History of Orange

Few colours have a history as vibrant and varied as orange. From the Renaissance courts to Victorian fashions, from mod culture to high fashion runways today, orange has journeyed through centuries and cultures, making a bold statement every step of the way.

The colour orange has a story that stretches across centuries, continents, and cultures. Often overlooked in fashion, orange has long captured attention and conveyed meaning, shifting from a symbol of luxury to a mark of rebellion and creativity. In ancient Asia, it adorned royalty, while in Renaissance Europe, the elite clamored for exotic orange fabrics and dyes. The Victorians, however, had a far more cautious relationship with the hue, considering it overpowering and even unbecoming. Fast forward to the mod culture of the 1960s, and orange was revived in full force, a favorite of designers like Courrèges and Pucci. Today, orange stands as both a nostalgic nod to the past and a vibrant hue for the modern wardrobe. Join us as we dive into the rich history of orange, exploring how it’s been worn, revered, and reinvented over the centuries.

Historical Significance of Orange in Art and History

The colour orange has evolved over thousands of years, with its journey through art and culture revealing its rich history and diverse significance. From ancient pigments to modern-day uses, the colour orange has captivated artists, symbolized spirituality, and played a vital role in cultural traditions worldwide.

Prehistoric and Ancient Uses

Orange pigments trace their origins back to prehistoric times, where ochre—a naturally occurring mineral in shades of yellow, red, and orange—was used in cave paintings. These pigments were among the earliest to make their mark on the walls of caves across Europe, Africa, and Australia. Often used to symbolize life, earth, or protection, ochre laid the foundation for future uses of the colour.

In Ancient Egypt, orange pigments made from the mineral realgar were used to adorn tombs, adding warmth and vitality to paintings, especially those representing scenes of the afterlife. Similarly, orpiment—another arsenic-based mineral with a golden-yellow hue—was valued for its vivid colouration and was often used in manuscripts during the medieval period.

The Renaissance and Arrival of the Fruit

Although orange had been used as a pigment for centuries, it did not have a specific name in Europe until the late 15th century. When Portuguese merchants brought the first orange trees from Asia, the fruit’s bright hue became the inspiration for the colour’s name. In English, the word "orange" is derived from the Old French and Anglo-Saxon "orenge," which referred to the fruit. The earliest recorded use of the word in English dates back to the 13th century, but it wasn't until the 16th century that "orange" came to be associated with the colour itself.

The 19th Century and the Rise of Synthetic Pigments

The 19th century saw a dramatic shift in the way artists used orange. With the discovery of synthetic pigments, artists could now achieve more vibrant and intense shades. In 1797, French scientist Louis Vauquelin discovered the mineral crocoite, leading to the creation of chrome orange in 1809. This discovery, combined with the invention of the metal paint tube in 1841, revolutionized painting by allowing artists to paint outdoors and capture the colors of natural light.

The Impressionists were among the first to embrace these new colours. Claude Monet’s Impression, Sunrise (1872) famously featured a vibrant orange sun reflecting on water, creating the perfect symbol for the movement. Auguste Renoir also employed chrome orange in his paintings, using the bright pigment to highlight the luminosity of his subjects, like boats striped with orange.

Post-Impressionism and the Bold Use of Orange

The Post-Impressionists took orange even further, using it not only as a colour of vibrancy but also as a tool for emotional expression. Paul Gauguin incorporated orange into his paintings to evoke a sense of exoticism and energy. Vincent van Gogh, perhaps the most famous for his use of orange, experimented with mixing yellow, ochre, and red to create his own unique shades. His iconic Starry Night included an orange moon and stars, contrasting against the cobalt sky and embodying the warmth and vitality he found in the French countryside.

Cultural Symbolism and Modern-Day Significance

Beyond art, orange has held cultural significance throughout history. In Asia, orange is deeply intertwined with spirituality, especially in Buddhist and Hindu traditions. The color is most prominently seen in the robes worn by monks, symbolizing enlightenment, spirituality, and dedication to the higher good.

In Europe, orange became a symbol of unity and patriotism in the Netherlands, thanks to the royal House of Orange. This connection to royalty continues today, with orange serving as the national color of the country, celebrated annually on “King’s Day,” when the entire nation is adorned in vibrant orange. In Northern Ireland, the colour orange is also linked to the Protestant Orange Order, a fraternal organization symbolizing a specific cultural and political ideology.

Modern Uses: Safety and Political Significance

In modern times, orange is widely recognized for its high visibility. It is often used in safety equipment, such as traffic cones, life jackets, and astronaut suits, thanks to its prominence in low light and its ability to stand out. The colour has become synonymous with caution and alertness.

Orange also plays a role in political movements. It represents Christian democratic ideologies and is associated with certain protest movements, further embedding its cultural significance.

Orange’s Enduring Legacy

From prehistoric ochre to modern safety symbols, the colour orange has remained a vibrant and vital part of human expression. In art, it has symbolized energy, vitality, and exoticism, as seen in the works of the Impressionists and Post-Impressionists. Culturally, it has been linked to spirituality, royalty, and national identity. Today, orange continues to captivate us, from its use in modern art to its role in safety and politics. The journey of orange, from ancient pigments to modern-day significance, highlights its versatility and enduring power.

Ochre pigment
A painting in a tomb in Egypt
Oranges hanging on a tree
French chemist Louis Vauquelin
Starry Nights by Vincent Van Gogh
The Night Cafe by Vincent Van Gogh

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The Cultural Journey of Orange

The history of orange as a colour is as rich and varied as the cultures that celebrate it. In Asia, orange has ancient roots as a colour of reverence and spirituality. Saffron-hued robes worn by Buddhist monks date back centuries, symbolizing peace, purity, and enlightenment. This sacred association with saffron persists in Hindu traditions as well, where orange represents courage, bliss, and connection to the divine. In Indian culture, it’s often used in weddings and religious rituals, marking important life events with its warm, life-affirming glow.

Orange took on new artistic significance in the Western world, especially after 1809, when chrome orange, the first synthetic orange pigment, became widely available. This led to a surge in the colour’s popularity among artists like the Pre-Raphaelites and Impressionists, who found that orange was perfect for capturing natural light and warmth in their paintings. Vincent van Gogh famously mixed his own unique shades of orange, using it to convey the vibrancy of the landscapes and contrasts of the night sky. By combining orange with complementary blues, artists created dynamic compositions full of energy and visual appeal, bringing this once-overlooked colour to the forefront of Western art.

In more recent history, orange has become known for its practical applications due to its visibility. The U.S. Navy began using orange life jackets during World War II, and since then, the colour has become essential in safety gear around the world. Its association with high visibility and alertness also led to its adoption in construction and road safety, as well as in prison uniforms, where it serves as a cautionary symbol. Beyond safety, orange has become a symbol of celebration and national pride in places like the Netherlands, where it represents the royal family and unites citizens during annual festivities like Koningsdag. Today, orange continues to blend its symbolic, artistic, and practical roles, representing warmth, joy, caution, and resilience across cultures.

Orange Around the World

Western Cultures

Orange is closely tied to autumn, warmth, and the harvest. It is often seen in pumpkins and fall leaves, making it a symbol of the changing seasons. In the United States, it plays a key role in Halloween celebrations, especially through the iconic carved pumpkin Jack-o'-Lanterns. This colour represents a time of abundance and is often used in autumn festivals to symbolize the harvest.

Middle Eastern Cultures

In some areas, orange is linked with mourning and loss, which contrasts sharply with its cheerful associations in other parts of the world.

Eastern Cultures

In countries like India, the yellow-orange hue of saffron is sacred, representing spirituality and peace, and is worn by Buddhist monks as a symbol of enlightenment. In China and Japan, orange signifies happiness, love, and good health, often seen in traditional attire and festive occasions.

Hinduism and Buddhism

Orange holds profound meaning in these religions. For Hindus, it represents sacredness, while in Buddhism, saffron orange is linked to peace and spirituality. It is the color worn by monks during religious ceremonies.

The Netherlands

For the Dutch, orange is the national colour and a symbol of national pride, especially on King's Day (Koningsdag), where citizens dress in orange to honor the royal family, the House of Orange-Nassau. The colour's connection to the royal family is rooted in history, going back to Willem van Oranje (William of Orange).

Cultural Rituals and Festivals Celebrating Orange

Orange plays an important role in various festivals and cultural practices:

India's Holi Festival, celebrated with vibrant colours, often includes orange as a symbol of joy and health.

Buddhist and Hindu ceremonies frequently feature orange robes to represent devotion, enlightenment, and a connection to the divine.

The Dutch King's Day is a massive celebration where everything, from clothing to decorations, turns orange in honour of the monarchy.

Orange in Politics

Orange has a unique and multifaceted role in global politics, symbolizing a range of ideologies, movements, and parties across different regions and cultures. Its political significance can be traced through its association with democratic revolutions, political parties, and activism.

Orange is the traditional color of the Christian democratic political ideology, which is based on Catholic social teaching and/or neo-Calvinist theology. Christian democratic political parties, which rose to prominence in Europe and the Americas after World War II, often use orange to represent their principles. Orange is less frequently associated with various populist parties, although it can be found in countries such as Austria, Germany, France, Portugal, Switzerland, Finland, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Turkey.

In Eastern Europe, orange has become synonymous with post-communist democratic revolutions, most notably the "Orange Revolution" in Ukraine (2004), where it represented a challenge to authoritarianism and a push for democratic reforms. This association with anti-authoritarian politics spread to other regions, including the Middle East, where groups in Lebanon, the Palestinian Authority, Egypt, Bahrain, and Israel have adopted the colour to symbolize resistance and political change. In Hungary, orange is tied to the conservative Fidesz party, which has been in power for several years, often linked to the country's rising anti-immigration sentiments. Similarly, in Israel, orange has become the dominant colour for the right-wing, especially among religious-right factions, as seen in protests against the 2004 disengagement plan.

Orange also holds significance in anarchist politics, particularly representing the mutualist current, which seeks a middle ground between market-driven anarcho-capitalism (associated with the colour yellow) and anti-capitalist currents like anarcho-syndicalism and anarcho-communism (typically linked to red). Additionally, orange is frequently used by humanist organizations, such as the Humanist International and various humanist parties in Latin America, including in Argentina, Costa Rica, and Chile.

In Australia, orange is associated with the One Nation party, a right-wing populist group led by Pauline Hanson, and is also used by other populist parties such as the Centre Alliance party. In Brazil, orange represents the liberal New Party and is also linked to socially conservative social democratic parties, such as Forward and Solidarity.

In Canada, orange is the official colour of the social-democratic New Democratic Party (NDP). Under the leadership of Jack Layton, the NDP adopted a green accent colour, but since then, orange has remained the party's primary colour. The NDP logo currently features an orange maple leaf with orange "NDP" lettering.

Orange has also found political significance in other countries. In Cyprus, the colour has been linked to fascist and ultranationalist politics, particularly among fans of the football club APOEL FC. In Greece, orange is associated with liberal and centrist parties, such as Center Union, Drassi, and Recreate Greece. In Poland, it was formerly used by the liberal Civic Platform party. Similarly, in Spain, orange is used by Citizens, a liberal party that opposes Catalan separatism, contrasting with the yellow associated with the separatist movement.

In the United States, orange is often seen as a symbol of safety and caution, especially in contexts like law enforcement and prison systems, where its high visibility underscores the need for alertness and protection. Meanwhile, in countries like South Africa, orange has historical ties to conservative Afrikaner political movements, particularly with the National Party, which governed from 1948 to 1994. The New National Party, the National Party's successor, and the Christian democratic party Freedom Front Plus also use orange.

Other countries where orange plays a role in the political landscape include Thailand, where it represents social democracy and progressivism through the Move Forward Party, and Peru, where it is associated with Fujimorism and Fujimorist parties like Popular Force and New Majority.

Overall, orange in politics is a colour that carries diverse meanings, from democratic movements and progressive ideologies to conservative and nationalist movements. Its use reflects the evolving political landscapes of many countries, symbolizing resistance, unity, and various forms of political identity and action.

Orange: Mood Lifter and Its Emotional Impact

Orange, as a colour, can evoke a wide range of emotions, from optimism and enthusiasm to feelings of pride and even superficiality, depending on its shade and context. On the positive side, people often associate orange with confidence, warmth, and agreeableness. Its bright, vivacious hue tends to help people feel outgoing, bold, and energized. This is why orange is often linked to creativity, energy, and positivity, making it a popular choice in various social and creative settings.

However, the emotional associations of orange can also be more complex. While its warmth and brightness typically symbolize feelings of optimism, it can also be linked to less favorable emotions, such as arrogance or impatience. The intensity of the colour, especially when paired with other tones, can shift its meaning entirely. For example, bright orange is attention-grabbing, while softer shades, like peach, exude subtlety and calmness. On the other hand, a darker, burnt orange might evoke the heat and intensity of fire, creating a more dramatic or urgent tone.

Specific shades of orange have their own symbolic meanings. Bright orange, often associated with vitality and stimulation, can boost energy and creativity, making it an ideal colour in environments that require focus and brainstorming. In contrast, deeper or more muted oranges can provide a sense of grounding, offering warmth and comfort, as seen in autumn landscapes or sunsets. This dual nature of orange—both invigorating and comforting—adds to its versatility in design and personal expression.

In various contexts, orange is used to symbolize many things. It can represent optimism, youthfulness, and luxury, while at times signifying pride, hopelessness, or deceit. Its positive qualities include stimulating creativity, energy, and a sense of happiness. On the other hand, when paired with darker tones like browns or blacks, it may suggest decay, sadness, or even death, highlighting the colour's potential to evoke contrasting emotions.

Brighter shades of orange can lift moods, energize people, and promote creativity. This is why the colour is often used in food advertising, as it is believed to stimulate appetite and make people feel more vibrant. Those with an "orange personality" tend to be spontaneous, optimistic, and eager, thriving on variety, excitement, and freedom to act. They are known for their wit, boldness, and generosity.

One of the most significant modern uses of orange is in advocacy. Orange has become the color of gun violence awareness in the United States, with the first Friday in June being designated as National Gun Violence Awareness Day. This movement illustrates how colour symbolism can evolve to represent social causes and galvanize action.

Ultimately, the colour orange is a mood-lifter. Whether it's through the vibrancy of its brighter tones, which feel invigorating and friendly, or the grounding nature of its muted shades, which offer comfort, orange has the power to influence perceptions and emotions in profound ways. Whether used in art, fashion, or political movements, its diverse range of meanings and effects makes it one of the most dynamic colours in the spectrum.

Orange in Fashion and History: A Striking, Yet Maligned Hue

Orange has a complex relationship with fashion and history. Women of the Georgian Era had a fondness for wearing vibrant, bold colours including orange, red and gold, though things had changed drastically by the Victorian era. Unlike the popular autumnal shades of golds, browns, and burnished reds, the Victorians generally viewed orange with disfavor. Fashion magazines of the time often advised against wearing orange dresses, describing the colour as "ugly" and unflattering to most complexions. C. Willett Cunnington, a noted fashion historian, even went as far as to suggest that some people believed orange to imply “a degree of animal passion which the pure ought not to possess.”

However, despite these associations, orange did make appearances in Victorian fashion, albeit in subtle ways. A true, solid orange dress was rare. More commonly, you would see peach-coloured day dresses or warm pumpkin-orange visiting gowns. Bright oranges, however, were generally paired with other colours, often seen in stripes, patterns, or as trim. This combination of orange with other hues proved more acceptable to the fashion-conscious of the era.

Victorian fashion also recognized the complementary relationship between orange and other colours. For instance, blue was seen as orange’s opposite, forming a “harmony of contrast” that could look stunning on certain individuals. Likewise, orange paired with scarlet created a “harmony of analogy,” with both colours harmonizing beautifully together. Autumnal shades like soft greens, browns, and yellows were also common companions to orange, allowing for a variety of stylish combinations depending on the season.

Despite its rocky historical reception, orange found its place in later fashion movements. The 1960s, for example, embraced the colour with gusto. Tangerine orange dominated the early years, especially in mod culture, before transitioning to a deeper orange as the bohemian 1970s rolled in. Designers like Andre Courreges and Rudi Gernreich used vibrant orange in their avant-garde designs, with Courreges’ iconic orange vinyl coat becoming a staple of futuristic fashion.

Orange has also become a symbol in modern luxury fashion. The French luxury brand Hermes, for example, adopted orange as its signature shade, making it one of the most instantly recognizable colours in retail. Designers like Carolina Herrera and Raf Simons have also explored orange, using it as an accent colour to inject vibrancy into otherwise minimalist collections.

From the Renaissance elite’s love of exotic orange fabrics to Jean-Paul Gaultier’s bold use of mandarin orange velvet in his conical corset dress for Madonna, orange has consistently been a statement-making color. It is a colour that demands attention—whether used in high fashion or everyday attire.

A portrait of Barbara of Portugal by Jean Ranc in 1729
A portrait of Emilia Włodkowska by Józef Simmler in 1865
An orange and white coat by French designer Andre Courreges
Hermes signature colour is orange
A beautiful orange gown by Carolina Herrera
An orange velvet corset dress made by Jean Paul Gaultier for Madonna

How to Incorporate Orange in Everyday Style

For those not accustomed to wearing orange, it might seem like a bold or intimidating choice, but there are many ways to incorporate this dynamic color into your wardrobe. Start small with accessories. A pair of orange shoes, a handbag, or even a statement necklace can add a pop of colour to your outfit without overwhelming your overall look.

Once you’re comfortable with accessories, you can begin experimenting with clothing. Tops, skirts, or scarves in orange are a great way to ease into wearing this vibrant hue. However, it’s important to avoid overdoing it by wearing too much orange at once. A balance of colors is key to creating a cohesive and stylish look.

For a harmonious look, pair orange with analogous colours, such as yellow and red, which are next to orange on the colour wheel. This combination creates a warm and inviting palette that can be both striking and easy to wear. If you're feeling more adventurous, you can experiment with contrasting colours. Since blue and green are complementary to orange, pairing these colours together creates a bold, attention-grabbing look. For those with red hair, warm oranges paired with shades of purple can be particularly flattering.

If you have a warm skin tone, try rust, peach, or gold alongside your orange pieces. Earth tones like brown, navy, and olive will complement orange beautifully as well, creating a grounded, stylish ensemble. Don't shy away from experimenting with different tones of orange—this colour’s versatility allows you to play with both lighter, peachy shades and deeper, burnished hues.

How to Add Orange Millinery to Your Wardrobe

Incorporating orange millinery into your wardrobe can add a vibrant, energetic flair to your outfits. Whether you're new to the colour or a fan of bold hues, there are many ways to make orange headwear a stylish and exciting addition to your look:

Start with Subtle Accents:
If you’re hesitant about wearing orange, start with smaller, more subtle pieces. A soft apricot-coloured headband, a peachy fascinator, or an orange pillbox hat can introduce the colour without being overwhelming. These pieces are perfect for adding a pop of colour to neutral or monochrome outfits, making them feel fresh and lively.
Statement Pieces:
For those who love to make a bold statement, a bright orange crown or a dramatic orange fascinator is sure to turn heads. Look for pieces adorned with contrasting elements like black or gold, or choose one with intricate details, such as feathers, beads, or florals, to give it extra personality. These bold styles are perfect for special occasions, from races to garden parties.
Pair with Complementary Colours:
Orange looks stunning when paired with complementary colours like blue or green, creating a striking contrast. For example, a bright orange hat could be paired with a navy or turquoise dress for a fashion-forward look. If you want to create a balanced outfit, try a rich orange hat with a dark blue ensemble—this will help the colour pop without clashing.
Mix with Analogous Colours:
If you prefer a more harmonious look, pair orange millinery with analogous colours like yellow or red. A warm orange hat or headband will blend seamlessly with golden tones, rusts, and deep reds, creating a beautiful, cohesive look. This pairing works particularly well for autumn-inspired outfits, where the warm shades of orange and red evoke the season’s natural beauty.
Choose the Right Style for the Occasion:
The occasion will guide the style of orange millinery you choose. For more formal events, opt for a structured orange hat or fascinator, such as a sleek, elegant crown or a pillbox. For casual outings, a simple orange headband or a floral orange fascinator can still provide the perfect touch of fun and brightness.
Mix and Match with Your Wardrobe:
Don’t be afraid to mix your orange millinery with both bold and neutral outfits. An orange headband can instantly brighten up a plain black dress, while a bright orange fascinator adds personality to a tailored suit or cocktail dress. If you're wearing a patterned outfit, try matching your orange headwear with one of the hues in the pattern to create a coordinated, thoughtful look.

Adding orange millinery to your wardrobe is a great way to infuse your outfits with energy and creativity. Whether you choose a bold statement piece or a more subtle accent, orange hats and headbands can help elevate your style and make a memorable fashion statement.

From its origins in ancient luxury to its role in bold, contemporary designs, the history of orange is as dynamic as the color itself. Orange has moved through eras and aesthetics, each time bringing warmth, confidence, and a sense of the avant-garde. As you think about your own style, consider the story behind orange—how it can make a statement, bring warmth, and evoke both nostalgia and novelty. Ready to add a piece of history to your wardrobe? Explore our collection of orange accessories, apparel, and millinery, and find the shade that speaks to you. Let’s bring this radiant color into your world, one vibrant piece at a time.

All images courtesy of Google