In a world full of thousands of distinct tones and hues, burgundy and maroon stand apart as the two best colors. While often mistaken for each other, these shades are anything but identical. With distinct histories and hex codes, these two hues bring their own personality and style to the table.
These two shades have unique and fascinating histories that stretch back centuries. The color burgundy originated in the medieval Kingdom of Burgundy, a region in present-day eastern France. Celebrated for its winemaking tradition, the deep, dark red color of their red wines became associated with the region itself. The term “burgundy” was named after its homeland and eventually the color burgundy came to represent the deep red shade of wine produced there.
The name “maroon” is derived from the french word marron, meaning “chestnut,” due to the deep reddish brown color of the chestnut’s outer shell. Over time, the color associated with the term evolved to describe a darker, richer shade, similar to that of a ripe chestnut or red clay soil. The muted color maroon is associated with multiple different religious groups, specifically robes worn by Vajrayana Buddhist monks and Roman Catholic cardinals.
After years of building my identity around my favorite shade, burgundy, I recently discovered that I had been mistaken. Focusing on their specific tinges, burgundy is a mix of red and purple, while maroon is a mix of red and brown. This realization gave me a deeper appreciation for the two color’s individual qualities. Burgundy, with a vibrant hint of purple, feels more bold and sophisticated while maroon, with earthy brown undertones, radiates warmth and comfort.
Recognizing their unique beauties, I now approach the color palette of red with a deeper passion and a better understanding.