Significance and Meaning of "ORANGE" / "SAFFRON" color

Significance and Meaning of "ORANGE" / "SAFFRON" color:

In India, colours play a very important role in religion and cultures, showing a very deep significance that transcends purely decorative values. Artists use color on the deities andtheir dresses signifying their qualities. Proper use of colors creates an environment, which should keep a person cheerful. Some of the main colors used in religious ceremonies are red, yellow (turmeric), green from leaves, white from wheat flour. etc. The main color that most Eastern religions and cultures use is Saffron.

Hinduism:
If there is any colour that symbolizes all aspects of Hinduism, it is Saffron – the colour of Agni or fire. Fire burns away the darkness and brings light and it is symbolic of knowledge burning ignorance. Fire also shows the spirit of Yagna (Ritual of the sacred fire) which is important to Self knowledge. As such, the fire altar is regarded as a distinct symbol of ancient Vedic rites.

A colour of purity, it represents religious abstinence, purging and resultant purity. It is the colour of saints and ascetics, those who have renounced the world. Wearing saffron colour symbolizes the quest for Knowledge of Godhead.

In symbolism, Saffron comprises of the colours of Sun, Mars and Jupiter that relates to:

Driving the Desire (Mars) for Truth or Moksha, liberation (Sun) with the help of knowledge and one who dispels it (Jupiter).

When sages moved from one ashram to another, it was customary to carry fire along. The inconvenience to carry a burning substance over long distances may have given rise to the symbol of a saffron flag. Triangular and often forked saffron flags are seen fluttering atop most Sikh and Hindu temples.

It is the color of holy men and ascetics who have renounced the world. Wearing the color symbolizes the quest for light. It is the battle color of the Rajputs, the warrior caste.

Om Namah Shivay.