Orange (color)

Orange is a color name used for the hue between red and yellow. In Somali it is also called liini or oranji, names derived from the orange fruit, whose color represents the same hue. The word 'cillaan' itself relates to henna (Lawsonia inermis), a plant from which a red-yellow dye is made for coloring hands and hair.

In terms of light, orange has a wavelength of approximately 585 to 620 nanometers. It therefore forms part of the spectrum of sunlight when separated through a prism, positioned between red and yellow.

How it is produced

In the printing and pigment systems (subtractive color mixing), orange is obtained by combining red and yellow. In the RGB light system used on screens, it is made from full red light and medium green light, with blue removed. Adjusting the proportions yields variations such as bright orange, dark orange, and russet.

Natural sources

In nature, this color is produced by compounds called carotenoids. Beta-carotene is abundant in carrots, leafy greens, and squash, which owe their color to the same pigments. In tree leaves during autumn, as green chlorophyll declines, the carotenoid colors that were always present become visible. Henna also produces a reddish-orange color used in traditional practice.

Use in signals

Because it is easily perceived by the eye, orange is used in safety signals: the clothing of road workers, maritime rescue equipment, and road cones. Traffic lights use amber, a similar hue, to signal caution. Sports teams and political parties have also adopted it as a symbol.