Black Panther, Batgirl, and Lent: Purple’s Symbolism in Culture

The secondary color of purple, otherwise referred to as violet, is a mixture of scarlet and blue. Found in nature and beautifully showcased in the floral world, this color has also held a rich cultural history, especially in regards to fashion. It has a rich history in every meaning of the term since purple has been coveted down through the centuries and, at times, has only been seen in the clothes of royalty.

Purple, as a symbol of royalty, is an outward social sign which dates back to ancient times, originating with the Phoenicians. The Phoenicians had divers who swam down to the seabeds to acquire a certain variety of shellfish. From these creatures, the artisans derived a precious dye which was then applied to fabrics.

The entire process of developing the pigment and then applying it to obtain the true violet hue in clothing was rather laborious, hence the high value placed on it, hence it was primarily seen in the wardrobes of royals and nobles for hundreds of years. When Christ was mocked during his passion the infamous robe which was put…