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What were the most popular colors for Medieval Fashion during the Middle Ages?

Onnie La

During the Middle Ages, fashion was not just a matter of style, but it also had symbolic and cultural significance. The clothes people wore revealed their social status, wealth, and profession. The colors of Medieval fashion varied depending on the region, time period, and purpose, but some hues were more popular than others.

One of the most favored colors in Medieval fashion was blue. Blue was associated with the Virgin Mary, who was the most revered figure in Christianity. Blue was also the color of the sky and the sea, which represented hope, calmness, and purity. The deep blue shade known as ultramarine was particularly prized, as it was made from lapis lazuli, a rare and expensive stone from Afghanistan. Ultramarine was used for the robes of Mary, Jesus, and saints in religious art, as well as for the clothes of royalty and nobles in secular portraits. Blue was also popular among commoners, who could afford to dye their clothes with woad, a plant that produced a less bright but still attractive shade of blue.

Another widely used color in Medieval fashion was red. Red was associated with blood, passion, and power. It was the color of martyrs and warriors, as well as of love and sexuality. Red was obtained from madder, a plant that grew abundantly in Europe, and from cochineal, a tiny insect that lived in Mexico. Red was used for the cloaks of cardinals, the robes of judges, and the dresses of noblewomen. However, red was also worn by prostitutes, who were required by law to dress in red to distinguish themselves from respectable women.

Green was also a popular color in Medieval fashion, especially in the 14th and 15th centuries. Green symbolized nature, growth, youth, and hope. It was associated with the legend of Robin Hood, who wore a green cloak, and with the love story of Tristan and Isolde, who drank a magic potion that turned them green. Green was obtained from plants such as weld, a type of shrub that yielded a bright yellow-green, and buckthorn, a tree that produced a darker green. Green was used for the garments of peasants, merchants, and knights, as well as for the decoration of churches and castles.

Other colors that were popular in Medieval fashion included yellow, purple, black, and white. Yellow was associated with sunlight, gold, and betrayal. It was used for the robes of jesters and fools, who were allowed to criticize the powerful without fear of punishment. Purple was associated with royalty, luxury, and spirituality. It was obtained from a rare shellfish called murex, and its use was restricted to emperors, kings, and high priests. Black was associated with death, mourning, and humility. It was used for the clothes of monks, nuns, and widows, as well as for the trimming of fancy garments. White was associated with purity, light, and innocence. It was used for the clothes of babies, brides, and angels.

In conclusion, Medieval fashion was a kaleidoscope of colors that reflected the complexity and richness of the society of the Middle Ages. Blue, red, and green were the most popular colors, but each shade had a different meaning and context. By understanding the symbolism and aesthetics of Medieval fashion, we can appreciate not only the beauty but also the significance of the clothes that people wore.