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Ask any die-hard star wars fan what some of their favourite weapons are from the franchise, and they will for sure mention at least one type of lightsaber. This ultimate movie weapon is both fatal and aesthetically pleasing, which explains why every true fan wants to get their hands on one. However, in the star wars universe, the different lightsaber colours aren’t just for aesthetic purposes. Each lightsaber colour symbolises something different and understanding the meaning behind the colour that appeals to you the most is important. But before we get into the different lightsaber colours, let’s take a look at where lightsabers get their colours from.
How Lightsabers Get their Colours
Crafting a lightsaber is a right of passage for every young Jedi and that alone holds a lot of meaning. The Jedi or Sith first obtains a kyber crystal (from the planet Ilum), then proceeds to use the force to connect with the crystal and shape it into a proper lightsaber. The kyber crystal, which is placed in the lightsaber’s hilt, then serves as its power source and focus. This means that although there are other factors to consider (like the material of hilt and the individual wielding it), a lightsaber primarily gets its colour from the type of kyber crystal used. Some of the kyber crystals that have been discovered in the star wars universe include; the Adegan, Barab ingot, Mephite, Dantari, Ghostfire, Obsidian and Pontite crystals.
The meaning behind each lightsaber colour
Blue Lightsaber
The blue lightsaber has to be the most popular lightsaber colour. The colour symbolizes natural elements like the ocean or the sky. It represents calmness, loyalty and trust. Fan favourites like Obi-Wan Kenobi, Luke Skywalker and Anakin Skywalker use a blue lightsaber.
Green Lightsaber
The green lightsaber is also very popular in the star wars universe. Jedis like Luke Skywalker, Master Yoda and Qui-Gon Jinn use a green lightsaber. Its green colour represents nature, harmony, and growth.
Red Lightsaber
If you love Darth Vader, then you most likely love his red lightsaber even more. The red lightsaber is mostly associated with the Sith and it symbolises anger, power, passion, fire, love, rage and determination. Apart from the Sith lords, there are a few Jedi council members that have been known to use the red lightsaber, like Darth Maul, Darth Vader, Darth Sidious and Kylo Ren.
Orange Lightsaber
Although mostly known for being used by Cal in video games, the orange lightsaber does appear in Star Wars Legend (Star Wars Expanded Universe), where Master Yaddle, Sith Lord Tulak Hord, and members of the Mandalorian Knights were all use orange lightsabers. The orange colour represents creativity, warmth, resourcefulness, ambition and energy.
Silver/White Lightsaber
Because this lightsaber is achromatic (doesn’t actually have a colour), it is a symbol for those who have chosen a more neutral path of purity, positivity and new beginnings. This lightsaber colour is actually quite rare, with Orla Jareni and Ahsoka Tano being the only two well-known wielders. The colour represents peace, serenity and purity.
Purple Lightsaber
Purple isn’t a very common colour with lightsabers, so fans were pleasantly surprised to see Master Mace Windu whip out a purple lightsaber in Episode II. The purple colour symbolises wisdom and nobility, so it comes as no surprise that Master Windu is the only Jedi to ever wield it (he is after all considered the wisest member of the order).
Yellow Lightsaber
This lightsaber colour is also quite rare and they connote the power of the sun. It could also mean hope for the future. Ahsoka Tano can be seen wielding a yellow lightsaber in “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”.
Black/Dark Lightsaber
The dark lightsaber is very rare and was only recently seen in the Mandalorian series (the other one or two only exist in the video games and books). This lightsaber represents the darkness and mysterious power that is extremely rare in Star Wars.
Conclusion:
As an iconic symbol of Star Wars, it is important that all true fans of the franchise understand the meaning behind each lightsaber colour. Apart from helping you connect better with the characters that wield them, knowing what each colour symbolises can also help you decide which lightsaber replica is best for your star wars collection. Many lightsabers come with different soundboards and effects like the popular neopixel lightsaber supplied by Padawan Outpost.
