Symbolism of White Color in European Culture and Its Use in Costumes of Different Epochs

The article examines the phenomenon of white color in human culture. The emphasis is placed on the culture of Modern and Contemporary Europe. The aim of this work is to consider the evolution of the perception of white color in different epochs and its use in costume. The study presents an evolutionary overview of white’s cultural perception through the works of philosophers, scientists, and artists. Additionally, it considers the perception of white color from the point of view of modern psychophysiology. The evolution of the perception of white color is considered using the example of European costumes. The result of this work was the construction of a diagram of the evolutionary process of changing the perception of white color in world culture, as well as a diagram of the use of a white suit by areas of activity. Conclusions are made that color is a powerful factor affecting human psyche and physiology. Its influence is due to the complex interaction of biological reactions, aesthetic norms and social contexts. Once serving primarily as an instrument of social identification, the white color in costume has evolved into a medium of communication between individuals and societal structures. These transformations substantiate the notion that color perception is not solely rooted in physiological mechanisms but is also significantly shaped by cultural codes and contextual frameworks across different epochs and cultural milieus.