What Does the Color Green Mean? Verywell Mind’s content is for informational and educational purposes green chili beef burritos. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Kendra Cherry, MS, is an author and educational consultant focused on helping students learn about psychology. Verywell Mind articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and mental healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates.

Sometimes, these reactions are related to the intensity of a color. In other cases, they’re products of experience and cultural influences. For many people, the color green has strong associations with nature and brings to mind lush grass, trees, and forests. Green is often described as a refreshing and tranquil color. Other common associations with the color green are money, luck, health, and envy.

In color psychology, colors made up of long wavelengths are considered “arousing or warm,” whereas colors such as green that have shorter wavelengths are “relaxing or cool. Whereas our eyes must adjust to see colors with longer wavelengths, they don’t need to adjust at all to see cool colors. The color green can positively affect thinking, relationships, and physical health. Green is also thought to relieve stress and help heal. You’ll often find green in the decor of medical facilities. Shades of green can help put people at ease in a new places. For this reason, designers often feature green in public spaces such as restaurants and hotels.

One study found a “green exercise effect” on participants who exercised indoors while watching a video of outdoor space with a green overlay. They experienced less mood disturbance and perceived less exertion than when they watched the same video with a red or gray overlay. Green’s calming effects might derive from its association with nature, which people typically experience as relaxing and refreshing. In ancient mythology, green commonly represented fertility. In particular, they devoted the fifth day to the earth and women. Likewise, ancient Greeks portrayed Osiris, their god of the underworld, birth, rebirth, agriculture, and fertility, with a green face.