Color Symbolism
Egyptian Color
Green - The color green symbolized new life and vegetation. Green malachite symbolized of joy. Osiris was often portrayed green, and the land of the dead that were blessed was called the "field of malachite". Green is and important color in Egyptian art, for it symbolizes rebirth and life. The eye of Horus is often made out of green stone or glass.
Yellow - Yellow was made from natural ochres and oxides. Soon the color was made out of the mineral orpiment. The sun and gold were yellow, and they carried the connotation of everlasting, immortal, and indestructible. Everything in yellow ment this. The skin of the gods was thought to be gold along with the sarcophagi and mummy masks of the pharaohs.
Red - Red is the color of life, victory, and triumph. For celebrations, Egyptians would paint their face and bodies red, using ochre. The god Seth, had red eyes and hair, for every day he was victorious over the serpent Apep. Seth also was the vicious murderer of his brother, Osiris. Therefore his red features could symbolize evil or victory. Egyptians also wore amulets made out of cornelian. Red also symbolized fire and anger. It was used to symbolize the fiery nature of the sun, serpent amulet, and often represente the "Eye of Re"
Black - Black symbolized night and death. Anubis was shown as a black jackal or dog, since he was the god of the mummification and embalmment of the dead. Black also symbolized the underworld and resurrection. It could even symbolize fertilization, for the silt of the Nile was black and was often called the "Black Land".
White - White symbolized supremacy, power, and purity. Because of its lack of color, white also suggests plain sacred things. White material and stone was used for ceremonial purposes. The crown of upper Egypt was white. White was created with chalk and gypsum.
Blue - Blue was made by combining copper and iron with other minerals. Blue symbolized the sky and water. Since the Nile was the main source of life for Egyptians, blue was often a symbol of the Nile. Many pharaohs are thought to be blue when they connect with Amon.
Yellow - Yellow was made from natural ochres and oxides. Soon the color was made out of the mineral orpiment. The sun and gold were yellow, and they carried the connotation of everlasting, immortal, and indestructible. Everything in yellow ment this. The skin of the gods was thought to be gold along with the sarcophagi and mummy masks of the pharaohs.
Red - Red is the color of life, victory, and triumph. For celebrations, Egyptians would paint their face and bodies red, using ochre. The god Seth, had red eyes and hair, for every day he was victorious over the serpent Apep. Seth also was the vicious murderer of his brother, Osiris. Therefore his red features could symbolize evil or victory. Egyptians also wore amulets made out of cornelian. Red also symbolized fire and anger. It was used to symbolize the fiery nature of the sun, serpent amulet, and often represente the "Eye of Re"
Black - Black symbolized night and death. Anubis was shown as a black jackal or dog, since he was the god of the mummification and embalmment of the dead. Black also symbolized the underworld and resurrection. It could even symbolize fertilization, for the silt of the Nile was black and was often called the "Black Land".
White - White symbolized supremacy, power, and purity. Because of its lack of color, white also suggests plain sacred things. White material and stone was used for ceremonial purposes. The crown of upper Egypt was white. White was created with chalk and gypsum.
Blue - Blue was made by combining copper and iron with other minerals. Blue symbolized the sky and water. Since the Nile was the main source of life for Egyptians, blue was often a symbol of the Nile. Many pharaohs are thought to be blue when they connect with Amon.