kids encyclopedia robot

Violet (color) facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
This box shows the color violet.
 
Purpleflower Violet
The Violet flower

Violet is a beautiful color often seen in nature. It's the sixth color you see in a rainbow, right on the inside edge. Violet is found between blue and purple on the color spectrum. The name "violet" comes from the small, pretty violet flower, which grows in many parts of the world.

People started using "violet" as a color name in the English language way back in 1370.

What's the Difference Between Violet and Purple?

Violet and purple are often confused, but they are actually different!

  • Violet is a real color of light, just like blue or red. It has its own place in the electromagnetic spectrum, which is the range of all types of light.
  • Purple is a mix of red and blue light. It's not a single color on the spectrum.
  • Think of it this way: you can see violet light in a rainbow. You won't see pure purple light in a rainbow because it's a mixed color.

Violet in Nature

Violet is a common color in the natural world, especially in plants and animals.

Violet in Art and History

Violet has been used in art and clothing for a very long time.

  • In the past, making violet dyes was difficult and expensive. This meant that violet clothing was often worn by royalty or very important people.
  • Artists have used violet to create different moods in their paintings. For example, James McNeil Whistler used violet to show a winter scene.
  • The Wilton Diptych, a famous painting from 1395, shows King Richard II with violet colors.
  • In the 1800s, new ways to make dyes made violet more common. This made it a popular color for fashion.

Images for kids

See also

kids search engine
Violet (color) Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.