Pantone names 'Ultra Violet' the 2018 Color of the Year

Dec. 8 (UPI) -- The Pantone Color Institute has named purple shade "Ultra Violet" as the Color of the Year for 2018.

"Ultra Violet communicates originality, ingenuity, and visionary thinking that points us toward the future," Pantone said of choosing the color in a statement.

"Complex and contemplative, Ultra Violet suggests the mysteries of the cosmos, the intrigue of what lies ahead, and the discoveries beyond where we are now. The vast and limitless night sky is symbolic of what is possible and continues to inspire the desire to pursue a world beyond our own," the statement said.

Pantone also shared that purples have symbolized in the past counterculture and artistic brilliance as it was used by music icons such as Prince, David Bowie and Jimi Hendrix.

The company created in August a custom-made shade of purple named Love Symbol #2 to represent and honor Prince.

Pantone nominates a new color every year to give a "snapshot of what we see taking place in our global culture that serves as an expression of a mood and an attitude."

Spring shade "Greenery" was named the Color of the Year for 2017 as it evoked "the first days of spring when nature's green revive, restore and renew." The color was proceeded by the pastel "Rose Quartz" and "Serenity" in 2016 and deep red "Marsala" in 2015.