Why Are Orange and Black the Halloween Colors? The Real Story Told

You probably relate Halloween to frightening movies, jack-o'-lanterns, and trick-or-treaters. But there's also another element that most people presumably associate with the event: the colors orange and black.

Why are orange and black the Halloween colors? Read this article to learn the origins and significance of these two eerie colors!

Why are orange and black the colors of Halloween?

Why Are Orange and Black the Halloween Colors?

Contrary to popular belief, orange and black have not always been the "official" colors of Halloween.

According to the Isle of Halloween, in the eighteenth century, the Druids and Celts had a festival called Samhain. 

The Gaelic festival of Samhain heralds the beginning of winter, or the darker half of the year, and the conclusion of the harvest season. Every year, it occurs in the late evening of October 31 and onto November 1.

The night of October 31 marked the end of summer and the harvest as well as the beginning of a dismal, cold winter that was usually attributed to human death, according to History.com.

Why are the Halloween colors black and orange?

Black

The Celts regarded November 1st as their new year, and they thought that the boundary separating the worlds of the living and the dead had blurred the night before.

In light of this, people made elaborate costumes and started massive bonfires to fend off spirits. It also gave rise to the color black, which is associated with death and gloom.

Black also makes perfect sense because Halloween is a nighttime celebration, especially considering the holiday relates to a variety of spooky animals and spirits, like the Grim Reaper, cats, spiders, and bats.

Black symbolizes darkness and death

Orange

Despite the fact that orange is the most common color for pumpkins, they were not around during October 31, the day the Celts initially celebrated it.

Conversely, it is a color that celebrates and represents life and the abundance that follows an autumnal harvest. The striking contrast between this color and black might be seen as something pleasant and uplifting. 

Because it is the color of fire and pumpkins as well as certain fall foliage turns orange, it could also be connected to Halloween.

You may not have paid much attention to the combination of fall and winter themes when it comes to Halloween, but it makes perfect sense when you consider the date of the holiday. 

Orange brings a warm and uplifting atmosphere

These days, there are many things you can do to enjoy this frightening time of year, including preparing delicious Halloween appetizers, listening to great Halloween songs, or watching one of the best Halloween movies ever. 

How About Other Halloween Colors?

You now know why orange and black are the colors associated with Halloween. However, did you know that purple, green, and other colors have also been designated as Halloween hues?

Purple

Purple is associated with all things spiritual and mystical, so even if it's not as prevalent as orange and black during Halloween, it's still noticeable.

The connection between purple and October 31's ancient past is its religious rituals (priests frequently wear it). 

On the other hand, it may be related to a more recent occurrence:

As to a Scientific American article, the introduction of purple to Halloween "may be tied to the evolution of the commercialism of the holiday," as buyers tend to identify purple with children and laughter these days.

Purple is also used during Halloween

On Halloween, nevertheless, purple is associated with mystery and witchcraft, so says the Isle of Halloween. 

Though more recently, they have also been depicted with hints of purple on their cap or clothing, witches are typically represented wearing full black.

Green

Green is another color that is sometimes thought to represent Halloween. This one is straightforward, with slime and monsters, and it's also used for Halloween decorations that glow in the dark. 

Additionally, you should steer clear of any green mist you see as it is strange and even frightening—emotions that are occasionally connected to the festival.

Green is another Halloween color

Red

When it comes to Halloween décor, red isn't a color that's frequently used, although you could see red text over black warnings that indicate danger. Red may be utilized to create the illusion of vampire blood gushing from their mouths in décor and costumes!

Red is not a common color for Halloween

White

White can be used in a million different ways for this kind of holiday, like eyeballs. Furthermore, it is the hue of skeletons and bones, which are common throughout the nation around Halloween. 

When decorating or creating costumes, you may use white in combination with any other hue to make it stand out, or you can use white alone to give your holiday décor a chic, modern farmhouse feel!

White is the color of the eyeballs

Yellow

Gold, brown, and yellow are the hues associated with the harvest. They also represent the change of seasons from fall to winter. These colors tell us that it's time to get out our sweaters and sweatshirts as the leaves fall off the trees. 

Furthermore, jack-o'-lanterns lighted by candles reveal yellow inside. You may depict royalty or add shine to your sign by using these colors in your décor.

You can use yellow for Halloween decorations

The Psychology of Color

According to Amber Dunford, style director at Bed Bath & Beyond, "color is one of the most psychologically powerful and memorable design aspects—it's the first thing we notice about an object."

It is common for people to react more strongly to an object's color than to its shape, texture, or scale. 

Due to this reason, color is a very powerful marketing tool that is difficult to ignore after it has embedded itself in our thoughts, she adds.

Whether you prefer the wider palette with purple or green, or the more conventional Halloween colors, you can't help but think of Halloween when you see these colors.

The meaning behind the colors of Halloween

More to explore:

• Fun Halloween facts

• Why do we carve pumpkins on Halloween?