Meanings of The Color Black (Meaning And Symbolism)

For the longest time, I’ve been fascinated by the color black. My wardrobe is essentially monochrome, with black pieces making up the biggest bulk of my clothing.

The other day, I found myself thinking about this color and how pretty much it appears everywhere. Most often, religious leaders like priests, nuns, and even monks will have black clothing – this had to do with more than the fact that the color doesn’t get dirty easily, no.

Well, my queries didn’t end there, and as a theologian, this turned out into the perfect opportunity for me to spend more time studying the color. I even talked to my church pastor about it as I researched further.

Last week during our quick-fire sessions, one of my colleagues asked me what I thought about the meaning of the color black. This turned into the perfect opportunity for me to share all I’d learned.

So, what is the meaning of the color black?

In this post, I’ll share more insights into everything you need to know about the symbolism and the spiritual meaning associated with the color black, it’s biblical meaning, and the psychology of the color black.

So, let’s get into it!

What is the symbolic meaning of the color black?

Luxury

Black is also regarded as a bold color that not only exudes confidence and an air of mystery but also is a sign of luxury. Many people believe that black is a color that represents luxury, sophistication, and glamour.

It’s a neutral color, and despite its simplicity, it looks luxurious on everyone. For most people, black is elegant, prestigious, and also formal.

Strength

Many people also associate the color black with strength, authority, power, and seriousness. Wearing black is believed to make an individual feel more masculine, confident, powerful, and confident.

Negative Connotations

The color black is often associated with negativity, and different negative connotations are associated with this color. The color black is often believed to represent aggression, death, power, mystery, evil, and dear.

Sadness

For most people across multiple cultures, black is often associated with sadness. A dark or black cloud is a phrase that’s often used by many to represent sadness, grief, or even depression and feelings of gloom. As a result, most people use black to suggest that they are feeling overwhelmed, empty, or down or that they have feelings of gloom.

Death

Across many cultures of the world, especially the Western World, the color black has been dubbed the color of death – perhaps this is why people wear black to burials and wakes.

It’s worth noting, however, that in addition to black being a sign of pain and grief, it is also the standard color for funerals because it’s believed to be a sign of respect for the deceased.

In Indian cultures, for example, a widowed woman wears a black bindi rather than a red one, and this is their way of respecting the deceased, indicating the loss, and showing how much they loved their husband.

What does the color black represent?

The color black is not only symbolic but also represents a number of things since it’s believed to evoke different kinds of energies. Some of the things that the color black is believed to represent are as follows:

Strength and power: As mentioned above, it is suggested that the color black is a symbol of power and the strength that one deity or individual holds or wields.

Grounding and Protection: Black is linked to strength and protection. The Darkness of the color, though magnanimous, is quite evocative and also carries the power to absorb all the negative energies around it.

As a result, it is believed that the color black could potentially shield you from negativity. It is also believed that this color bears significant grounding energies and effects as a result of its power to absorb negative energy.

Mystery: Black is believed to be shrouded in mystery, and it holds and may represent the many mysteries that happen in life, as well as the many unknowns from the spiritual realm.

Transformation and Purification: It is also believed that the color black signifies the ability and processes involved in purging all kinds of negativity from an individual’s life or environment. Black is also believed to be transformative and that it can completely turn around an individual’s spiritual state.

Biblical meaning of the color black

The color black isn’t just synonymous with Batman’s or Darth Vader’s costume; it also carries important biblical connotations.

It’s worth noting, however, that black isn’t always mentioned literally in the Bible; in some instances, black is believed to represent Darkness, forces of evil, and the absence of light.

Accordingly, black represents the darkest color throughout the Bible, defined as the absence of light or brightness. The blackness is also believed to represent the fact that this color doesn’t reflect any light back.

Lucifer

While the universe was created and filled with light, figuratively and literally, and Lucifer, also called the morning star or the light bringer, it’s believed that when Lucifer sinned, the light within him turned black.

This could also be interpreted to mean that there was Darkness in him after he sinned – Isaiah 45:7. Darkness replacing the light is believed to be the punishment laid out as one of the consequences of disobeying God.

When this happened, it’s implied that Lucifer would then turn into the very first dark ‘thing’ to ever have existed, an event that took place because Lucifer committed what was referred to as spiritual suicide.

The appearance of the color black in the Bible

The color black appears about 26 times in the King James Version of the Bible. There also exist other references in the Bible that represent the color black but are interpreted as Darkness or the dark.

In these instances where the color black is used, it’s believed that black was used to represent the following:

Famine – the use of Darkness or black to represent famine was used in Jeremiah 14:1-2 and Lamentations 5:10.

Sorrow and mourning – periods of great mourning, pain, and sorry are represented in the Bible as periods of great Darkness in Job 30:28;30.

Black Horse

In Revelation 6:5-6, the Bible notes that there were four horsemen and that the third was riding a black horse. These were the horsemen of the apocalypse, and the rider represent the famine conditions that God would let Satan have during the End Times.

Deceit

The color black is also believed to represent the deceitful treatment that Job faced from his friends, as well as God’s judgment – Job 6:16 and Zechariah 6:2;6.

The period without any religious revelations or the absence of light of God, as mentioned in Micah 3:6s.

Other biblical interpretations of the color black in the Bible include the belief that the color black represents the place where the dead go, as mentioned in Job 3:5 and 10:21-22.

It’s believed that black could also be a place where the evil spirits would end up spending eternity rebelling against God – this is believed to be a place of Darkness and pain – Jude 13.

Natural objects

The Bible also uses the color black to represent different natural objects like marble, hair, the sky, the sun, and the moon – Joel 2:10, Proverbs 7:9, 1 Kings 18:45, Leviticus 13:31, Matthew 5:36.

The color black may also be regarded as a sign of eternal punishment that would befall all the people that disobey God as outlined in Matthew 8:12; 25:30.

It may also be used to represent the powers of evil – 1 Thessalonians 5:5 and Acts 26:18. This color may also represent affliction, adversity, calamity, and suffering – Lamentations 4:8, Psalm 107:10, Isaiah 5:30.

7 spiritual meaning of the color black

Power

For the longest time, black has been associated with power, both in the spiritual and secular sense. It’s characterized by strength, force, and power.

These beliefs around the color black are believed to come from the fact that there still lies an immense amount of potential in Darkness, and black, which means the absence of light, means that anything imagined could be made possible.

The power of the color black is believed to come from the fact that the human mind is regarded as the key for all manifestations and creative abilities, plus our wildest imaginations, which is why black is believed to carry an incredible amount of power.

The suggestions that associate black with the power to make everything happen also come from the fact that when resting or meditating, black is the only thing seen, but it’s from this Darkness that so much more is made possible.

Therefore, seeing or being attracted to the color black is said to mean that the universe is encouraging you to tap into your dormant imaginative energies, visualize a different way of life, and make even the wildest of dreams your reality.

This is believed to be the reason why people attracted to the color black are often in a state of empowerment and that choosing the color gives them a feeling of power and a stroke of confidence.

Black is also believed to carry an air of strength and confidence and blocks or absorb negative energies, acting as a shield against negative influences.

Protection

It is widely suggested that the color black symbolizes protection. This color is believed to have the power to protect and also ward off all manner of negativity.

This is a common belief across several cultures and practices where the protective effects of the color black are said to come from the fact that this color absorbs light and color, unlike any other color.

It’s further believed that the color black is synonymous with Darkness, which swallows light so that nothing else is seen, and in this case, it acts as a protective veil.

It’s also believed that the individuals that love wearing black outfits are unconsciously attracted to it because of an inherent desire for protection.

The desire for protection could be from previous damage or hurt, and in this regard, black somewhat deflect the pain while shielding all that could be going on within them.

Believers of these sentiments warn, however, that whole black offers protection; it may also absorb positive energies just as much as it sucks out the negativity, which is why it’s important to balance the colors.

Dominance

It is further suggested that the color black represents authority and control because of how this color overtakes and consumes all the environment that is in it.

Black is believed to be domineering naturally, and it’s also suggested that, like the dark of night, Darkness seeps in and takes over everything.

Using the color black is believed to have the effect of establishing authority, so wearing black outfits would make you appear and feel more authoritative.

Introspection

Black is also believed to be one of the most powerful colors that represents reflection or introspection. This suggestion is shared across many cultures worldwide since people that believe in this way of life believe that the color black and its vastness creates a vast void within the self to be explored.

It’s believed that black removes all the things that may be clouding your judgment, so you’re able to see things around you more clearly.

Therefore, it’s believed that the vastness of this color would create the right kind of environment, allowing you to do the shadow work – it’s also suggested that this color creates the most conducive environment that would allow you to do shadow work since the vastness of the black color means easy access to the important parts of your subconscious mind.

Important aspects of healing rituals

In some cultures of the world, black is believed to be one of the most important elements in different healing rituals.

Some people suggest that black is essential for the soul’s cleansing and purification because of the belief that black absorbs negative energies and then transforms them into positive energies, which leads to physical and emotional well-being.

It’s also believed to represent the ability to release and let go of any traumas, burdens, and negative emotions an individual may be holding on to. It’s often suggested that letting go allows an individual to get rid of the extra, often unnecessary, weight from past experiences, hence the capacity to move forward and to heal.

Restoration of balance and harmony

Other cultures believe that black is an important aspect of the healing process because it could be the thing that allows an individual to heal and lead a life full of balance.

Black is suggested to be a color that brings harmony because it can bring equilibrium by embracing the Darkness and letting in the light too.

Overall, some people believe that by absorbing the negative energies, the color black will, in return, bring them a sense of peace and a feel of tranquility.

It’s worth noting that according to the people who believe in spirituality or metaphysical elements, black isn’t a color. Instead, they believe that black represents the absence of potential and that black is seen as a protective veil because it absorbs negative energies around it.

Overcoming fear

Many cultures believe that if you are struggling with fear or are having a tough time embracing the unknown, the color black is suggested to have the power to give you the emotional and physical strength to overcome the fear or any other challenge.

It’s believed that these are made possible by the color black’s suggested ability to represent mystery and the unknown, which may make it much easier for you to embrace and even confront your deepest fears while exploring the unchartered waters.

It’s also believed that the color black could encourage you to surrender or loosen your grip on wanting to control everything, allowing transformation in the process. Many people and cultures believe that black is a color that reminds them to let go and to go forth, even when uncertain.

Also, they believe that the color black may help them uncover everything that may be hidden from them, helping in the transformation journey, and it may even help in finding strength from one’s vulnerabilities.

What is the Meaning of the Color Black?

Different cultures of the world associate the color black with positive and negative connotations, and it has different meanings attached to it – it may represent sadness and gloom or positives like elegance, confidence, sophistication, or classiness.

The other meanings associated with the color black by different individuals may include mystery or hidden knowledge, fear, Darkness, and malevolence.

What Does the Color Mean in Psychology?

Psychologically, the color black has a strong effect on different people, but it’s interesting to note that the effects of the color black on different individuals could be positive or negative.

It’s suggested that the color black holds heavy energies and a large amount of energy within it, given its natural ability to absorb pretty much all other colors.

However, there is no light in this color, and the result is that this color easily stands out. So, some people may suggest that the color black makes them feel auspicious, mysterious, and even aloof.

Black is also believed to be a color of sadness, grief, and mourning. It’s also been associated with depression and somberness.

As a result of these negative connotations, many people believe that black is a pessimistic color that not only represents Darkness, but also fatality, and fear.

On the contrary, the color black is also believed to carry great positive connotations. Many people believe that black makes them feel and look seductive, bold, and authoritative.

As a result, many people choose black as their favorite color. Unfortunately, the people that love black are believed to be sad, or rather, they may not be allowing themselves to find or feel joy.

They may also be looking for protection from all the negativity around them or trying to create some mystery. However, it’s suggested that loving the color black isn’t a bad thing because it could mean that you value stability, comfort, and dignity, all the things that are represented by the color black.

What is the meaning of the Color Black in Different Cultures?

India

According to the Hindu teachings, the goddess Kali is represented by the color black because they believe that the black color represents the greatest power that will not just absorb but also eliminate all the negative energies and qualities around them.

Native Americans

The Native American cultures also hold the color black in high regard, as they associate it with life. They also consider black the color that represents self-discovery and introspection, so they embraced solitude, even as they associated it with Darkness.

They also believed that black represented death and the cycle of life. The Native American believers suggested that just as night comes after day, then black is also an element that represents the transitions between phases, and so, black all around people was meant to remind them of the impermanence of life.

Additionally, they believed in the healing and cleansing powers of the color black, and they believed that it was a necessary part of the healing process because it helped them release trauma and negative emotions.

Ancient Chinese

According to the ancient Chinese and other ancient Eastern Philosophies, the color black is a deeply spiritual color that symbolizes potentiality, void, and the balance from opposing forces.

They regard it as an important part of Feng Shui and believe that the color black represents the water element, and it’s associated with power, calmness, and mystery.

The ancient Chinese often suggested that black represented the state of emptiness, which may have also meant the absence of substance or unmanifested and untapped potential.

In Feng Shui, black represents yin – the other half of yang, and they associate the color black (yin) with passive or receptive aspects and feminine energies.

Yin represented intuition, stillness, Darkness, and a nurturing part of life. Together with yang, yin ensured balance and a state of harmony.

What is the meaning of seeing the color black in dreams?

Seeing the color black in dreams could mean different things, but some of the most common meanings associated with this color include emptiness, sadness, loneliness, and depression.

Black in dreams could also mean hidden anger, hatred, or fear, but in other cases, it is believed that it could mean protection.

If you have been uncertain about some decision or have been going through a lot of pain and suffering, seeing black in dreams is suggested to represent a sign of getting relief and being protected from suffering.

Different shades of black

Shades of black	Hex Code	Emotions
Jet Black	HEX #2C2C2C	Formality/ Authority Mystery/ Power
Rich Black	HEX #0D0D0D	Formality/ Authority Mystery/ Power
Black Olive	HEX #3B3C36	Formality/ Authority Mystery/ Power
Black Coral	HEX #54626F	Formality/ Authority Mystery/ Power
Black Coffee	HEX #3B2F2F	Formality/ Authority Mystery/ Power
Granite	HEX #666362	Formality/ Authority Mystery/ Power
Black Crow	HEX #0D0907	Formality/ Authority Mystery/ Power
Black Pearl	HEX #1E272C	Formality/ Authority Mystery/ Power
Black Plum	HEX #36CB32	Formality/ Authority Mystery/ Power
Black Sand	HEX #5B4E4B	Formality/ Authority Mystery/ Power
Xiketic	HEX #1D0002	Formality/ Authority Mystery/ Power
Parisian Night	HEX #323441	Formality/ Authority Mystery/ Power
Space Grey	HEX #110022	Formality/ Authority Mystery/ Power
Dim Gray	HEX #699669	Formality/ Authority Mystery/ Power
Slate Gray	HEX #040707	Formality/ Authority Mystery/ Power
Cool Black	HEX #000023	Formality/ Authority Mystery/ Power

What are some black stones and their spiritual meanings?

Black Tourmaline

The black tourmaline is one of the most popular black gemstones. It is believed to have the power to clear and purify negative energies from an individual’s surrounding thanks to its healing effects. It’s also a grounding stone believed to get rid of negative thoughts or emotions.

Obsidian

Obsidian is formed from molten lava, and it’s believed to have the power to enhance your connection to Mother Earth while also restoring harmony. This black stone could also clean negative energy and thoughts and restore your root chakra.

Black Onyx

Many people across multiple cultures of the world believe in the spiritual powers of the black onyx. They associate it with an enhanced level of emotional awareness, discipline, and self-discipline.

So, if you are struggling in these areas, these individuals believe that the black onyx could help you deal with temper or attain emotional self-actualization.

Hematite

Many cultures of the world believe in the powers of the hematite. It is believed to have the power to restore and enhance your mental clarity while getting rid of any confusion that you could be feeling.

Other common black stones include black opals, which are associated with good fortune and healing, and the Tahitian Pearl, that’s believed to be a stone of eternal love, knowledge, and wisdom.

Most common uses of the color black

Here are some of the most common uses of the color black:

• Branding – most companies use the color black to market or advertise their products and brands because the color is associated with luxury, elegance, power, and finesse.
• Fashion – clothes, shoes, makeup, etc., are all available in black
• High-status vehicles such as limousines, outfits worn by leaders, and protective agencies use black because it symbolizes power and dominance.
• Other uses include Halloween decorations, outfits worn by clergy or judges, and also in films to portray protagonists or even the antagonist.

Despite the many spiritual and mystical beliefs associated with the color black, it’s important to remember that throughout the Bible, God condemns believers against practicing black magic, whether that happens through fortune telling, channeling, astrology, or sorcery – Acts 19:18-19, Leviticus 19:32, and Deuteronomy 18.