Dragon Colors

Purple / Violet Dragons

First, this article will explore the symbolism of purple / violet in world cultures, then specifically relate that symbolism to dragons and serpents.

• The Symbolism of the Color Purple / Violet
• Purple / Violet Dragons
• Footnotes
• Dragon Colors

Violet and purple are both associated with religious devotion and grief.¹ Buddhists regard purple as a sacred color.² In Thailand, purple is worn by mourning widows.² In Toaism, violet is the color that marks the transition from Yang (active) to Yin (passive).¹

In Feng Shui, purple is a passive Yin force, symbolizing spiritual awareness and healing.³

Historically, purple dye proved to be the most expensive to produce throughout the West. The ingredients to make purple dye were both rare and costly to process.² Thus, only the rich could afford purple garments, which is why purple is associated with royalty and wealth.² Also, members of the Catholic priesthood use garments of purple during parts of the Liturgy, especially during Lent,² which is why purple is a symbol of ecclesiastical power.¹

The Byzantine and Roman emperors preferred the color purple for their garments.² In China, purple is the color of the North Star, a symbol of the center of heaven.² In modern psychology, violet has been shown to suppress the appetite and create a peaceful environment.³

In modern artwork and cartooning, many cute or whimsical dragons are colored purple, possibly because purple is a peaceful or pacifying color.

All of the dragon graphics on this page were created by Donna Quinn.

1. Stevens [Ariadne's Clue] 150
2. O'Connell and Airey 115
3. Visual Color Symbolism Chart by Culture

For more information about footnotes and references, please see the bibliography.