Color/Legends

"The use of Imperial Scarlet predominated, with gold, silver, blue and green accenting various features. Just when the clash of color would become too much, we'd walk past an alcove or a wall panel that housed artwork from one of the myriad planets in the galaxy"

- Corran Horn

Colors were visual properties that derived from the light spectrum. Colors were often culturally significant in the galaxy.

Colour symbolism in the Republic and Imperial societies
In the time of the Galactic Republic, red was prominently displayed as a symbol of diplomatic affiliation, and so many ambassadorial capital ships were painted red. Any consular ship hailing directly from Galactic City was coloured red all over its hull, while others would only bear stripes in that hue. Under the Galactic Empire, some of those habits were seemingly kept in use, for what was called "Republic red" followed the teaching of seemingly co-opting the republican traditions. Emperor Palpatine personally favored the colour scarlet as it featured prominently on the family crest of House Palpatine. His preference for several variations of the colour red, including crimson and burgundy, were reflected through the interior design of his private apartments, as well as the uniforms of the Red Guard and their Imperial successors. Because it was the colour of Human blood, red was also associated with murder. Crimson, a shade of red, was a traditional signifier of royal authority. During the Clone Wars, like most other colors, red was also used as an indicator of rank among Clone forces within the Grand Army of the Republic: In particular, Red was used to indicate those holding the rank of either Major or Captain.
 * Red

On Naboo, orange and red vestements symbolized rebirth and renewal.
 * Orange

Blue was associated with chancellorship in the waning days of the Republic, and lavender drapes were known to have hung in the Grand Convocation Chamber. Indeed, lavender blue was the only shade that had never been historically associated with war, anger or mourning in any civilization within the Republic. Chancellor Finis Valorum and Senator Palpatine would often don blue coats or robes to express their interest in leading the Republic. In the old Jedi Order, a blue bladed lightsaber was traditionally associated with the Jedi Guardians, whose talents lay in martial skills. Despite its previous positive associations, blue was the colour of shame and disgrace in the late Imperial culture. During the Clone Wars, like most other colors, blue was also used as an indicator of rank among Clone forces within the Grand Army of the Republic: In particular, Blue was used to indicate those holding the rank of either Lieutenant or Second Lieutenant.
 * Blue

As green was the colour of most plant life, it was generally perceived in a positive light, and was a symbol of life and youth. Lush planets were commonly described as "green" (such as Kashyyyk, Onderon, Naboo, Yavin 4 or the Green Coruscant). At the time of the Cold War, green was adopted by the Corellian Jedi to show their devotion to the ancient flag of Corellia. They began to wear emerald robes, and this tradition lasted until the time of Corran Horn. Additionally, Jedi Consulars often used green bladed lightsabers to symbolize their commitment to peace. During the Clone Wars, like most other colors, various shades of green was also used as an indicator of rank among Clone forces within the Grand Army of the Republic: In particular, the standard shade was used to represent Sergeant-Major, while olive green was used to represent Sergeant.
 * Green

Black was generally associated with night and evil, especially the Sith. The colour "Sith black" was considered a symbol of their ancient dread. In the culture of the Galactic Empire, black was also considered a symbol of victory.
 * Black

A light medium gray was the traditional hue the Empire chose for its ships and stations. The aim was to make the Imperial presence recognizable at glance, and to instill fear by insisting on the weapons' power and not on their appearance. Though some distinctive unit markings did exist, they still were marginal.
 * Gray

While the colour white was associated with the Force by some (such as the the White Current of the Fallanassi), it was also chosen by the Empire for its elite force of stormtroopers. Their full anonymous armor was chosen by designers who knew that what people couldn't see was more terrifying than what the Empire could do. For the full paint job of large spaceship, "Star Destroyer White" was the only industrial shade of paint that was available at reasonable prices. Sheets of paper were usually white, and so was the fur of creatures such as the Hoojibs of Arbra and the Wampas of Hoth.
 * White

The colour yellow was associated with lies in the Imperial culture. When the mutant warlord Trioculus met the fake Supreme Prophet of the Dark Side, the pseudo-Kadann, he told him he was the son of the late Palpatine. The fake Kadann then crushed a yellow chalk ball in his hand, meaning he did not believe Trioculus' claim. Back in the days of the Old Republic, Jedi Sentinels often owned yellow-bladed sabers. During the Clone Wars, like most other colors, yellow was also used as an indicator of rank among Clone forces within the Grand Army of the Republic: In particular, yellow was used to indicate those holding various ranks of Commander, in particular battalion commander, regimental commander, senior commander, and marshal commander.
 * Yellow

Ultraviolet colours
Some species (like the Hutts or the Kaminoans) could view more colours than others, notably those who could view light in the ultraviolet. Such extra colours included berl, crynor, nusp, and onsible. They are the only known ultraviolet colours.

Colours as a language
The reptilian Tarasin from Cularin used to express their ideas or emotions through a complex system of skin colour changes. For example, their light green skin changing to purple indicated amusement. Though much of their Tarasin Skintone Language actually couldn't express complex series of thoughts, the changing colours of the skin could be used to give basic directions without speech while the Tarasin were hunting or attempting to evade the massive kilassin that roam the jungles of their homeworld.

Similarly, the skull feathers of the avian Fosh would shift colour depending on their mood. Green indicated inquisitiveness, thoughtfulness or amusement; orange was a sign of happiness; and gray reflected anger, disgust, irritation or seriousness.

In the Gree language, colours were used in conjunction with geometric shapes to make expression patterns. It seems that colour-related terms mostly filled function.

Appearances

 * Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
 * Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords
 * Star Wars: The Old Republic
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