Yellow represents a wide range of meanings, both positive and negative, depending on cultural context and shade. Generally, yellow is strongly associated with:
- Positive meanings : joy, happiness, optimism, warmth, sunshine, creativity, intellect, communication, wisdom, hope, spontaneity, youthfulness, adaptability, and enlightenment
- Negative meanings : betrayal, cowardice, jealousy, deceit, illness, caution, anxiety, frustration, physical hazard, and sickness
Culturally, yellow varies in symbolism:
- In Europe , it can signify jealousy, betrayal, and cowardice; historically, it marked traitors
- In Asia (e.g., China, Japan, Thailand, Hindu culture), yellow often symbolizes royalty, bravery, wealth, wisdom, learning, and sacredness
- In Africa , yellow is linked to high rank and wealth due to its resemblance to gold
- In North America , Native American groups associate yellow with gold, corn, wealth, prosperity, and unconditional love
Yellow also has practical uses as a color of caution and visibility, used in traffic signs and safety gear worldwide
. In summary, yellow is a complex color symbolizing energy, intellect, and positivity, but also caution and negative traits like cowardice or deceit, with meanings shaped by cultural and historical contexts.