Saffron (color) facts for kids

Saffron is a beautiful color that looks like a mix of yellow and orange. It's bright and warm, often reminding people of sunshine or autumn leaves. This special color gets its name from the expensive spice called saffron, which has a similar rich, golden-orange hue.

What is Saffron Color?

Saffron is a color that sits between yellow and orange on the color wheel. It's often described as a deep, golden yellow with hints of orange. Think of the color of a sunset or the glowing embers of a fire, and you'll get a good idea of saffron. It's a very vibrant and noticeable color.

Where Does the Name Come From?

The color saffron is named after the saffron spice. This spice comes from the dried parts of a flower called the saffron crocus. The tiny threads, called stigmas, from inside the flower are carefully picked and dried. These threads are a deep reddish-orange color, and when used in cooking, they give food a beautiful golden-yellow color and a unique flavor. Because the spice is so famous for its color, the color itself was named "saffron."

Saffron in Nature

The color saffron appears in many places in the natural world, not just in the saffron crocus flower.

• Animals: Some animals are named "saffron" because of their color. For example, the Saffron finch is a bird with bright yellow and orange feathers. The Saffron shiner is a type of fish that has a reddish-orange color, especially during its breeding season.
• Fungi: There's a type of mushroom called the saffron milkcap. When you cut or bruise this mushroom, it releases a milky liquid that is orange, similar to the saffron color.

Saffron in Culture

Saffron is a very important color in many cultures and religions around the world.

• Hinduism: In Hinduism, saffron, often called "Bhagwa," is considered a very sacred color. It represents sacrifice, courage, and purity. You can see it on flags, like the Bhagwa Dhwaj, and worn by holy people called sadhus.
• Buddhism: For Theravada monks in Southeast Asia, saffron or a similar orange-yellow color is the traditional color of their robes. This color symbolizes simplicity and detachment from worldly things.

Related pages

• List of colors

Images for kids

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  Saffron threads from Iran, used as a spice and dye.

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  Stigmas (the tiny threads) from saffron crocus are carefully picked, piled, and dried to make the spice.

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  A male saffron finch (Sicalis flaveola), named for its bright yellow and orange feathers.

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  A male saffron shiner (Notropus rubricroceus), a fish with saffron-like colors.

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  A saffron milkcap (Lactarius deliciosus), a mushroom that releases an orange liquid.

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  Bhagwa colour flag, a saffron-colored flag used by Hindus.

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  A Theravada monk in Thailand wearing traditional saffron-colored robes.

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  A Hindu ascetic wearing saffron-colored clothes, symbolizing purity and sacrifice.