The color most associated with jealousy is green.
The Color Green and Jealousy
The link between the color green and jealousy is not a modern concept; it has deep historical roots. The phrase “green with envy” is common, and this association can be traced back to the works of William Shakespeare.
- Shakespeare's Influence: In his play Othello, Iago famously describes jealousy as the “green-eyed monster.” This powerful imagery has solidified the connection between green and jealousy in popular culture. The play’s exploration of how jealousy can consume and destroy a person also contributed to this association.
- Historical Context: The association didn't originate with Shakespeare alone. The color green was often linked to sickness, perhaps because it's the color of bile, which in ancient times was believed to be linked with illness. As such, it was also linked with other unpleasant emotions, including envy and jealousy.
The color association goes beyond a simple metaphor; it is deeply ingrained in our language and understanding of emotions.
Below is a summary in table format:
| Emotion | Color | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Jealousy/Envy | Green | Shakespeare's "green-eyed monster" |
