What Do Green Eyes Symbolize?

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Green eyes sure are mesmerizing—aren’t they? The bright, emerald color is a sight to behold; it’s no wonder the eye color has captivated writers and artists for centuries. Green eyes have become a familiar motif across literature and art since the beginning of time, but why? In this article, we’ll explore all the meanings of green eyes and interesting facts as to why they’re so alluring. So, whether you have green eyes or not, keep reading—we’re sure you’ll learn something new.

Things You Should Know

When someone is “green-eyed,” they’re likely jealous or full of envy.
Green eyes are often features of mysterious, envious, and wicked characters.
In folklore, green eyes represent beauty, mystery, and wisdom.

What does it mean to be “green-eyed”?

If someone’s “green-eyed,” they’re full of envy. Have you ever heard of the green-eyed monster? Well, this monster is an allegory for jealousy and is often used to warn children about the dangers of acting on jealous feelings. The term “green-eyed” embodies this notion, meaning to act jealous, envious, or distrustful. So, if a friend says they’re “green-eyed,” they’re jealous. For example, you may hear someone say, “He’s becoming a green-eyed monster” when referring to someone acting on jealousy. William Shakespeare became the first to associate green eyes with jealousy in The Merchant of Venice: “And shuddering fear, and green-eyed jealousy!” However, the phrase was first coined later in Othello: “O beware, my lord, of jealousy; It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on.”

What do green eyes symbolize?

Green eyes symbolize jealousy. After Shakespeare compared jealous feelings with a “green-eyed monster,” the color green has been associated with envy. Green eyes are often used in literature to represent or foreshadow jealousy within a character. This symbol likely originated from the Greek myth of Cupid and Psyche. In the tale, Cupid is overcome with jealousy and turns into a monster with green eyes. In modern pop culture, Disney’s Rapunzel and J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter both have green eyes. These characters may not outwardly present envious feelings, but they long for something outside their tower and cupboard under the stairs. Subconsciously, they’re envious of a life they don’t have.

Green eyes are a symbol of beauty. Because of their rarity, green eyes are often a mark of rare beauty. Green eyes are considered delicate and alluring because they’re uncommon. In other words, they’re a divine gift. For example, Dante writes of a girl named Beatrice in Convivio and The Divine Comedy. Beatrice is described as having green eyes that reflect the hope and beauty of the heavens. In Greek mythology, Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, is believed to have green eyes.

Green eyes may be considered evil. The color green is often associated with monsters, witches, curses, and spells. Green eyes, therefore, are often symbols of deception, lies, and wickedness. For instance, Marvel’s Loki, the God of Mischief, and Disney’s villain Scar have green eyes. The Wizard of Oz’s Wicked Witch of the West has green skin. During the Salem witch trials in 1692, people believed that green eyes were the mark of a witch.

Green eyes are indicative of mystical intelligence or psychic powers. In many tales, green eyes are considered a sign of wisdom and knowledge. Wizards, nymphs, and spirits are given green eyes to appear trustworthy and intelligent, symbolizing that they are wiser than they appear and may be able to predict the future. In Ancient Greece, many believed those born with green eyes were destined to be inventors and could see past lies.

What do green eyes say about your personality?

If you have green eyes, you’re likely creative and passionate. While there isn’t scientific data to support this claim, many believe those with green eyes are more imaginative and emotional than those with brown or blue eyes. Thanks to their rarity, green eyes can also be linked to mystery and allure. So, if you’re blessed with green eyes, you’re likely passionate with your partner and have a creative outlook on life.

Fun Facts About Green Eyes

Green eyes are the rarest eye color. Believe it or not, only about 2% of people have green eyes, making this the rarest eye color in the world. Ireland and Scotland have the largest population of green eyes.

Green eyes don’t have any color. You read that right! Green eyes aren’t actually green—they have no color at all. The irises have no pigment but reflect light, making them green. This is why some people’s eyes will appear brighter or duller in color under certain lights.

Green eyes are more sensitive to light. The lighter colored your eyes are, the less melanin they have; the less melanin your eyes have, the more sensitive they are to light. After blue eyes, green eyes have the least amount of melanin in them. This means that if you have green eyes, you most likely have to squint or wear sunglasses when you’re outside. Melanin is a complex polymer that gives skin, eyes, and hair pigment. The substance absorbs UV rays to protect your cells from sun damage.

Green eyes can develop after birth. Some people with naturally green eyes weren’t born with them. The vibrant, rare color can appear up to a year after a baby is born. This is because a baby’s eye pigment develops over the first few months of life. For instance, babies born with blue eyes may grow up to have green eyes, depending on the amount of melanin in them.

Green eyes are more susceptible to eye cancers. People with lighter-colored eyes have a greater chance of getting an eye cancer called uveal melanoma. This cancer develops in the eye's middle layer and affects 6 in every million people.