Hinduism is an extremely diverse religion. Although some tenets of the faith are accepted by most Hindus, scholars have found it difficult to identify any doctrines with universal acceptance among all denominations. Prominent themes in Hindu beliefs include Dharma (ethics/duties), Samsāra (The continuing cycle of birth, life, death and rebirth), Karma (action and subsequent reaction), Moksha (liberation from samsara), and the various yogas (paths or practices). It even ranges in the perceived concept of God, from monotheism to polytheism, to even panentheism, pantheism, monism and even atheism. One common theme, however, is colour. Between ceremonies and chakras, the spectrum holds nothing back.

During a Hindu wedding, there's plenty of red about. Red is seen as a symbol of happiness, and found on the bride's dress, the groom's robe and scarf, and in the sindoor, the holy red powder, that the groom places on the forehead of his bride, welcoming her into his life as his partner. During the ceremony, the groom gives a mangalsutra, a black beaded necklace, to the bride as a symbol of love, integrity and devotion towards her. The bride's hands are decorated with a red-brown henna, which has predated written text in its use, symbolising joy and happiness. Favourite pets and horses, brides, sometimes grooms, and children have all been decorated with henna's decorative art, Mehndi, comes out usually following holidays or special events. In the region where the henna plant grows, it follows that wherever there's joy, there's henna.

Followers of Hinduism often practice yoga. Meditation and tranquility are prevailing themes, and aligning the chakras, of which each is represented by a colour.

Violet - Crown

Related organ: Brain Personality Traits: Inspirational leaders, kindly and just, humanitarians, self-sacrifing, visionary, creative, and strong mentally. Personal identification with the infinite, oneness with God, peace, wisdom.

Indigo - Third Eye

Related organ: Eyes, lower head. Personality Traits: Intuitive, fearless, practical, idealistic, wise, a truth seeker, highly intuitive, faithful, clear sighted possessing integrity and clarity of mind.

Blue - Throat

Related organ: Throat, Lungs Personality Traits: Ability to verbalise, expressing truth through spoken word, loyal, tactful, affectionate, inspiring, inventive, caring, cautious, possessing the spirit of truth and purpose, and self expression.

Green - Heart

Related organ: Heart, Breasts Personality Traits: Soul-heart consciousness, expressing love in action, sympathetic, compassionate, humble, understanding, self-controlled adaptable, generous, nature loving, romantic.

Yellow - Solar Plexus

Related organ: Solar Plexus Personality Traits: Positive use of personal power, good-humoured, optimistic, confident, practical, intellectual, clarity of thought, alert, curious, perceptive, and aware.

Orange - Sacral

Related organ: Ovaries, Testes (lower abdomen) Personality Traits: Enthusiastic, happy, sociable, energetic, sport, self-assured, constructive, joyous, independent, free, seizes life, removes inhibitions, able to be oneself confidently.

Red - Base

Related organ: Spine, Hips, Legs Personality Traits: Vitality, courage, strong-willed, self-confident, humanistic, spontaneous, honest, extroverted, secure, pioneering, having strength of will, driven, and stable.

 
 
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Watch for the next in our series: Islam.
 
Colors of Religion Series:
Colors of Christianity.
Colors of Buddhism