Oranje

Oranje is the Dutch word for the color orange and, beyond its color meaning, a national symbol in the Netherlands. The term is used to describe things connected with the Dutch royal family and with Dutch national identity, especially in sports and public celebrations.

The association with the color originates from the House of Orange-Nassau, a ruling dynasty that traced its name to the Principality of Orange in what is now southern France. During the Dutch Revolt and the founding of the Dutch Republic in the 16th and 17th centuries, the house became closely linked to Dutch governance and independence, and orange began to be used as a heraldic and ceremonial color.

In modern times, oranje is widely employed in Dutch public life. It is worn by supporters at international sports events, used in national banners and decorations, and appears prominently on King’s Day celebrations and other patriotic occasions. The Dutch national football team is nicknamed "Oranje," and its players are often identified by orange kits and accessories.

In color theory, orange is a secondary color created by mixing red and yellow. In everyday usage, the exact shade labeled as oranje can range from bright, vivid tones to deeper, more muted hues, depending on context.