Indigo Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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indigo
[หษชndษชษกoส ]
Definitions
color, dye
Indigo is a deep blue color that is derived from the plant Indigofera. It is also a natural dye that has been used for centuries in textile production.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The artist mixed indigo with white to create a beautiful shade.
- The fabric was dyed with natural indigo to give it a rich color.
- Indigo is often associated with warmth and calmness in design.
plant, dye
Indigo refers to the plant species from which the dye indigo is extracted. The leaves of these plants contain indican, which can be processed to yield the dye through fermentation.
Synonyms
blue dye, indigo plant.
Examples of usage
- The indigo plant thrives in warm climates.
- Farmers grow indigo for dye production in many countries.
- Indigofera is a crucial genus for traditional dyeing methods.
color description
Relating to or resembling the color indigo; a hue between blue and violet in the color spectrum.
Synonyms
blue-violet, dark blue.
Examples of usage
- She wore an indigo dress that stood out at the party.
- The sky at sunset took on an indigo hue.
- The artist's palette featured several shades of indigo.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Cultural Significance
- Indigo has been used for centuries in cultures around the world, particularly in Asia and Africa, for clothing and decorative arts.
- In West African traditions, indigo dyeing is often a communal activity, representing culture and identity.
- Indigo is one of the key colors in the rainbow, representing deeper meanings in various spiritual and artistic traditions.
Science
- Indigo is both a color and a pigment, and it's known for its unique wavelength of light, which falls between blue and violet.
- The color indigo can be created by mixing blue and purple, adding a distinct hue to various visual mediums.
- In visual arts, indigo blends well with other colors, often used to create rich shadows or depth in paintings.
Literature
- Indigo appears in literature as a symbol of mysticism and the celestial, often representing dreams or otherworldly experiences.
- Famous works such as 'The Color Purple' by Alice Walker have used the concept of indigo to convey deeper emotional narratives.
- Classic poetry sometimes references indigo to evoke imagery connected to the night sky or twilight.
Fashion
- Indigo dye is famous in denim production, making it a staple color for jeans around the world.
- The vibrant hue of indigo can be found in traditional garments like the Japanese indigo-dyed kimono and African indigo textiles.
- Fashion designers frequently incorporate indigo into collections, often using it for its timeless and versatile qualities.
Origin of 'indigo'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'indicum', which means 'from India', as the dye was originally imported from that region.
- In ancient times, the dye was extracted from the plant Indigofera tinctoria, used for dyeing fabrics.
- Indigo was one of the first natural dyes used in textiles, dating back over 6,000 years.
The word 'indigo' has its origins in the Latin term 'indicum' which means 'from India,' as the dye was originally imported from India to Europe. The plant and the dye have been known since ancient times, and indigo dyeing is one of the oldest dyeing processes. The use of indigo as a dye can be traced back to civilizations in India, Egypt, and several African cultures. Over the centuries, indigo became an important commodity in international trade and was essential in the production of blue textiles, especially in Europe during the 19th century. The synthetic production of indigo in the late 19th century revolutionized the dyeing industry, making it more accessible and affordable. Despite the rise of synthetic indigo, natural indigo production continues in some regions due to its cultural significance and demand for organic materials.