Why is the color purple?

The association of purple with royalty and clergy can be traced back to ancient
times, primarily due to the rarity and costliness of the dye used to create the color.

Historical rarity and cost: In ancient civilizations such as Rome, Egypt, and
Byzantium, purple dye was extremely rare and expensive to produce. The most
renowned purple dye came from the Murex snail, found in the Mediterranean Sea.
It took thousands of snails to produce even a small amount of dye, making it
accessible only to the wealthy and powerful. The scarcity of the dye made purple
fabric a symbol of wealth, power, and status.

Association with royalty: Because purple was so expensive, it became associated
with royalty and nobility. Kings, queens, and other monarchs would wear clothing
dyed in shades of purple to showcase their wealth and authority. In some cultures,
laws were even enacted to restrict the use of purple clothing to the ruling class,
further solidifying its association with royalty.

Spiritual significance: Purple also carries symbolic meanings related to
spirituality and religious authority. In Christianity, for example, purple is associated
with Lent and Easter, as well as with the robes worn by bishops and other clergy
members. The color's rich and deep hue has been seen as representative of
spiritual depth and solemnity.

Continued tradition: Over time, the association of purple with royalty and clergy
has persisted and become deeply ingrained in cultural symbolism. Even as dyes
became more readily available and affordable, the historical significance of purple
endured, and it continued to be associated with power, wealth, and spiritual
authority.

Cosmo's Take
The color of your clothes has meaning to those around you.