and Canada use blue as their color.
- Democratic Party – Blue is the representative color for this center-left party in the US.
- United Nations – The light blue UN flag symbolizes peace and hope for all humanity.
- European Union – The EU flag contains a blue field representing Europe’s blue skies.
Blue conveys openness, liberty, and responsibility in the political realm. It contrasts against the aggression of red and populism of green often used by more radical or grassroots political movements.
Blue in Art and Design
Artists and designers have long been drawn to blue for its visual interest and symbolic connotations. Here are some key examples of blue in art:
- Egyptian blue – The first synthetic blue pigment, used from 2500 BC onwards.
- International Klein Blue – A deep ultramarine patented by artist Yves Klein as his signature color.
- Picasso’s Blue Period – Pablo Picasso used blue hues to convey sadness in his paintings from 1901-1904.
- Blue Rider Group – Expressionist painters including Kandinsky who used blue to represent spirituality.
- Blue Dog paintings – Series of blue dog paintings by Cajun artist George Rodrigue started in the 1980s.
From ancient Egyptian pigments to Picasso’s melancholy, blue has maintained its draw for artists looking to exploit its emotional potency and visual vibrancy.
Blue in Popular Culture
Reaching into mainstream film, music, and media, here are some noteworthy examples of blue in popular culture:
- Blue (Da Ba Dee) – Eurodance song by Italian artist Eiffel 65, released in 1998.
- Blue’s Clues – Beloved children’s television show that aired on Nickelodeon from 1996-2006.
- Blue Velvet – Neo-noir film directed by David Lynch, released in 1986.
- Blue Man Group – Avant-garde performance trio known for blue body paint and dynamic stage shows.
- Blue (Jonas Brothers) – Platinum single released by the Jonas Brothers band in 2021.
Blue’s familiarity and cross-cultural symbolism continues to inspire modern musicians, filmmakers and other creative professionals in the 21st century.
Conclusion
Blue is a multifaceted color tied to history, language, gender, nature, culture, politics, art, and entertainment. While commonly associated with stability, confidence, and masculinity, blue has diverse and sometimes contradictory meanings across societies. From the Virgin Mary’s blue robe to Picasso’s melancholic works, blue can evoke joy and sadness, spirituality and profanity. This rich symbolism and aesthetic power will likely continue inspiring artists, designers, marketers, and dreamers well into the future.
