The Color of Folklore
Purple is a metaphor for the planet Mercury. If a precious stone is used in a tale, the color is represented by the amethyst. The color purple represents justice and temperance. If a reader strongly relates to purple and violet illustrations it may signify that he is sensitive and often temperamental.
Yellow is usually a happy color. It is primary in folktales from the Americas and other indigenous cultures that in eons past have engaged in sun worship.
It is the color of choice in tales set in desert countries, Middle East and African tales. The Kenyan tale of The Shape Changer is illustrated with rich earthy tones of yellow gold and light brown. Yellow speaks for Apollo and the sun.
If precious stones are used in a tale, the topaz is chosen. Yellow is represented by the metal gold, and it signifies the constancy, wisdom and faith of the characters. On the negative side it refers to jealousy, and inconstancy. It is the color for traitors. Stories which have executioners usually have them dressed in yellow. The color is also associated with illness and cowardness.
There are few tales that do not contain black in some form. It is represented by the deadly metal, lead. The planet Saturn is represented by black. Diamonds, especially black diamonds, are favorite jewels of antagonist and protagonist alike.
In illustrations black signifies evil, falsehood and death. It is always used in tales that have references to Good Friday. It is also the color used by witches, warlocks, demons and vampires. In its lighter shade, gray, we see ghosts and various spirits of the departed. These stories are filled with tribulation. The witch's cauldron is always black. She is dressed in black from head to toe. Black birds, crows, dark forests and eyes peeping out of the blackest of nights are expected.
Red is associated with Mars, the god of war. This color is represented by the ruby. If metals are used in the story iron is the chosen one. Red is the symbol for martyrdom, war, faith, charity, and love. Remember St. Valentine? Stories that are gory utilize the color red. After all, blood is red when we see it. There is much red in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. In the Japanese tale of Little One-Inch, the thumb-size child is swallowed by an ogre who is bright red. As the tale progresses Little One-Inch turns into a Samurai warrior
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