What does the colour green symbolise in religion and national identity?
Green carries several distinct, independently-documented associations depending on context: significance in Islamic tradition, a central role in Irish national identity, and — much more recently — its adoption as the international symbol of environmentalism.
Green holds particular significance in Islamic tradition, associated with paradise in the Quran, and appears prominently in the flags of many Muslim-majority countries.
Islamic
Green is closely tied to Irish national identity, historically associated with Irish nationalism and Catholic identity in contrast to orange, associated with Irish Protestant and unionist identity.
Irish · 18th century onward
Green became the internationally recognised colour of the environmental movement over the course of the 20th century, now used globally by environmental organisations regardless of local cultural tradition.
global · 20th century onward
Related colour profiles
Every claim above is scoped by the specific culture, region and/or period it applies to — none of these associations are presented as universal. See pigment and dye history for more.