Color
Talk2this wiki
- "The use of Imperial Scarlet predominated, with gold, silver, blue and green accenting various features. Just when the clash of color would become too much, we'd walk past an alcove or a wall panel that housed artwork from one of the myriad planets in the galaxy"
- ―Corran Horn
Colors were visual properties that derived from the light spectrum. Colors were often culturally significant in the galaxy.
Contents |
Color symbolism in the Republican and Imperial societies
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.[1] Under the Galactic Empire, some of those habits were seemingly kept in use, for what was called "Republic red" followed the teaching of seemingly co-opting the republican traditions. The Emperor's personal guard and most features in his private apartments or in the Imperial Palace were crimson as well, as it featured prominently on the family crest of the House of Palpatine.[2]
Blue was associated with chancellorship in the waning days of the Republic,[3] and lavender drapes were known to have hung in the Grand Convocation Chamber. Indeed, lavender blue was the only shade that had never been historically associated with war, anger or mourning in any civilization within the Republic. Chancellor Finis Valorum and Senator Palpatine would often adorn blue coats or robes to express their interest in leading the Republic.[3]
As green was the color of many plantlife, 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 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.[4] They began to wear emerald robes, and this tradition lasted until the time of Corran Horn.[5]
Black was generally associated with night and evil, especially the Sith. The color "Sith black" was considered a symbol of their ancient dread.[6]
A light medium gray was the traditional hue the Empire chose for its ships and stations.[6] 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.[7]
While 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.[6][7] For the full paint job of large spaceship, "Star Destroyer White" was the only industrial shade of paint that was available at reasonable prices.[5]
Ultraviolet colors
Some species (like the Hutts or the Kaminoans) could view more colors than others, notably those who could view light in the ultraviolet. Such extra colors included berl, crynor, nusp, and onsible are the only known unltraviolet colors.[8]
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 actually couldn't express complex series of thoughts, the changing colors of the skin could be used to give basic directions without speech while the Tarasin were hunting or attempting to evade the massive kilassin that roam the jungles of their homeworld.[9]
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.[4]
Sources
Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire trading cards (Card: Leia Meets Dash Rendar)
- Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire trading cards (Card: Luke and Melan Are Ambushed)
- Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire trading cards (Card: Chewbacca in Disguise)
- Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire trading cards (Card: Leia is Smitten)
- Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire trading cards (Card: Leia Prepares for Xizor)
- Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire trading cards (Card: Xizor Prepares for Leia)
- Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire trading cards (Card: The Kiss)
- Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire trading cards (Card: Will Xizor Call Luke's Bluff?)
- Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire trading cards (Card: Xizor's Castle Blows Up)
- Death Star Designer
- Star Wars Miniatures Battles Companion
- Episode I: The Visual Dictionary
- Episode I: Incredible Cross-Sections
- "Shades of Meaning"
Notes and references
External links
- Color on Wikipedia
