Green

In the Middle Ages, green was considered the color of calamity and evil, and was associated with the Devil itself. It symbolized superstition to the point where one avoided dressing in green.

In western cultures, over time, people gradually dissociated green from evil. It became a symbol of fate and randomness, both positive and negative.

In some circumstances, green is associated with instability, uncertainty and ephemerality, be it in relation to love, hope, youth or games. One need only think of gambling tables that have been green since at least the eighteenth century, billiard tables, ping-pong tables, tennis courts, football and baseball fields. Instability, randomness, victory and defeat all dress in green.

Among green's virtues: a calming effect on the nervous system, a feeling of relaxation, an anti-stress prescription. Green creates a reassuring ambience, a feeling of comfort and a link with nature.

Green evokes nature, health and a number of other thoughts. Some expressions we use attest to the symbolism of green: to give someone the green light (permission), to be green behind the ears (inexperienced), to be green with envy (jealous), to have a green thumb (be to a good gardener).

Pastoureau, Michel; Dictionnaire des couleurs de notre temps; Paris, Christine Bonneton, 1999; 255 pages; Collection Symbolique et société
Chiazzari, Suzie; The Complete Book of Color; Element Books, 1998, 256 pages.