Red

Madrid Bullfight

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Boutet 1708 color circles

RGB combination on wall

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Crimson sunset

Red is a color that is at the end of the visible spectrum of light, next to orange and opposite violet. It has a dominant wavelength of approximately 625–740 nanometers. Red is a primary color in the RGB color model and the CMYK color model, and is the complementary color of cyan. Reds range from the brilliant yellow-tinged scarlet and vermillion to bluish-red crimson, and vary in shade from the pale red pink to the dark red burgundy.

Etymology

The word "red" comes from the Old English rēad. The word can be traced further back to the Proto-Germanic raudaz and Proto-Indo-European root reudh-, meaning "red" or "ruddy".

Cultural Significance

Red has numerous meanings and associations, depending on the culture and context in which it is used. It is often associated with love, anger, and danger. In Chinese culture, red is seen as a symbol of good luck and is used in festivals and important events like weddings. In Western culture, red often denotes passion, seduction, and aggression.

In Nature

Red is a very common color in nature, seen in the red of the sun at sunrise and sunset, in the autumn leaves, and in the feathers of many birds. In the animal kingdom, red is often a color used to warn predators or attract mates.

Use in Art and Design

In art and design, red is a powerful color that can draw attention. It is often used in advertising to evoke erotic feelings (red lips, red nails, red-light districts) or to signal danger (warning labels, stop signs). Red is also a popular color in fashion, where it can symbolize confidence and a bold personality.

Symbolism and Associations

Red has a wide range of symbolic meanings, from the life-giving blood that sustains humans and animals to the fire that warms us and the energy that drives us. It is the color most commonly associated with heat, activity, passion, sexuality, anger, love, and joy. In the context of flags, red is frequently used to symbolize courage, revolution, or a tribute to the blood of those who have died in warfare.

In Science and Technology

In science, red is one of the most visible colors to the human eye and can be used to signal danger or caution. It is also the color used in the Red Shift, which indicates that an object in space is moving away from the observer. In technology, red lasers are used in various devices, including laser pointers, barcode scanners, and medical equipment.

See Also

• Color psychology
• List of colors