Colors were visual properties that derived from the light spectrum. Colors were often culturally significant in the galaxy.

Color symbolism in the Republic and Imperial societies[]

Red[]

In the time of the Galactic Republic, red was prominently displayed as a symbol of diplomatic affiliation and so many ambassadorial capital ships were painted red. Any consular ship hailing directly from Galactic City was colored red all over its hull, while others would only bear stripes in that hue.^[2] Under the Galactic Empire, some of those habits were kept in use, for what was called "Republic red" followed the teaching of seemingly co-opting the republican traditions. Red lightsabers were favored by dark-siders and Sith, including Emperor Palpatine.^[3] The Emperor personally favored the color scarlet as it featured prominently on the family crest of House Palpatine.^[4] His preference for several variations of the color red, including crimson and burgundy, were reflected through the interior design of his private apartments, as well as the uniforms of the Red Guard^[5] and their Imperial successors.^[6]

Because it was the color of Human blood, red was also associated with murder.^[7] Crimson, a shade of red, was a traditional signifier of royal authority.^[8] Similarly, members of the Chagrian species traditionally wore a particular shade of red, called the color of war, while fighting. For this reason, Chagrians serving in the Alliance to Restore the Republic during the Galactic Civil War typically wore red accent pieces on their uniforms.^[9]

During the Clone Wars, like most other colors, red was also used as an indicator of rank among clone forces within the Grand Army of the Republic: In particular, red was used to indicate those holding the rank of either Captain or Major.^[10]

Orange[]

On Naboo, orange and red vestments symbolized rebirth and renewal.^[8]

Yellow[]

The color yellow was associated with lies in Imperial culture. When the mutant warlord Trioculus met the fake Supreme Prophet of the Dark Side, the pseudo-Kadann, he told him he was the son of the late Palpatine. The fake Kadann then crushed a yellow chalk ball in his hand, meaning he did not believe Trioculus' claim.^[7] In the days of the Old Republic, Jedi Sentinels and members in the Eternal Empire often owned yellow-bladed lightsabers.^[11] During the Clone Wars, like most other colors, yellow was also used as an indicator of rank among clone forces within the Grand Army of the Republic: In particular, yellow was used to indicate those holding various ranks of Commander, in particular battalion commander, regimental commander, senior commander, and marshal commander.^[10]

Green[]

As green was the color of most plant life,^[12] it was generally perceived in a positive light, and was a symbol of life and youth. Lush planets were commonly described as "green" (such as Kashyyyk, Onderon, Naboo, Yavin 4 or the Green Coruscant). At the time of the Cold War, green was adopted by the Corellian Jedi to show their devotion to the ancient flag of Corellia.^[13] They began to wear emerald robes, and this tradition lasted until the time of Corran Horn.^[1] Additionally, Jedi Consulars often used green-bladed lightsabers to symbolize their commitment to peace.^[11] During the Clone Wars, like most other colors, various shades of green were also used as an indicator of rank among clone forces within the Grand Army of the Republic: In particular, the standard shade was used to represent Sergeant-Major, while olive green was used to represent Sergeant.^[10]

Despite the color's general positive connotations, one who was inexperienced at something, such as a raw recruit in the military, was sometimes said to be "green."^[14]

Blue[]

Blue was associated with chancellorship in the waning days of the Republic. Chancellor Finis Valorum and Senator Palpatine would often don blue coats or robes to express their interest in leading the Republic.^[15] In the old Jedi Order, a blue-bladed lightsaber was traditionally associated with the Jedi Guardians, whose talents lay in martial skills.^[11] Despite its previous positive associations, blue was the color of shame and disgrace in the late Imperial culture.^[16] During the Clone Wars, like most other colors, blue was also used as an indicator of rank among clone forces within the Grand Army of the Republic: In particular, blue was used to indicate those holding the rank of either Second Lieutenant or Lieutenant.^[10]

Lavender[]

Lavender was the only shade that had never been historically associated with war, anger or mourning in any civilization within the Republic. For that reason, the interior of the Grand Convocation Chamber in the Galactic Senate was painted in that color.^[15]

Black[]

Black was generally associated with night and darkness, as well as with the Sith. The color "Sith black" was considered a symbol of their ancient dread.^[17] In the culture of the Galactic Empire, black was considered a symbol of victory.^[7]

Gray[]

A light medium gray was the traditional hue the Empire chose for its ships and stations.^[17] The aim was to make the Imperial presence recognizable at glance, and to instill fear by insisting on the weapons' power and not on their appearance. Though some distinctive unit markings did exist, they still were marginal.^[18]

White[]

While the color white was associated with the Force by some (such as the the White Current of the Fallanassi), it was also chosen by the Empire for its elite force of stormtroopers. Their full anonymous armor was chosen by designers who knew that what people couldn't see was more terrifying than what the Empire could do.^[17][18] For the full paint job of large spaceship, "Star Destroyer White" was the only industrial shade of paint that was available at reasonable prices.^[1] Sheets of paper were usually white, and so was the fur of creatures such as the Hoojibs of Arbra and the Wampas of Hoth.^[12]

Ultraviolet colors[]

Some species (like the Hutts or the Kaminoans) could view more colors than others, notably light in the ultraviolet. Such extra colors included berl, crynor, nusp, and onsible.^[19]

Colors as a language[]

The reptilian Tarasin from Cularin used to express their ideas or emotions through a complex system of skin color changes. For example, their light green skin changing to purple indicated amusement. Though much of their Tarasin Skintone Language could not express complex thoughts, the changing colors of the skin could give basic directions without speech while the Tarasin were hunting or attempting to evade the massive kilassin that roamed the jungles of their homeworld.^[20]

Similarly, the skull feathers of the avian Fosh would shift color depending on their mood.^[21] Green indicated inquisitiveness, thoughtfulness or amusement; orange was a sign of happiness; and gray reflected anger, disgust, irritation or seriousness.

In the Gree language, colors were used in conjunction with geometric shapes to make expression patterns. It seems that color-related terms mostly filled function.^[13]

Appearances[]

Non-canon appearances[]

• Death Star Designer

Sources[]

Notes and references[]

External links[]

• Color on Wikipedia