India

Saffron is one of India's most sacred colors. The top band of India's flag is saffron, representing courage and sacrifice. In Hinduism, Shiva is depicted with saffron skin, and Buddhist monks' robes originate from this color. Buddha chose saffron robes as the Middle Way. Saffron dye is more expensive than gold—the world's costliest spice and dye.

Holi Red comes from India's most spectacular color festival. Every spring, Indians throw colored powder celebrating good's victory over evil and winter's end. The festival originates from Hindu mythology—demon Hiranyakashipu tried to burn his devout son Prahlad, who survived through Vishnu's protection. On Holi, caste, gender, and age barriers dissolve as everyone colors each other.

Krishna Blue comes from the skin color of the Hindu deity Krishna. "Krishna" in Sanskrit means "black" or "deep blue." Indian philosophy holds that blue represents infinity—the sky and ocean are blue, and all infinite things are blue. Krishna's blue skin symbolizes his transcendent, infinite nature. This is also the signature color of Jodhpur, India's "Blue City."

Peacock Teal takes its name from India's national bird. In Indian culture, the peacock is sacred—it is Krishna's crown ornament, the goddess Saraswati's mount, and the embodiment of rain clouds. The Maurya Empire (c. 322-185 BCE), India's first unified empire, was named after the peacock.

Turmeric is one of the most important colors in Indian daily life. In Hindu rituals, turmeric powder is purifying and auspicious—before weddings, bride and groom receive a turmeric paste ceremony (Haldi). Indian women's forehead bindis were traditionally turmeric-based. Turmeric-dyed saris glow warm gold in sunlight, a South Indian classic.