Crimson Red (#990000): Meaning, Color Codes & More!
What if a single color could encapsulate centuries of history, artistic expression, and cultural significance? Crimson, a hue steeped in passion, luxury, and symbolism, stands as a testament to the enduring power of color to shape our world.
Crimson, in its many forms, transcends mere aesthetics. From the ancient world to the digital age, this deep, rich shade of red has held a unique place in human culture. Whether its the regal robes of royalty, the vibrant hues of a painter's canvas, or the strategic use in web design, crimson captivates with its intensity and allure. Exploring its multifaceted nature unveils a journey through art, science, and societal nuances.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Hex Code | #990000, #980001, #DC143C (Variations) |
| RGB Value | (153, 0, 0) - (60% Red, 0% Green, 0% Blue) |
| CMYK Value | Typically not provided as direct equivalents; designed for printing applications. |
| HSL Value | (0, 100%, 30%) - Approximate |
| HSV Value | (0, 100%, 60%) - Approximate |
| LRV (Light Reflectance Value) | Approximately 7, indicating it is a dark color. |
| Color Family | Red, with a slight inclination towards purple. |
| Saturation | Full saturation. |
| Brightness | Neutral (within the family's range). |
| Warmth | Warm color. |
| Complementary Color | A shade of cyan or turquoise. (Exact values depend on the precise crimson shade) |
| Analogous Colors | Reds and violets close to crimson on the color wheel |
| Color Schemes | Can be used effectively in triad and rectangle color schemes; good for web design and advertising. |
| Associations | Passion, love, luxury, royalty, energy, intensity, and can also be seen as a representation of a sense of warning or danger. |
| Symbolism | Represents a spectrum of meanings dependent on the cultural context. |
| Origin | Originally derived from the kermes insect; later, from synthetic pigments. |
| Historical Usage | Used extensively since ancient times for dyes in fabrics, particularly in high-status garments. |
| Modern Usage | UI design, art, fashion, branding, and other visual communication applications. |
| Variations | Known by names like Crimson Red, Stizza, and USC Cardinal. |
| Related Terms | Shades, tints, complementary colors, and similar hues. |
| Websafe Color (Closest) | There isn't a single "websafe" color, but the closest would be a slightly brighter red. |
| Color Blindness Simulation | Tools are available to simulate how crimson would appear to individuals with various forms of color blindness. |
| Paint Names | Various paint manufacturers offer crimson shades, with slight variations in specific color tones. |
| HTML/CSS Code Examples |
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| Examples of Use | The Harvard Crimson, the name of a rom hack for Pokemon. |
| Reference | Wikipedia: Crimson |
Crimson is more than just a color; it's a historical artifact. The dye that gave rise to the name, kermes, was sourced from the dried bodies of kermes vermilio insects. This process was practiced by the ancient Greeks and Romans, making crimson one of the earliest and most sought-after dyes for fabrics. Its richness and vibrancy ensured its place in luxury items, signifying wealth and status. The crimson robes of emperors and other members of the nobility are a testament to this.
The color's association with royalty and passion is still relevant today. Crimson's deep, alluring tone captures attention, making it ideal for design applications. In modern graphic design, the hue is a key component, evoking feelings of energy, love, and sophistication, and can be utilized to great effect in user interface design (UI). When used strategically in web design, crimson can draw the users eye and direct their focus, and when coupled with colors like Papyrus (#989800), or any of its analogous colors can provide excellent contrast and appeal in web design and in advertising.
In digital spaces, identifying crimson is easy thanks to specific codes for different graphics systems. The hex code #990000, for example, is the shorthand for crimson red. In the RGB color space, this translates to 60% red, 0% green, and 0% blue. The decimal equivalent is rgb(153, 0, 0), which enables consistent reproduction of the color across various platforms. There are variations, such as #980001, which creates slightly different, but equally evocative, shades.
The emotional impact of crimson extends across different cultures. It's a shade that communicates love and affection, making it the perfect tone to show passion and intensity. But, it also stands as a reminder of more extreme emotions like fury. In contrast with red, a primary color with many shades, including light to dark, crimsons deep tone gives it a unique place on the color wheel, sitting between red and purple, suggesting the richness and depth of purple while retaining the boldness of red.
When considering crimson within the context of color schemes, the possibilities open up further. A triad color scheme can place crimson alongside two other colors, that are equally spaced, making for a balanced and visually appealing design. Rectangle color harmonies, based on rectangular shapes, are also possible, giving users a versatile choice in web design. Crimson also works well with complementary colors, those opposite it on the color wheel (such as cyan), creating high-contrast designs. The warm nature of crimson makes it an excellent base color for any design project.
There are several applications of this color that have been named after it, like the Harvard Crimson, the name of the institution's daily student newspaper, which is an example of a well-known use. Another example is "Pokemon Crimson Red", a GBA rom hack created by "noodle_00," which pushes the limits of the game by providing a difficult experience for the player. Both of these are examples of the versatile applications of the crimson color.
When selecting the color, the choice of crimson is an indication of power and luxury. Consider how crimson can affect the look and feel of your designs or the emotions they evoke. Crimson is a constant reminder of the power of color. It stands as a symbol of enduring passion and meaning, a key component in the palette of the world.
